Vale Warren Huntly

It is with great sadness that Racing Victoria (RV) and the Victorian Racing Media Association (VRMA) acknowledge the passing of respected form analyst and presenter, Warren Huntly, following a battle with illness.

Huntly’s contribution to the Victorian racing industry spanned more than 25 years having developed a passion for racing in the mid-1990’s after purchasing a share in a horse named Splinter with syndicator Harry Lawton.

That venture led Huntly to Flemington where he eventually began clocking trackwork under the tutelage of Des Spain for the likes of legendary horsemen Leon Corstens, John Sadler and Lee Freedman.

So immersed was Huntly that he resigned from his corporate role with Cadbury Schweppes to pursue a role in the industry, initially as the jockey manager for Group 1 winning hoop Steven Arnold.

Huntly credited his great friend, the late Deane Lester, for providing him his start in the media where he was initially a producer, then form commentator, for radio station RSN where his career spanned the best part of 20 years.

In a piece of symmetry, Huntly’s first day providing mounting yard commentary for Racenet was at Moonee Valley in 2010 when Steven Arnold won the Cox Plate with So You Think.

Huntly was one of the inaugural form analysts on Racing.com when it launched on television as free-to-air Channel 78 in 2015 and he remained on air until his illness took hold. He was respected by viewers and participants alike and won acclaim for tipping all eight winners at Kilmore on 9 March 2022 when hosting for Racing.com. 

Huntly also held the role of VRMA president from 2019-2022 during the Covid-19 pandemic and claimed the prestigious Bert Wolfe Media Award in 2022.

He was an incisive interviewer on RSN’s Saturday morning ‘First Word’ program and on Sunday morning review show ‘Correct Weight’. He was also a popular member of RSN’s iconic ‘Melbourne Form Panel’ on Saturday mornings.

Huntly also enjoyed Group 1 success as an owner of Pernod who won the 2002 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (then Dubai Racing Club Cup) at Caulfield for Mike Moroney.

“Our sincere condolences go out to Warren’s family, friends and colleagues on behalf of everyone at Racing Victoria and the wider Victorian racing industry,” said Aaron Morrison, RV’s Chief Executive Officer.

“Warren was highly respected for his contribution to our industry across numerous roles including as a trackwork clocker, jockey manager, form analyst and presenter. Above all else he was an absolute gentleman. 

“He was a popular member of the RSN team and was instrumental to the success of Racing.com while building his reputation as one of the industry’s most trusted form analysts.

“Warren’s passing will be felt by many, from the participants who worked alongside him to his colleagues in the media and those who regularly tuned in to listen to his work. Our thoughts are with them all at this sad time.”

“Every member of the VRMA is deeply saddened by the news of Warren Huntly’s passing,” said Matt Hill, VRMA President.

“He was a passionate, professional and loving man with a deep knowledge and experience in horse racing.

“Above all he showed equal respect to everybody he came across. We have lost a true gentleman of the press room today.”