Mike Tucker, voice of equestrian, dies aged 73
Thursday 29 March 2018 17:36, UK
Mike Tucker, the voice of equestrian sport, has died aged 73.
The former eventer retired from a successful broadcasting career last year, having covered six Olympic Games and contributing to Sky Sports' coverage at the Grand Slam of Show Jumping among others.
Tucker commentated on memorable moments in the equestrian world, including Charlotte Dujardin and Nick Skelton's gold medal-winning routines on Valegro and Big Star respectively at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Team GB's success in 2012 on home soil.
Prior to moving into broadcasting, he competed in the sport on an international stage - including at two European Championships.
Tributes to Tucker have been paid on social media, with riders, event bodies and former colleagues offering their memories.
William Fox-Pitt, who has won three Olympic medals in the Team even, including silver in London, said in a statement on the Fox-Pitt Eventing page: "We were absolutely devastated to receive the news of Mike Tucker's death.
"The Equestrian world has lost a giant."
Gemma Tattersall, who came fifth in the Team event in Rio said: "Life's short.... tell your people you love them regularly be grateful for what you have. Do things that make you happy. RIP you legend."
Equestrian Team GBR responded to the news with a tribute: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mike Tucker.
"He was at the heart of British eventing for many years and was a stalwart champion of equestrianism."
A statement from Badminton Horse Trials on social media said: "It is with very great sadness that we hear of the sudden death of Mike Tucker, for so long the voice of equestrianism on television and indeed at numerous events and shows all over the UK and round the world."
Tucker became the chairman of the Olympia organising committee two years ago and was the lead commentator at the prestigious event.
Simon Brooks-Ward, show director, said: "This is a great shock and sadness for all of those involved at Olympia. Mike was a friend, provided wise counsel, and was professional to the last.
"Furthermore, he was great company and had an immense sense of fun about him. He will be sorely missed by all of us."
