Respected and much-loved racing identity Warren Huntly has passed away.
The Victorian racing community is mourning the loss of Huntly, a beloved broadcaster, family man, form analyst, and gentleman of the turf, whose contribution to the sport spanned more than 25 years.
Huntly, whose respected career saw him appear across a variety of racing channels, including racing.com and radio networks across Australia, had been battling cancer. He was 63.
Huntly’s journey in racing began in the mid-1990s when he bought a share in a horse named Splinter, and he fell in love with racing.
He soon found himself at Flemington, clocking trackwork for trainers like Leon Corstens, John Sadler, and Lee Freedman, under the watchful eye of mentor Des Spain. Huntly left his corporate career at Cadbury Schweppes to work in the sport full-time, beginning as jockey manager to Group 1-winning rider Steven Arnold.
Encouraged by his great friend, the late Deane Lester, Huntly transitioned into media, beginning as a producer before becoming one of RSN’s most respected voices.
He was founding member of Racing.com’s on-air team when it launched in 2015, and remained a much-loved figure by viewers and colleagues. Perhaps his most extraordinary tipping feat was picking all eight winners at Kilmore in March 2022.
Huntly also served as VRMA President (2019–2022) through the challenges of the pandemic and received the Bert Wolfe Media Award in 2022 for his outstanding contribution to racing journalism.
”Every member of the VRMA is deeply saddened by the news of Warren Huntly’s passing,” Matt Hill, VRMA President, said.
”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.”
RV CEO Aaron Morrison said Huntly ”was instrumental to the success of Racing.com”.
“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.”
“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.”
Tributes flowed for Huntly on Sunday morning.
”Extremely sad news this morning that longtime Victorian form analyst, Warren Huntly has passed away,” close friend and former colleague of Huntly, Andrew Bensley, said on X.
”Over the past two years, Warren fought a strong battle against cancer. Only 8 days ago he was on Sky Sports Radio doing what he loved. Thoughts are with Leeanne and family.”
Jockey Daniel Moor said Huntly was a gem.
”Very sad to hear the passing of Warren Huntly. An absolute gentleman and family man. A rare racing media gem, that had a way of painting a picture without any ego. Respected by all in the industry. Quietly fought his battle with strength and humility. Deepest condolences to Leeanne & Nicole. Rest easy Warren.”
Sky Sports radio host Dave Stanley said: ”Very sad news – Warren Huntly has passed away after a battle with illness. A valued contributor of @SkyRacingAU & Racing HQ – always respectful, up for a laugh & never short of a tip. Thoughts from everyone at the station are with his family & friends.”
Racing.com’s Ben Asgari said on X ”Warren Huntly had a wealth of racing knowledge like few others. A gun tipster, as good a yard judge as there was but more importantly a kind and humble family man. Always generous with his time you’ll be deeply missed by all who knew you, Waz. Say g’day to Deano for us mate.”
Channel 7’s Jason Richardson said Huntly was ”a superb human that loved his family, racing & footy”.
AFL identity and RSN contributor Mick McGuane said: ”Devastated with the very sad news of Warren Huntly’s passing. My sincere thoughts of with his family and friends. Such a humble person, was always a pleasure to work with @RSN927 who loved his racing and footy.”
SEN’s Gareth Hall highlighted Huntly’s transition into a trusted racing source.
”Warren Huntly gave up his office job to follow his love for racing. From track work reporter, jockey manager to brilliant form analyst & broadcaster. Wonderful human. Great racing person. Great racing story. Sending to his family & friends. Say g’day to Deano. RIP Waz.”
Huntly’s former colleague Brad Bishop said on X: ”A good man lost. Thankful for his support during our stint together on Correct Weight and a great colleague at RDC. Gone far too soon. Thoughts with Leeanne and family.”
Racing journalist Danny Power summed it up perfectly in his tribute.
”RIP Warren Huntly. Another good racing man gone. F—k cancer.”
