Clothes, jewellery, large diamond rings and other items that belonged to the legendary horse racing journalist and TV personality John McCririck are to go under the hammer at auction.
The sartorially distinctive McCririck, known for his side burns, big cigars and track-side tic-tac delivery, passed away in July, aged 79.
His widow Jenny, whom he called The Booby, has decided to put some of his possessions into a sale at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambridgeshire.
She said part of the reason was that she was worried thieves would target her because of the jewellery that her husband was famous for wearing.
Indeed, she has revealed that the reason his rings were joined together on a chain was that sometimes people shook his hand and tried to pull them off.
Among the items are several very large diamond rings, four or five watches – including an IWC one valued at £4,000-£6,000 – and a collection of cigars.
Amongst the clothes are some distinctive headwear, footwear, plus jackets and suits – most handmade for the pundit.
The sale is expected to raise £30,000-50,000.
McCririck was a multi award-winning journalist who worked for The Sporting Life, ITV and Channel 4, amongst others.
He also became well known amongst younger generations when he took part in various TV shows including Celebrity Big Brother, Wife Swap and The Weakest Link.
John’s widow Jenny said: “I only decided to sell the items because a friend asked me to go to a charity valuation day with her.
“I took some of John’s rings – he’d always said that if anything should happen to him I should get them valued.
“John told people they were rubbish because he didn’t want them stolen. People would shake his hands and try and take them – that’s why his rings were joined together with a chain.
“I was surprised to hear how much they were worth and I was worried about having them stolen – we suffered a burglary some years ago and it was awful.
“I decided to put the rings and some other items in for auction and I’ve also donated some to Cancer Research.
“Other items have been donated to Palace House, the National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket, are being exhibited there.
“One of the reasons John dressed as he did was to enable his cameraman high in the stands to pick him out at the trackside in the crowd.
“He had his clothes made; he was a big man and it was hard to find off-the-shelf clothes.
“He also enjoyed cigars and would often get the sound man to hold it while he did his piece to camera.
“John was a showman, it was a panto act; a business. Importantly, the punters knew he cared. If he thought there was something wrong in the racing world he would say so; he would always tell the truth.
“John was a multi-award winning journalist as well as a TV personality.”
Roddy Lloyd from Rowley’s said: “John McCririck was very much a larger than life character – he was also physically big so the clothes are huge.
“I first saw the rings at a local charity valuation day and then Jenny decided to sell some clothes and other items.
“John transcended the world of racing and his flamboyant style and distinctive look endeared him to millions.
“Because of their association with him, these items have added value and I am sure many from the world of racing will want a piece of this memorabilia.”
Some of John’s items are going on display at the National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket from 8-29 November.
Palace House Chief Executive, Professor Steven Parissien, said: “John was an irrepressible enthusiast who was always odds on to be a popular favourite and a household name.
“It is wonderful to be able to celebrate the life of someone who persuaded so many audiences through the years to share his love of horseracing.”
The sale will be held on Saturday, 9 December at Rowley’s, 8 Downham Road, Ely Cambridgeshire CB6 1AH.