The Australian horse racing industry is mourning the death of racing television pioneer Graham McNeice who has died at 76 years of age in Sydney.
Queensland-born, McNeice achieved his success in radio and television predominantly in New South Wales initially as an understudy racecaller and as a producer and presenter at Channel 10.
Though it was as a station manager and executive where he stamped his most significant legacy as the coverage of racing across all three codes took on the then new world of satellite television when Club Superstation, which then became Sky Channel and now Sky Racing, was introduced into pubs and clubs in 1986 before being available in homes 12 years later.
‘Shadow’, as he was widely known, McNeice steered the careers of racing presenters and heavily influenced those among them that stretched further into mainstream commercial television news and sports.
Through his Channel 10 days, a broader sports involvement included rugby league and to events including hosting the telecast of the 1994 Commonwealth Games for Ten from Canada.
Racing, though, is where his mark is indelible and reflected in the tributes that have followed.
“A profound loss for many in our industry today, with the passing of Graham “Shadow” McNeice,” Sky Racing’s Sydney racecaller Darren Flindell said via X.
“Shads was the most selfless, caring man I have had the honour to call a close friend. Dealing with numerous health issues this year, Graham passed peacefully.”
“Vale Graham McNeice,” former Melbourne racecaller Bryan Martin also said via X.
“He leaves a giant footprint in racing television especially through the introduction of Sky Racing. A pioneer with class and style and the man who gave us brilliant productions of the sport.”Through his own production company – Shadow Productions – McNeice was the brains behind many popular programs including Crime Investigation Australia and The Rise & Fall of Kings Cross.