Tributes paid to popular former Chronicle racing correspondent Keith after his death at 65

Former Oldham Chronicle newspaper Deputy Sports Editor Keith McHugh has passed away at the age of 65.

Keith spent nearly 40 years in journalism, after starting with the former Chronicle newspaper as a sports reporter in March 1987.

A hugely popular colleague, Keith also worked as a sports sub-editor at the Chron's Union Street headquarters before becoming horse racing correspondent and serving as deputy sports editor from 1992 to 2017.

In 2007, he beat 54 other tipsters to land the Racing Post naps table and earn a £3,500 prize.

He said at the time: “We’ve finished second, third and fifth before, but this time we had a bit of luck – we backed a 33-1 winner – so I think it’s a case of what goes around comes around.”

When the Evening Chronicle newspaper business folded in 2017, Keith joined the Racing Post on a freelance basis.

Racing Post Spotlight editor Richard Austen said: "Keith was on the Spotlight team for four years – and with analysis and close-ups for over a decade – and it was a thorough privilege and pleasure to work with him.

"I cannot speak highly enough of him. He rightly took pride in his work, while also hugely valuing his colleagues – colleagues who in many instances became friends.

"For anyone who met up with Keith or communicated with him in the last 18 months, I am sure that his bravery, positive outlook and abiding good humour will never be forgotten. 

"He was amazing and the get-togethers he organised with us for Dante day at York in 2024 and 2025 were tremendous.

"He got so much out of life despite his ill health. What a lovely man he was and what an inspiration.

"Our thoughts are with his wife Kay and the rest of his family."

Raceday editor Richard Young said: "We are all devastated at the news.

"He was a good operator, someone you could always rely on.

"But, more than anything, he was a thoroughly nice fella. We will all miss him."

Simon Smedley, a member of the Chronicle sportsdesk team alongside Keith before the paper closed in 2017, said: "Keith was definitely one of the good guys.

"It was a genuine pleasure to work alongside him on a daily basis.

"Rest in peace, Keith."

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