Tributes paid as racing journalist Down dies

Down won the 'racing writer of the year' award on five occasions

Racing writer and broadcaster Alastair Down has died aged 68.

Down worked for the Sporting Life and Racing Post newspapers across four decades and was a member of Channel Four's racing team.

The only journalist to have won the Racing Writer of the Year award on five occasions, Down recently had the press room at Cheltenham Racecourse named after him.

Paying tribute to Down, the British Horseracing Authority said: "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 Racing Post said: "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 paid tribute, saying: "How sad, top man, top journalist always enjoyed my chats with him including at Cheltenham last Friday. RIP Alastair."

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 at Cheltenham Races last week."

Down's former colleague Derek Thompson said: "No one could bring racing alive in print in such a tangible and electrifying way."