Former Journalist Howard Wright Dies At 79

[Wandering Eyes]

Respected racing journalist Howard Wright, one of the founding members of the Racing Post, died on Friday, that publication reported. He was 79, and was writing up until a few months ago.

The Doncaster native joined Timeform as a clerk in 1964, before moving to the Sheffield Morning Telegraph as racing editor for 11 years, eventually becoming the deputy sports editor. After a time as deputy racing editor of the Daily Telegraph, he switched to the Racing Post when it began in 1986, alongside the publication's founding editor Graham Rock. Also in 1986, he began serving as a member of the British Flat Pattern Committee, a role which lasted until 2009. Later appointed industry editor at Racing Post, he continued with the paper in that role until he retired in 2012. Wright continued to contribute to various industry publications in a part-time capacity in retirement.

“Howard Wright was a legend of the Racing Post and a true journalist's journalist,” RP editor Tom Kerr told the Racing Post. “He was one of the paper's founding staff, possessor of the finest contacts book in the sport and could invariably be spied at racing events around the globe, no doubt having just secured his next scoop. Although he 'retired' in 2012, he was still providing Post readers with the benefits of his immense experience and knowledge as recently as April.

“Howard enjoyed the widespread respect and fondness of both his press colleagues and those he reported upon. That was born of his impeccably informed work, his deep integrity and his laconic charm.

“On behalf of all at the Racing Post past and present, I extend our condolences and sympathy to Anne, his wife, and Andrea and Karen, his daughters.”

A trustee of the National Horseracing College since 1990, he was vice-chairman of that organisation since 2004.

“The thoughts of everyone at Doncaster Racecourse are with the family, friends and colleagues of Howard Wright,” the racecourse posted on X on Friday. “Howard was a great friend to racing and Doncaster Racecourse in particular. He will be sorely missed on St Leger Day this year, a day he had not missed since 1948.”

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