Much-revered racing journalist Alastair Down has been described as “a genius with a pen and a peerless broadcaster” by the British Horseracing Authority following his death at the age of 68.
Down was voted racing writer of the year five times for his work with The Sporting Life and the Racing Post and was a mainstay of the Channel 4 Racing team.
He recently received the honour of having the Cheltenham press room named after him and was present at Prestbury Park for the unveiling.
The BHA posted on X: “A genius with a pen and a peerless broadcaster, Alastair will be remembered as one of the greatest writers in racing history.
“His contribution to the sport was immeasurable and he will be sorely missed on British racecourses.
“The thoughts of everyone at the BHA are with Alastair’s family and friends.”
The Racecourse Association added: “All at the RCA are saddened to hear the news of Alastair Down’s death.
“His words across a long and successful career delivered the best of our sport to countless readers, inspiring many new fans and writers.
“We were delighted to see his name honoured @CheltenhamRaces last week.”
We are saddened to hear the news of Alastair Down’s passing.
— The Jockey Club (@TheJockeyClub) November 1, 2024
Throughout a long career, Alastair was able to tell the stories of our wonderful sport with a particular flair that could capture everyone’s imagination.
pic.twitter.com/g23NXBVBUC
Also on X, Down’s former colleague Derek Thompson said: “No one could bring racing alive in print in such a tangible and electrifying way.”
Tributes from the racing media
Alastair had an unparalleled way with words, whether written or spoken, funny or serious, and the rare skill of virtually always hitting the right note. Above all, he had a tremendous passion for the sport and understanding of it which shone through in all his work. https://t.co/RdvWLFMgm4
— david cleary (@dpcleary) November 1, 2024
So pleased Alastair Down was able to be there for the opening of "his" press room. A giant in our sport, admired and revered by all. A genius with words, both written and spoken, passionate, very funny and yet vulnerable and complicated. We all cared about him. Love to his family https://t.co/LQTKI58WuZ
— Mike Cattermole (@Catters61) November 1, 2024
RIP Alastair Down. You’ll never find anyone else who could nail an opening paragraph and take your breath away through only words. He captured emotion in a way that very few sports writers can. We’re so lucky he loved racing and threw his talent into it.
— Anthony Dunkley (@AJD1Racing) November 1, 2024
Hard to believe Alastair has died. He was a wonderfully talented writer and in sparkling form at Cheltenham 7 days ago hosting friends and family in JP’s box after the unveiling of the Alastair Down Press room. Farewell my friend. You were different class. https://t.co/cXH5QiBc86
— Jonathan Powell (@PowellJfpracing) November 1, 2024
A sad day for racing.
— James Stevens (@JamesStevens180) November 1, 2024
For years, Alastair Down was at the centre of racing's greatest moments and brought it to life in a way like no other using only his words.
An absolute pleasure to work alongside a great.
RIP Alastair Down pic.twitter.com/7q0wcUoy2n
The man who set the bar impossibly high for all others who tried to put into words what makes racing so wonderful. Nobody else got close. https://t.co/s0Ym7gWujs
— Bruce Millington (@brucemillington) November 1, 2024
