John Gosden salutes 'magical' Sir Peter O'Sullevan

Derby-winning trainer John Gosden has paid tribute to the "magical, wonderful" Sir Peter O'Sullevan following news of his death on Wednesday.

O'Sullevan, who was the racing commentator for the BBC for 50 years, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 97.

Gosden revealed he had recently visited O'Sullevan at his London home, speaking of his "twinkle in the eye".

He told Channel 4 Racing: "He was the most magical, wonderful man.

"He was the essence of everything about racing, from top to bottom. He really had the feel for it. He loved everything to do with the horses, the people, the characters, whether it was France or England, getting bets on for Alec Head in the old days - everything, the fun.

"I went to see him with Rachel (Hood, Gosden's wife) three weeks ago at his flat and we had a good chat. He couldn't have a drink then so Rachel and I and Mike (Dillon, close friend) had to finish the bottle, but the twinkle was in the eye right to the end."

Fellow Newmarket handler Sir Mark Prescott offered his thoughts on the man with whom he shared his birthday.

He said: "We shared a birthday and we used to have March 3 together always and compared notes.

"When I first knew him he was a serious punter and expected to get half a point better than everyone else and he nearly always got it.

"He was a significant man for a long time and he raised lots and lots of money (for charity).

"He will go into the books as the greatest commentator."

O'Sullevan's close friend and long-time colleague Des Lynam hailed the 'Voice of Racing' as a "broadcasting legend".

His memory was exceptional, his mind was exceptional. He was a great man to spend time with.

Lynam worked closely with O'Sullevan when presenting the BBC's Grand National coverage between 1985 and 1999 and remained good friends ever since.

"Sir Peter was a broadcasting legend and I have been proud, not only to have worked with him but also to have enjoyed his friendship over many years," Lynam told Press Association Sport.

"He was a consummate professional, blessed with an extraordinary voice which made listening to his broadcasts such a joy.

"He lived a long life and brought a great deal of pleasure into the lives of so many."

Recently-retired champion jumps jockey Tony McCoy also enjoyed the pleasure of Sir Peter's company on numerous occasions, while his former boss, leading owner JP McManus, had a close relationship with O'Sullevan.

McCoy said: "His memory was exceptional, his mind was exceptional. He was a great man to spend time with.

"I was lucky enough to ride in his colours. He'll be sadly missed.

"He was a legend in racing and had the most distinguished voice in racing."

McManus told At The Races: "He had a very good quality you'd love to have yourself.

"He was very considerate and talented, as we all know.

"There was something very endearing about Sir Peter, and anyone who ever met him would never forget him."

O'Sullevan was well-known for his trips across the Channel and built up a number of strong relationships with leading French trainers, including Francois Doumen.

Doumen fondly recalls O'Sullevan's commentaries on The Fellow, winner of the 1994 Cheltenham Gold Cup and a dual King George hero, and revealed he played a significant part in McManus' purchase of top-class chaser First Gold.

Doumen said: "We became quiet good friends over the years and while it is not a shock, as we were quite prepared to see him leave us one day, it is a sad moment.

"It is the turn of a page and, in many ways, the end of my memories of my English campaign, with the horses owned by JP McManus, for example.

"We had some good times together and made some good memories. I remember him commentating on The Fellow and saying 'Vive La France'!

"I really got to know him as he had a good relationship with the Marquesa (Marquesa de Moratalla, owner) and after that I had many lunches and dinners with him and JP.

"I remember going to one of Sir Peter's famous lunches and he sat me on a table with JP. After pudding, I discovered JP had bought First Gold!

"Sir Peter created that opportunity."

O'Sullevan's commentaries on the Grand National are stuff of legend and Aintree officials will discuss the best way to honour his memory.

Aintree's communications manager Grant Rowley said: "It's only 24 hours since the sad news, so it's too early to say what we might do, but rest assured there will be a fitting tribute to the great man.

"Sir Peter was already an 'Aintree Legend' and I'm sure everyone will get around a table, including his great friend Nigel Payne, and discuss what we can do."