Jim McGrath (Australian commentator)
Jim Aloysius McGrath (born 13 June 1952
He was previously deputy race commentator, and sometimes a paddock commentator from 1993 to 1997, when Peter O'Sullevan was the lead commentator.
Career
McGrath initially commentated in his native Australia but found few opportunities so he moved to Hong Kong in 1973.
In 1984 he moved to Europe, initially commentating at Phoenix Park in Dublin. In the same year he covered the Ebor meeting at York, receiving positive reviews from national news sources.[3]
McGrath joined the BBC in time for the 1993 racing season.
McGrath has also commentated on the Melbourne Cup in Australia.[3]
In 2004 he became a presenter on
In 2013 the rights to televise British horse racing went exclusively to Channel 4 and McGrath decided not to make the move. He was publicly critical of the BBC for losing the National and other key meetings.
Awards
McGrath won the Royal Television Society's Commentator of the Year award in 2001.[6]
References
- ^ The Directory of the Turf, 2011, Hungerford, Tomorrow's Guides, 2011, p.304
- ^ a b c Nobody calls them home like McGrath - Telegraph
- ^ a b BBC Sport | Grand National 2002 | One man and his microphone
- ^ Jim McGrath joins At The Races - irishracing.com
- ^ Sports Journalists' Association website, 30 June 2014.
- ^ BBC Press Office - Biographies: Jim McGrath