Why I love...horse racing

BBC football commentator John Motson tells Funny Old Game how a famous goalscorer coaxed him into joining the sport of kings.

John Motson is a legend in footballing circles.

His vibrant and passionate commentaries have excited television viewers, and recently radio listeners, over nearly 30 years.

But Motson explained to BBC Sport Online that he also shares another sporting pastime.

"My main interest outside football is most definitely horse racing," he said.

I've been led into this over the last few years, partly by Ricky George ,whose goal I commentated on when Hereford knocked out Newcastle of the 1972 FA Cup."

I have a small interest in another horse called Polar Summit

  John Motson

George, who scored the winner against the much-fancied Magpies, became famous once again 26 years later, as Motson explained.

"He had a share in the Grand National winner Earth Summit in 1998," he added.

"Ironically it was a share I turned down at the time. Ever since I've become very interested."

Motson was soon bitten by the racing bug.

"I now have share in Hannigan's Lodger, a five-year old mare, who came third at Sandown Park after having already won three races this season," said Motson

"I have a small interest in another horse called Polar Summit.

"It is frustrating when Hannigan's Lodger is running, because I'm commentating most of the time. I either watch it on TV or somebody runs up to the gantry to tell me the result."