The former commentator of BBC racing Sir Peter O’ Sullevan who used to dub “Voice of Racing” has died. It is though very sad for his commentary lovers during the races. The commentator died at the age of 97. He was passing through the long stage of illness. Sir Peter O’ Sullevan is known as one of the biggest icons of sports. He has commentated on about 50 different Grand Nationals. He has covered about 14,000 races before he got his retirement in the year 1997.
Sir Peter O’ Sullevan was born in County Kerry, Ireland. For half a century he remained as the main racing commentator of BBC.
Back in year 1997, a charity trust was established by him. This charitable trust raised heavy amounts for different charities related to racings plus for animals.
Sir Peter O’Sullevan owned a much successful racehorse. He also served as the correspondent of Daily Express for about 36 years. He also worked for the Press Association.
In year 2008, all his contributions were recognized at Cheltenham Festival. According to BBC Sport’s Frank Keogh, “Meeting your heroes normally comes with a warning, but there was no need to worry with Sir Peter O’Sullevan. His honeyed tones were the rhythmic racing backdrop to my upbringing, the comforting BBC voice in the corner calling home thoroughbreds. Big races brought big stories and ‘the Voice of Racing’ knew how to deliver. In ‘retirement’ he helped raise £3.5m for equine charities, and drove to racing in France into his 90s. Even through illness, he was bright, funny and dignified. The ultimate gentleman, who will be deeply missed.”
Tribute was paid to him by BBC Sport’s racing correspondent Cornelius Lsaght. On talking with BBC Radio 5 live, he said, “A true great, the word is bandied around a lot but in the case of Sir Peter it cannot be used enough. It is wholly appropriate that today the Sussex Stakes was won by Solow, who is trained by Freddy Head. Freddy and his family were very close friends with Sir Peter.”
All the efforts of Sir Peter O’ Sullevan will therefore be remembered. He is still alive in the hearts of his fans. BBC and the whole horse racing world will remember the thrill of his voice at the time when he used to do commentary during awesome races. May his soul rest in peace.
