Many a race fan will remember the dulcet tones of Graham Goode, fondly known by his initials GG.
His career within British horse racing spanned over 40 years. In fact, his first race commentary came at Worcester in 1968. Looking at a few horse racing forums, it’s suggested his first commentaries were in 1967, the same year Foinvon won the Aintree Grand National at odds of 100/1. However, he certainly didn’t commentate on that years Grand National.
After years of racecourse commentary, he got his chance to be on camera when part of Channel 4 Racing in 1984. He worked alongside, John Francome, Jim McGrath, John McCririck, Derek Thompson and Brough Scott. However, he was predominantly the racecourse commentator for the show and called some historic races including Dancing Brave’s Derby win in 1986.
One race fan said: ‘His legendary call that Dancing Brave had ‘oh so much to do’ in the 1986 Derby still sends shivers down my spine.’
‘It’s a reminder of how his commentary wasn’t just informative—it was emotionally resonant, etched into the collective memory of racing enthusiasts.’
The softly spoken Goode, was a familiar voice which was described as warm, and deeply evocative. A baritone with a clipped English tones. He was at his best in the 70s and 80s.
On the 31st December 2010, he called his final race at Uttoxeter: The Graham Goode’s Commentating Swansong Maiden Open NH Flat Race. For those who grew up with GG it was the end of an era.
Goode seemed to received mixed viewed from horse racing fans who bumped into his at racecourse. Some noted his kindness and willingness to chat at racing fixtures while others on forums (which admittedly can be quite critical) detailed him as particularly arrogant.
I remember listening to GG race calls and for the most part he was very good although I do remember one race with two horses with very similar colours where he called the wrong horse home. A race commentators nightmare and a costly mistake for those laying bets on the exchanges.
Though some noted that age may have softened his sharpness in later years, there was unanimous respect for his legacy. His commentary style might differ from today’s more clinical, observation-focused callers, but his charisma and unmistakable voice left an indelible mark. As broadcasting evolved, voices like Goode’s became rarer—less about data, more about drama. In that sense, he belonged to the same tradition as other greats like Sir Peter O’Sullevan, commentators who could elevate the sport with their delivery.
Graham Goode’s farewell wasn’t just the end of a job—it was the close of a chapter in racing history. His retirement may have taken him away from the microphone, but his voice remains etched in the memories of a generation of racing fans. As one tribute so perfectly put it: “The race, the horse, the caller meld into one – as time goes by.”
Very few commentators last the course in this horse racing industry but Graham Goode spanned over 42 years which says a lot for his talents and endurance.
I remember his calling home plenty of winners for me.