LEGENDARY racing commentator Sir Peter O’Sullevan has died at his home in London aged 97.
Born in Kerry, O’Sullevan was the BBC's lead racing commentator for half a century.
Known as the "Voice of Racing", he commentated on 50 Grand Nationals and around 14,000 races before retiring in 1997.
AP McCoy, 20-times a champion jump jockey, led the tributes to the commentating icon who died on Wednesday.
He said: “Sir Peter O'Sullevan, the epitome of class. The most distinguished and eloquent voice of racing."
Sir Peter O'Sullevan commentating in 1967 (Photo: Getty Images)Former jump jockey and racehorse trainer, Jonjo O’Neill, said: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Sir Peter O’Sullevan. He was the true voice of racing and a wonderful gentleman.”
O’Sullevan set up a charitable trust in 1997, which has since raised funds for animal and racing-related charities.
He was also a former racing correspondent at the Daily Express for 36 years and for the Press Association.
Racing correspondent Sir Peter O'Sullevan in 1952 (Photo: Getty Images)In addition to his success as the voice of horse racing, O’Sullevan was also a successful racehorse owner.
During the 2008 Cheltenham Festival he contribution to horse racing was marked when the National Hunt Chase bore his name for that year.
Barbara Slater, director of BBC Sport, said: "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."
Twitter Tributes
Sir Peter O'sullivan, the epitome of class. The most distinguished & eloquent voice of racing. He was an amazing man R.I.P
— AP McCoy (@AP_McCoy) July 29, 2015
Richie Benaud regarded Peter O'Sullevan as one the broadcasting greats he learned most from. Some accolade.
— ABevington (@ABevington11) July 29, 2015
Saddened to hear of the passing of Peter O'Sullevan. Indisputably one of the greatest sporting commentators of our time.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 29, 2015
RIP Sir Peter O’Sullevan, 97. The Voice of Racing.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 29, 2015
Was very privileged to spend time with Sir Peter O'Sullevan in May. He was in fine form. We'll run part of that interview @bbc5live before 7
— Eleanor Oldroyd (@EllyOldroyd) July 29, 2015
Incomparable, irreplaceable, indelible. Sir Peter will never be matched & never forgotten. The ultimate pro & the definition of a gentleman
— Clare Balding (@clarebalding) July 29, 2015
