- Down is remains the only journalist to win Racing Writer of the Year five times
- The legendary racing writer has been hailed as one of the finest of modern times
- Cheltenham racecourse’s press room was officially named after him last month
Legendary racing writer and broadcaster Alastair Down has died at the age of 68.
Down has been hailed as ‘one of the most decorated and cherished racing writers’ of modern times by Racing Post, who – along with The Sporting Life – he wrote extensively for across four decades.
Down is the only journalist to be named Racing Writer of the Year on five occasions. In recognition of his work, Cheltenham racecourse’s press room was officially named after him last month.
Racing Post editor Tom Kerr praised Down’s passion for sport in his touching 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 alike for decades with his magnificent writing, passion for the sport and sense of fun.
Legendary racing writer and broadcaster Alastair Down has died at the age of 68
In recognition of his work, Cheltenham racecourse’s press room was officially named after him last month
‘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.’
Down was born in 1956 and attended Tonbridge School before studying at York University. After graduation and a short-lived 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 prizes in 1994 before wins in 1999, 2012, 2015 and 2018. In 2022 the Horserace Writers Association honoured him with the President’s Award for his contribution to racing journalism.
Kerr added: ‘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.’
Down was also a long-time member of the Channel 4 Racing team, where he became lead presenter in 2001.
