Not to be mistaken with Jim McGrath, the Australian-born commentator who was also a valuable part of UK horse racing history.
I always remember Jim McGrath partnered with John Francome on Channel 4 Racing from 1984 to 2016. What I liked about McGrath was that he wasn’t a yes-man—he had an opinion and wasn’t afraid to voice it on air. At times, I thought he was too opinionated, but with age, I can see that was passion for the sport he loved, which is to be admired.
To be fair, in a world where many come from very privileged backgrounds, McGrath literally worked his way from the bottom of the ladder to some of the loftiest positions within horse racing. When so many within racing come from Oxbridge backgrounds, it is refreshing to see he came from a secondary school.
Born on 22nd May 1955, ‘The Sage of Halifax’ started from humble beginnings—far from the silver spoon.
For all of his success, he failed at his first ambition: to become a jockey. As a teenager, he spent his summers at Bill Marshall’s stables in Whitsbury. However, he was advised he wouldn’t make the grade.
His passion for horse racing led him to become one of the most respected voices in the sport. It all started with Timeform in 1974, where he said he was “putting glue on cards for five years” until being promoted to a racecourse reporter. Who would have guessed that by 2008, he would be Chairman?
His first taste of TV broadcasting came in 1981 with ITV.
In 1984, with the revamping of Channel 4 Racing, he got his big break as a racing pundit, alongside ex-jockey John Francome, with colleagues including John McCririck, Brough Scott, Derek Thompson, and Graham Goode. This was a golden age of Saturday afternoon racing. He would continue in this role until 2016.
McGrath always had the edge of someone who had made their way through life. He had wit, wisdom, and at times a sly, knowing smile. He knew his subject matter and would fight his corner to get his message across.
McGrath’s respected opinion and candid approach saw him hold a number of high-profile positions within racing, including:
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1974–2008 – Timeform (Junior to Chairman)
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1981 – ITV Racing (Pundit)
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1984–2016 – Channel 4 Racing (Pundit)
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1993–2004 – Racing Advisory Panel for the British Horseracing Board
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2004 – Stepped down from the Horserace Writers & Photographers’ Association Committee
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2005 – Independent Director of the British Horseracing Board (continued into BHA from 2007)
Other interests include supporting York’s Macmillan Annual Charity Day (formerly Timeform Charity Day until 2008).
He is also a racehorse owner and breeder, with horses in training with Sylvester Kirk, Jamie Osborne, and Jonjo O’Neill.
Jim McGrath’s legacy details a man of not only analysis but genuine investment in the sport he loves. From the initial disappointment of not becoming a jockey to achieving greatness from humble beginnings, he has proven that hard work pays off. These days, ‘The Sage of Halifax’ can be found on X (formerly Twitter).
He holds an important place in horse racing history.