Jim McGrath

Who is Jim McGrath?

Jim McGrath is an English-based horse racing pundit and broadcaster. He was associated with Timeform from 1974 until 2009. His nickname is "The Sage of Halifax". He is well known for his onscreen relationship with legend John Francome on Channel 4 Racing.

McGrath had an ambition to become a jockey, but after a summer at trainer Bill Marshall's yard at Whitsbury, he was advised that he wouldn't make the grade. On leaving Brunts School in Mansfield, McGrath joined publisher Timeform in 1974 "putting the glue on cards." After five years, he became a racecourse reporter, in 2000 Managing Director and in August 2008 Chairman.

McGrath joined Channel 4 Racing at launch in 1984 as a pundit. He was a member of the British Horseracing Board’s Jump Racing Advisory Panel from 1993 until mid-2004. In 2004 he stepped down as a member of the Horserace Writers and Photographers’ Association Committee. In 2005 he became an independent director of the British Horseracing Board, a nominee of the Jockey Club. and retained this position when the BHB became the British Horseracing Authority in July 2007.