Mike Cattermole

Mike is a racing journalist, commentator and presenter working for Sky Sports Racing and Racetech. He was one of the main presenters of Channel 4 Racing and also one of the hosts of Sky Sports News.

His father had instilled an interest in racing in Mike from an early age so, after graduating from Keele University with a degree in Economics and History, he joined the mecca of racing analysis and journalism, Timeform, in 1984. There he worked with current Channel 4 colleague Jim McGrath. He later moved on to the national daily The Sporting Life where he worked until 1998.

Mike served as jockey’s agent to Willie Carson from 1989-1994 during the era of Nashwan, Salsabil, Shadayid, Erhaab and the great Dayjur. Towards the end of this period he widened his skills to include racecourse commentating, which he still does for Racetech at courses around the UK.

Mike’s first television experience was gained on Sky’s Racing Channel (1995-2002) and he was signed by Channel 4 in 1999 to work as both a commentator and presenter. Sky’s Racing Channel was replaced by AtTheRaces in 2002 and Mike presented the first ever transmission in May of that year.

Mike is the co-author of two books about top jockeys, Joe Mercer – the Pictorial Biography published in 1987 and Nothing To Hide, about Edward Hide, in 1989. He is a regular columnist for Sporting Life.

In December 2006 Mike was named Broadcaster of the Year and awarded the Peter O'Sullevan Trophy at the Horserace Writers and Photographers Association (HWPA) dinner.

Along with being a director of Racing Welfare and the Bob Champion Cancer Trust, Mike retains a link with the London Racing Club, which he chaired until recently. He lists golf, tennis and skiing among his hobbies.

 

May 2024