FORMER commentator Sir Peter O'Sullevan, described as the voice of racing' has died at the of 97.
Tributes were last night paid to the Co Kerry man who commentated on 50 Grand Nationals and around 14,000 races before retiring in 1997.
He was the BBC's main racing commentator for half a century as well as being an accomplished newspaper journalist, racehorse owner and charity fundraiser.
Known for his sharp mind, even well into his later life, he had a delivery like no other and his description of the 1977 Grand National, which was Red Rum's famous third success, and Desert Orchid's popular Cheltenham Gold Cup victory in 1989 will never be forgotten.
BBC Sport last night described him as "an icon in the sport".
As a young man he became interested in betting and following the form, becoming the Press Association’s racing correspondent in 1944, before making his first commentary for the BBC three years later at Cheltenham.
He later spent 36 years as racing correspondent for the Daily Express.
His commentaries of the Grand National will rank as his most memorable.
They include Red Rum’s historic three victories, the emotional return of Bob Champion and Aldaniti in 1981 and the infamous void race of 1993.
O'Sullivan was the BBC's main commentator from 1948 to 1997.
Barbara Slater, Director BBC Sport said: "Peter O'Sullevan was one of the broadcasting greats and for over 50 years he was the voice of racing.
"Synonymous with the sport his distinctive commentary graced many of racing's historic moments - from Red Rum's Grand National victories to Desert Orchid's extraordinary Gold Cup triumph.
"Peter was a legendary commentator and will be greatly missed."
Broadcaster and pundit John McCririck described O'Sullevan as the "ultimate professional".
He told Sky Sports News: "Everyone will say he was the voice of racing, because he was. His commentaries will live for centuries.
AP McCoy tweeted: "Sir Peter O'Sullevan, the epitome of class. The most distinguished and eloquent voice of racing. He was an amazing man. R.I.P."
Jim McGrath, who succeeded O'Sullevan as the BBC racing commentator, told At The Races: "It's dawning on people that the man they knew as the voice of racing for more than two generations, the voice that was synonymous with our sport for so many people, has gone. It's hard to believe."
In 1997, he set up a charitable trust which has since raised huge amounts for animal and racing-related charities.
Nigel Payne, chief executive of the Sir Peter O'Sullevan Charitable Trust, said: "Sir Peter died earlier this afternoon, very peacefully, at home.
"Sir Peter was one of the greatest men I've ever known. Only last week he was talking about what he wanted me to do for the trust in the future.
"He was still very alert. It's a sad day."
O'Sullevan was also a successful racehorse owner and was recognised for his contribution to horse racing at the 2008 Cheltenham Festival, when the National Hunt Chase bore his name for that year.
