Legendary BBC racing commentator John Hanmer – who called home Frankie Dettori’s Magnificent Seven – dies aged 82

RIP John “Melling Road” Hanmer. A gentleman in every sense of the word.

— Brendan Powell (@bpowell13) November 27, 2022

A mainstay on BBC’s Grandstand Grand National coverage, Hanmer worked as Peter O’Sullevan’s commentary assistant from 1971 to 1997.

During these years he would take over as the runners bounded across the Melling Road during the Aintree showpiece run every April.

Current racing commentator Ian Bartlett worked with Hanmer – who passed away on Sunday – for a decade at the Beeb.

He said the racing and cricket fanatic would always make people laugh and was the ultimate professional.

Barty told the Racing Post: “He was a tremendously polite man with a fantastic sense of humour.

“I had lunch with him two weeks ago and his memory for things going back to the Fifties was fantastic and he was still razor sharp.”

Racing TV presenter Lydia Hislop was among those who paid tribute.

She wrote on Twitter: “What a loss. He’ll be much missed.”

Another friend wrote: “Old-school charmer. Always enjoyed being in his company.”

Angus Loughran, who was part of the BBC racing team, said: “He was a tremendous man.”

While Brendan Powell, who won the National in 1998 on Rhyme ‘N’ Reason, wrote on Twitter: “RIP John ‘Melling Road’ Hanmer. A gentleman in every sense of the word.”

Racing commentator Darren Owen previously said: “This man is a legend of British racing.

While one racing fan commented: “This is very sad. Part of my racing childhood growing up.”

Hanmer also worked as a jockey’s agent for the top riders Steve Cauthen and Mick Kinane.