Sir Peter O’Sullevan dies aged 97

Legendary horse racing commentator Sir Peter O’Sullevan has died at the age of 97.

O’Sullevan was known as the ‘Voice of Racing’ and he spent 50 years as the racing commentator for the BBC from 1947 through to 1997.

He had worked as a racing journalist for the Press Association and the Daily Express before establishing himself as the most respected and revered voice in the sport.

Also a successful owner, O’Sullevan commentated on his own horse Attivo’s win in the Triumph Hurdle at the 1974 Cheltenham Festival. He also owned the smart sprinter Be Friendly, who won the King‘s Stand Stakes, the Prix de l’Abbaye and the Haydock Sprint Cup.

Jim McGrath, who replaced O’Sullevan as the BBC’s horse racing commentator, paid tribute to his predecessor.

McGrath told Racing UK: “He was the voice of racing for over 50 years. He was a great commentator, a great man and, to me, a great friend and mentor.

“Peter O’Sullevan would be, for the 50 years of his commentary career, the voice synonymous with racing. Nobody could mistake it for any other sport and, for that, racing can be forever grateful.”

Carl Hicks is now the Editor of Channel 4 Racing, but was in charge of the BBC’s racing coverage when O’Sullevan retired in 1997.

Hicks told Racing UK: “Arguably, in many people’s eyes, like myself, he was the greatest commentator many of us grew up with.

“Peter was a true gentleman and a proper man. He lived a full and contented life, and he was a great, great broadcaster and journalist.

“It’s a sad day, but I think everybody will remember Peter fondly and everybody over the coming days will be reminded of the greatness of his work, which is a lasting legacy for everybody in racing and sport.”