The widow of racing pundit John McCririck set to sell off his famous jewellery

The widow of the late racing pundit John McCririck is selling off his jewellery because she fears being targeted by thieves.

It will be sold, together with clothes and other personal items belonging to the former Channel 4 Racing regular, by Ely-based auctioneers Rowley’s next month.

The larger-than-life TV presenter, who died in July aged 79, was known for wearing deerstalker hats, flamboyant suits and oversized gold rings as he delivered betting updates using tic-tac hand signs at the races.

His widow Jenny, whom he called The Booby, said part of the reason for the sale was that she was worried thieves would target her because of the jewellery that her husband was famous for wearing.

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 up for sale are several very large diamond rings, four or five watches – including one valued at between £4,000 and £6,000, and a collection of cigars.

The clothes going under the hammer include some of the distinctive headwear for which McCririck was famous and jackets and suits most, of which were handmade for him

The sale is expected to raise up to £50,000.

“I decided to put the rings and some other items in for auction and I’ve also donated some to Cancer Research,” said Jenny.

“Other items have been donated to the National Horseracing Museum at Palace House, in Newmarket, and are being exhibited there until the end of this month.”

Palace House chief executive, 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.”

Roddy Lloyd, from Rowley’s, said: “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.”