Acclaimed Racing Journalist Alastair Down Dies, Tributes Offered

Alastair Down, a renowned racing writer and broadcaster, has passed away at the age of 68. He was a five-time recipient of the ‘racing writer of the year’ award. Throughout his career, Down contributed to the Sporting Life and Racing Post newspapers for over four decades and was also a member of Channel Four’s racing team. Notably, he was the sole journalist to achieve the Racing Writer of the Year award five times. Recently, the press room at Cheltenham Racecourse was dedicated in his honor. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) issued a statement honoring Down, saying: “A genius with a pen and a peerless broadcaster, Alastair will be remembered as one of the greatest writers in racing history.” The BHA added: “His contribution to the sport was immeasurable and he will be sorely missed on British racecourses.” Concluding their tribute, they stated: “The thoughts of everyone at the BHA are with Alastair’s family and friends.” The Racing Post, an external publication, remarked: “The enormous affection of racing fans and punters for Down was felt equally keenly in the press room, plus among a legion of owners, trainers, jockeys, breeders and grooms.” Champion trainer Paul Nicholls also offered his condolences, stating: “How sad, top man, top journalist always enjoyed my chats with him including at Cheltenham last Friday. RIP Alastair.” The Racecourse Association (RCA) further commented: “All at the RCA are saddened to hear the news of Alastair Down’s death.” They continued: “His words across a long and successful career delivered the best of our sport to countless readers, inspiring many new fans and writers.” The RCA concluded by saying: “We were delighted to see his name honoured at Cheltenham Races last week.” Derek Thompson, a former colleague of Down, remarked: “No one could bring racing alive in print in such a tangible and electrifying way.”