- Down remains the only journalist to have won the racing writer of the year award five times.
- The legendary racing writer has been hailed as one of the best of modern times.
- The press room at Cheltenham Racecourse was officially named after him last month.
Legendary racing writer and broadcaster Alastair Down has died aged 68.
Down has been hailed as “one of the most decorated and appreciated racing writers” of modern times by the Racing Post, who, along with The Sporting Life, wrote extensively over four decades.
Down is the only journalist to be named Racing Writer of the Year five times. In recognition of his work, the press room at Cheltenham Racecourse was officially named after him last month.
Racing Post editor Tom Kerr praised Down’s passion for the sport in his moving tribute to his friend and colleague.
“Everyone at the Racing Post is devastated to hear of Alastair’s death.” he wrote. ‘We have lost a great friend and ally who delighted readers and colleagues for decades with his magnificent writing, his passion for sport and his sense of fun.
Legendary racing writer and broadcaster Alastair Down has died aged 68.
In recognition of his work, the press room at Cheltenham Racecourse was officially named after him last month.
‘It’s so touching that last week we met Alastair at his beloved Cheltenham to celebrate the renaming of the press room in his honour. Alastair was in great spirits among friends, family and colleagues.’
Down was born in 1956 and attended Tonbridge School before studying at the University of York. After graduating and a brief attempt to start a betting syndicate, he joined the Sun before joining The Sporting Life in 1981.
He received the first of five Racing Writer of the Year awards in 1994 before winning in 1999, 2012, 2015 and 2018. In 2022, the Horse Racing Writers Association honored him with the President’s Award for his contribution to racing journalism. racing.
Kerr added: “While it is shocking that he died so soon after this wonderful reunion, it is very fitting that his last act involved a few glasses of fine Burgundy and the company of many loved ones at the racecourse that he cherished above all. the others.” It’s the kind of farewell Alastair, in his pomp, might have written for himself.
Down was also a long-time member of the Channel 4 Racing team, where he became lead presenter in 2001.