Former Racing Editor of The Mercury and Racegoer correspondent, Richard McMillan (81) died in a Pietermaritzburg hospice yesterday (Monday).

Richard was well respected in South African horseracing circles for many years as Racing Editor if The Mercury before retiring.  He started his journalism career at the then Natal Mercury and for many years was their shipping editor but his life-long passion for horse racing saw him move to the racing department as deputy racing editor under Jack Ramsay. He took over as Racing Editor on Ramsay’s retirement.

On his retirement from The Mercury after four decades of reporting on the sport, he worked freelance for The Racegoer and Gold Circle. McMillan’s Time Ratings, a unique formula he developed over the years, had an avid following.

An old school journalist, Richard was always willing to go the extra mile to get a story and never missed a deadline – even when hard-pressed by a poor wi-fi signal or a dodgy computer.

He is survived by his wife Yvonne, son Justin, daughter Hailie and grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

 By Andrew Harrison