
Julian Wilson: Died, aged 73
Julian Wilson, BBC Television’s Racing correspondent for more than 30 years, has died at the age of 73.
Wilson was correspondent for the channel from 1966 until his retirement in 1997, during which time the corporation held the rights to many of the major Festivals which meant he was a well-recognised figure on television screens.
He also owned several horses with a degree of success and was racing manager for the late Sir Clement Freud.
Former Classic-winning jockey Jimmy Lindley, who worked with Wilson for many years at the BBC, remembers him as the ultimate professional.
“All I can say is that he was the most thorough professional I’ve ever come across,” said Lindley.
“He was probably the most astute person that’s ever been involved in racing.
“We were great friends. When I packed up riding he was a great help to me as I was a bit lost to be honest.
“He was a true professional – he gave me some proper tellings off, I can tell you!
“He was a wonderful man, though, and a credit to his profession and the biggest compliment I can pay him is that along with Sir Peter O’Sullevan, they put it all together. Racing was very professionally run in those days on TV, as it is now, those two set the standard.
“He loved life, he loved wine and he loved people and was a great man. I’m so sorry he’s no longer with us.”
Born Julian David Bonhôte Wilson on June 21 1940, he leaves behind his second wife, Alison, and a son from his first marriage to Carolyn Anne Michael.