Legendary racing writer Alastair Down has passed away aged 68.
Down is the only journalist to have been named racing writer of the year on five separate occasions.
He was also a long-time member of the Channel 4 Racing coverage and became lead presenter in 2001.
Down’s passing came one week after the press box at Cheltenham was named in his honour.
The Racing Post described him as the ‘most celebrated, decorated and cherished racing writer of modern times’ – and editor Tom Kerr paid tribute to the iconic figure.
“We have lost a great friend and ally who delighted readers and colleagues alike for decades with his magnificent writing, passion for the sport and sense of fun,” Kerr said.
“It is so poignant that just last week we gathered with Alastair at his beloved Cheltenham to celebrate the renaming of the press room in his honour. Alastair was in ebullient mood among friends, family and colleagues.
“While it is shocking that he has died so soon after this wonderful gathering, it is so fitting that his last act involved a few glasses of good Burgundy and the company of many loved ones at the racecourse he cherished above all others. It is the sort of send-off that Alastair, in his pomp, might have written for himself.”
More to follow…
