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Just announced on WH radio.
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Very sad to hear, but we all have to go and he led a life most of us would envy, shame he didn't get the ton though. RIP
Sir Peter will be greatly missed true gentleman who set a standard that will never be equalled it was an honour to be able to listen to his unbiased words of wisdom .he will be greatly missed .Rip Sir knight
All my childhood memories growing up were listening to Sir Peter................ T.V. racing was never the same when he retired.............R.I.P.
unlike the ones we have on now he made money from his punting
Faded memory for me but I'm sure Sir Peter was asked on a friday evening who he fancied for the following days big race.
He picked out 2 and said that he wished that they both could win.
The 2 dead heated for 1st place.....
(Can't remember the race or the horses but it was in the 1970s)
He picked out 2 and said that he wished that they both could win.
The 2 dead heated for 1st place.....
(Can't remember the race or the horses but it was in the 1970s)
Radio 5 tonight 8.30...one hour special " The voice of racing tribute "
I'd like to be associated with the many tributes to the late great Sir Peter.
A great racing commentator and his own particular voice added to it. His work and effort and standard of race commentating should be taken up by most of the young turks doing the biz these days - most are not a patch on O'Sullivan.
A great racing commentator and his own particular voice added to it. His work and effort and standard of race commentating should be taken up by most of the young turks doing the biz these days - most are not a patch on O'Sullivan.
According to Wiki, his father was an RM in Killarney, Co Kerry, personally I thought it was 'Tuam, Co Galway' but is Wiki correct?
Poignant that we learn of his passing on the day that SOLOW wins the Sussex Stakes, Sir Peter long having been an admirer and confidante of the Head family.
The BBC make you sick - he gave them decades of unrivalled loyalty and service and he is not even a headline on the evening news. RIP Sir Peter.
he was an ambulance driver in London during w w 2 . for what seems a lifetime he was the voice of racing . he will never be forgotten .
His greatest commentary in my opinion 'and he's beginning to get up' - perfect tribute to the wonderful Dessie.
Jul 29, 2015 -- 6:02PM, bilbobaggins wrote:
The BBC make you sick - he gave them decades of unrivalled loyalty and service and he is not even a headline on the evening news. RIP Sir Peter.
migrants trying to get to britain from calais, how is this facking news please been going on since they built the tunnel ffs
Just watching the news and thought the same thing. A complete gentleman from a sadly bygone era.
He was the guest speaker at a racing dinner I was at about 5 years ago ...he said he bet more on football matches these days.
I well remember Be Friendly;think it won a big end of season sprint at Haydock and he was commentating but he called the race as if he were entirely neutral.Think he also owned a good hurdler called Attivo.
I well remember Be Friendly;think it won a big end of season sprint at Haydock and he was commentating but he called the race as if he were entirely neutral.Think he also owned a good hurdler called Attivo.
Yes he did Posy and both written about in Calling The Horses, which is an excellent read.
`The crowd are willing him home now. The 12-year-old Red Rum, being preceded only by loose horses, being chased by Churchtown Boy... They're coming to the elbow, just a furlong now between Red Rum and his third Grand National triumph! He gets a tremendous reception, you've never heard the like of it at Liverpool... and Red Rum wins the National!
`
THE voice of racing.
So Long
`
THE voice of racing.
So Long
Makes me remember grittar corbiere and hallo dandy and west tip winning the grand national my early days of going to the bookies with my dad. All winners for me and addicted to racing ever since.
great racecaller but by all accounts an even greater man, grew up like so many listening to him calling home
sea pigeon, night nurse etc, sir peter on tv, peter bromley on the radio we wont see their like again
sea pigeon, night nurse etc, sir peter on tv, peter bromley on the radio we wont see their like again
A true gent,loved the way he read the runners and riders out,and his commentary's made a race more special.
RiP
RiP
A true gent,loved the way he read the runners and riders out,and his commentary's made a race more special.
RiP
RiP
smashing bloke,on a lighter side ive done ken dodd for a double up
A true gent,very sad news but he had a good innings,R.I.P.
Dawn Run Cheltenham, sums up his commentaries. My kids brought up to his voice from when they were born in the 70's ! Thanks for all the great moments in racing...and the tipping.
What a loss to racing - absolute top quality guy in every sense .
I remember he owned a horse called ATTIVO. This horse was very small but won some good races and Peter O commentated on some of the victories .
What a unique voice he had -instantly recognizeable
I remember he owned a horse called ATTIVO. This horse was very small but won some good races and Peter O commentated on some of the victories .
What a unique voice he had -instantly recognizeable
He was on TV when we got a TV back in the 1960s.
BBC and ITV horseracing filled Saturday afternoons.
I got the newspaper and tried to pick winners with imaginary bets.
Peter O'Sullivan educated. He was always calm and classy.
Thank you.
BBC and ITV horseracing filled Saturday afternoons.
I got the newspaper and tried to pick winners with imaginary bets.
Peter O'Sullivan educated. He was always calm and classy.
Thank you.
A truly wonderful man, great commentator as he called it professionally, lucid and emotive. No "lashing home" or any of modern day clichés. The Dawn Run Cheltenham gold cup win was pure class. Peter was a great owner, gentleman, and racing aristocrat.
Peter had a horse called Be Friendly .. won plenty that sums Peter up a real gent ..rip
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiKxzaxQxRI
one of my favourites
one of my favourites
He was fortunate he made his dough before this place,very well connected before this place marked everybody's card.
He was racing manager to Marquessa de moratella.
He was racing manager to Marquessa de moratella.
Still miles ahead of the 'favourite' infatuated commentators we gave these days. RIP
How appropriate Sir Peter should do the commentary on Red Rum's third Grand National win,two titans of the game in their own way,never to be forgotten by all who love Horse Racing.
The golden voice of racing,R.I.P gentle man.
The golden voice of racing,R.I.P gentle man.
Quite simply - it was his voice that drew me to the sport. Never been quite the same since he stopped and without him we passed into another era - and the poorer for it.
Respect to all coming on five live and giving interviews.
RIP Sir Peter .
It was your ' 10/1 bar ' pre race show that got be interested in racing as a young lad....
in my world ''Bar'' was one hell of a fit horse !
It was your ' 10/1 bar ' pre race show that got be interested in racing as a young lad....
in my world ''Bar'' was one hell of a fit horse !
The sky will be a little brighter tonight, A real star RIP
SIMPLY THE BEST,STILL MAKES MY HAIR (WHAT LITTLE I HAVE LEFT) STAND ON END HEARING PETERS COMMENTARY OF DAWN RUNS 1986 GOLD CUP VICTORY,"THE MARES BEGINNING TO GET UP" A GREAT LIFE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN!
R. I. P. Sir Peter . I was amazed that 4/5 years ago he had a driving holiday in France . A good innings well lived .
He was the greatest commentator. And a top class journalist for the Daily Express.
Seems to have been part of my life ever since I started following racing as a boy in the early sixties.
Seems to have been part of my life ever since I started following racing as a boy in the early sixties.
Peter for racing commentaries and Attenborogh for Nature programs best voices I have ever heard
He was /is the only hero ive ever had. Seemed like a true gent and live and loved his racing and mixed it with a very rich and full life.
Interview in the post a couple of months back his mind was still sharp as a tack and he sadly admitted his body was failing.
A lover of life and proved more so in his animal welfare campaigning and charity work. He was a true inspiration and i found it warming and somewhat strange that he admitted in that interview that his biggest regret in life was not being a vegetarian and given his time again he would have loved to have been one. Myself being one and not knowing that my only hero regretted not being one was some kind of bizarre reaffirmation to myself that i will carry to the end of my days.
The world is emptier without him
Interview in the post a couple of months back his mind was still sharp as a tack and he sadly admitted his body was failing.
A lover of life and proved more so in his animal welfare campaigning and charity work. He was a true inspiration and i found it warming and somewhat strange that he admitted in that interview that his biggest regret in life was not being a vegetarian and given his time again he would have loved to have been one. Myself being one and not knowing that my only hero regretted not being one was some kind of bizarre reaffirmation to myself that i will carry to the end of my days.
The world is emptier without him
Loved him. A true racing, AND betting man. His commentaries stood out for me, first as a kid watching Arkle win the Gold Cup. Sir Peter referred to him " opening up like a sports car"! His own Be Friendly in one seriously tight finish . Even then he was able to remain impartial! RIP Sir Peter. I sincerely hope there are a good few racetracks where you have landed.
I understand the sentiment but those calling him the best commentator are way off. The art has obviously evolved over the decades and he definitely set the standard, but Simon Holt is a far better race caller than Sir Peter ever was.
One of the rare few who deserved his place at the top in racing. The true voice of racing.
Like everything (although not Bradman and his frekish stats), standards just get higher. It's just a fact of life.
Sure, the best are putting robots on Mars or creating amazing things which even a decade ago were unthinkable. We are talking pinnacles not averages, right?
I like Simon Holt.However, I will bet any amount on him using the terms "racing too free" and/@ or "not settling" in every race he commentates on.
He did an awful lot for racing a bit like Sir Lord Oaksey. God bless
I think Darwin once coined the phrase 'Evolution'. Racing evoked memories, his voice is certainly one of them, no question, but this is not the 1960s, things have moved on. It'd be a terrible legacy if modern callers did not lean from the best, thankfully things have not stood still (apart from Thommo's terrible commentating, in which case I'll agree with you ERS).
It's more worrying thinking that something from the 1960s was still settig the gold standard Roger, that's what is laughable. I guess you still find On the Buses and & Carry on films top cutting edge comedy?
The Producers 1968....Oscar for best script as well....
Peter O'Sullivan, at least he's spared the debacle of the new site. Betfair turning off the old site was probably more than he could bare.
back in the day Sir peter WAS horse racing , always kept beyond criticism due to his sheer love of racing elegant style and respect from all
when you look at the cretins that adorn racing now you see the class of the man shine brighter than any before or since
RIP voice of racing
when you look at the cretins that adorn racing now you see the class of the man shine brighter than any before or since
RIP voice of racing
cj
please don't tell me you also think modern day comedy is better than that from the 60s and 70s.
please don't tell me you also think modern day comedy is better than that from the 60s and 70s.
@CJ -- interesting you use the term "race caller" rather than commentator -- like the Racing Post's online headline, and indeed, Simon Holt.
very sad news.
was definitely the voice of racing I grew up with.
He had a good innings though.
was definitely the voice of racing I grew up with.
He had a good innings though.
Peter O'Sullivan, at least he's spared the debacle of the new site. Betfair turning off the old site was probably more than he could bare.
Think you mean 'bear' not 'bare' ;nevertheless many a true word etc......
Think you mean 'bear' not 'bare' ;nevertheless many a true word etc......
Used to see him in the WH shop on the kings rd in chelsea usually with his timeform black book & loads of notes,could have a colourful turn of language.i liked scudamores reminisces yesterday when he said that when o sullevan commentated on one of his races it somehow took on extra importance.will be sadly missed.
Racing Post "Born on March 3, 1918 and the only child of Colonel John Joseph O’Sullevan, resident magistrate of Killarney, O’Sullevan always claimed to have first drawn breath in Kenmare, County Kerry, but very late in life revealed that he had in fact been born in Newcastle, County Down."
Anyone know where/to whom he revealed this? I'm from there and I've never heard this before
Anyone know where/to whom he revealed this? I'm from there and I've never heard this before
The best by a country mile. In a hundred years time his commentaries will still be untouchable. The Voice. Sums it all up really.
RIP a true legend. When TV racing coverage was a serious business on the BBC. I always felt he was sympathizing with me when my horse was running poorly and celebrating with me when my horse was winning. The lamitable commentaries of Graham Goode and the awful Jim McGrath were real low points after Sir Peter retired. Simon Holt and Richard Hoiles are so much better.
I met Sir Peter in 1989 at Cheltenham when he was there for a book signing for Calling the Horses (which he personalized with a message for 1989 as it was a 1st edition). We stood together and watched Bradbury Star beat Chatham in a hurdle race at the end of the day and he was quite happy to chat about the race.
I met Sir Peter in 1989 at Cheltenham when he was there for a book signing for Calling the Horses (which he personalized with a message for 1989 as it was a 1st edition). We stood together and watched Bradbury Star beat Chatham in a hurdle race at the end of the day and he was quite happy to chat about the race.
The Scout and Peter O,Sullivan made a great racing team for the Daily Express in the late 1950s 1060s . My Dad would only ever back Peters selections . It was my job to take his bets to the barely legal local bookies about a mile away from where we lived .It was amazing how often his selections won . I had to collect the winnings (I was only about 12 at the time !). Of course I always got a good treat out of any winnings . So Peter O,Sullivans name was often mentioned in our house all those years ago -and those far off memories makes you realize what a fantastic long and fruitful life he had .Magic days .
great man and fantastic commentator, will never be forgotten for call's like dawn run in the gold cup but he could stir the emotions even in one sided races like dancing brave winning at 'no odds returned' select stakes, thanks and RIP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvEbmJwavbI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvEbmJwavbI
When he was a Tipster for the Daily Express - and simply Peter O'Sullevan - he gave 3 selections per day ...
A NAP - which was usually a Favourite, and could often be an Odds On chance
A Next Best (nb)
An Each-Way
I saw him at Chester one Friday afternoon in August in the early 1980s, he was probably commentating from there the following day.
It was a quiet meeting, and I approached him and said - "what a pity that Be Friendly was denied the opportunity to win the Vernons Sprint Cup for a third consecutive time, when the race was abandoned because of November fog.
He smiled that rueful smile - and then went into his inside pocket, and produced a wallet.
He opened it, and took out a well-worn around the edges black & white photograph of Be Friendly.
"There's the boy," he said... and so he had Be Friendly with him wherever he went.
A NAP - which was usually a Favourite, and could often be an Odds On chance
A Next Best (nb)
An Each-Way
I saw him at Chester one Friday afternoon in August in the early 1980s, he was probably commentating from there the following day.
It was a quiet meeting, and I approached him and said - "what a pity that Be Friendly was denied the opportunity to win the Vernons Sprint Cup for a third consecutive time, when the race was abandoned because of November fog.
He smiled that rueful smile - and then went into his inside pocket, and produced a wallet.
He opened it, and took out a well-worn around the edges black & white photograph of Be Friendly.
"There's the boy," he said... and so he had Be Friendly with him wherever he went.
Had two really good horses Be Friendly and Attivo
Attivo was a front runner and when it run at Cheltenham I thought no way will this win opps it did
Attivo was a front runner and when it run at Cheltenham I thought no way will this win opps it did
why was the pompous old git knighted if he was a paddy ?
why was the pompous old git knighted if he was a paddy ?
All the greatest Britons were born in Ireland: the Duke of Wellington, Sir Peter O'Sullevan, Graham Norton -- the list is endless.
All the greatest Britons were born in Ireland: the Duke of Wellington, Sir Peter O'Sullevan, Graham Norton -- the list is endless.
onlooker.......when you said he pulled his wallet i thought you was going to say.........he gave a tenner
Cardifffc
Not sure if it was the Triumph or not, I was never more sure of a horse getting beat because it was a front runner and I thought no way will this be able to stay.
Not sure if it was the Triumph or not, I was never more sure of a horse getting beat because it was a front runner and I thought no way will this be able to stay.
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