Death of TV pundit Shaheen Shaw overshadows final field

The death on Wednesday of colourful racing pundit and commentator Shaheen Shaw, pictured, cast a sad shadow over the industry – including announcement of the final field for the Grade 2 Allied Steelrode-Onamission Charity Mile to be contested at Turffontein on Saturday, 2 November.

- Mike Moon

Shaw's love of the game shone through all his ups and downs in life. His jovial personality and eccentricities endeared him to all.

Even humble punters who'd never met him felt a kindred spirit, especially when he uttered his rallying cry "Hit them hard, Sunshine!" – a call to arms against the eternal common bookmaking enemy.

His best friend, commentator Rouvaun Smit, summed it up well: “Horseracing has lost a part of its soul. He loved the game. He loved punters. He wanted everybody to be a winner.”

It was legend that Shaw's infectious enthusiasm saw betting turnovers kick up whenever he was presenting on live TV.

The devoted husband, father and grandfather, died suddenly at home in Cape Town at the age of 55. He will be sorely missed.