Alastair Down, a cherished figure in the racing world, passed away at the age of 68 on November 1, leaving behind a legacy as a celebrated racing correspondent, writer, and broadcaster. With a unique talent for capturing the spirit of racing, his writing was so lively that writer Chris Cook once remarked Down's accounts were sometimes "more enjoyable to read than watching the race itself."
A Racing Legacy
Over his career, Down earned the title of Racing Writer of the Year five times from the Horserace Writers and Photographers Association, thanks to his contributions to "The Sporting Life" and "Racing Post". He was also a long-standing member of Channel 4's racing team, where he captivated audiences with his passion and wit.
Robin Oakley, writing for "The Spectator", noted that Down's heart beat with the rhythms of horse racing. Oakley admired how Down's compassion and humour were evident whether he profiled rising stars in the sport or honoured legendary figures, both human and equine. Recalling one of Down’s memorable anecdotes, Oakley shared how Down once reflected, after a particularly indulgent day at Longchamp, that he wished to be alone with his thoughts, praying his liver, “mailed home in a refrigerated container,” would soon arrive.
Cheltenham, a racecourse that holds a special place in Down’s heart, was a place he described as embodying courage through its challenging terrain and formidable fences. His deep appreciation of Cheltenham made him a celebrity across the Irish Sea. A tale even emerged about a visit he made to Ireland, where he met rock legend Bruce Springsteen with Irish trainer Enda Bolger. The group’s outing to a local pub stirred excitement among the townsfolk, who flocked to get Springsteen’s autograph. Amidst this, one elderly man bypassed the musician, approaching Down with a single-minded purpose, asking for his autograph and advice on the upcoming Hennessy race.
Reflecting on his love for Ireland, Down once humorously admitted he’d love to live there but feared it would lead to his demise within two weeks.
Passion and Wit
Born on February 9, 1956, Alastair Down inherited a passion for racing from his father, an insurance broker whose Saturdays revolved around watching the sport. Alastair’s first bet, at just five years old, turned into a win when Nicolaus Silver triumphed in the 1961 Grand National. Had the horse lost, he once mused, he might have chosen a different path in life.
Although Tonbridge School did not have "The Sporting Life" in its library, young Alastair arranged to pick up a copy from a local newsagent each morning. His time at York University, where he studied philosophy and politics, was less academic. He admitted that he spent more time with race forms than with his coursework, leading to a modest 2:2 degree.
Down’s professional journey began with a brief and unsuccessful attempt at running a betting syndicate. He then joined Raceform as a form analyst before landing his first role as a racing correspondent for "The Sun". There, he humorously recalled, his main tasks included buying the first round at the pub and spending long lunch breaks there, a job that paid a humble £35 per shift.
In 1981, Down was invited to join "The Sporting Life", but only if he could start after the third week of March—ensuring his attendance at the Cheltenham Festival. He stayed with "The Sporting Life" until it closed in 1998, at which point he joined "Racing Post".
Notably, Down claimed he rarely kept a record of his writings, and it was only through the investigative efforts of racing biographer Sean Magee that a collection titled "The Best of Alastair Down: Cheltenham et Al" was published in 2014. Among his memorable works, he paid homage to Night Nurse, a two-time Champion Hurdle winner, and shared a heartfelt tribute to Desert Orchid, the 1989 Gold Cup victor, capturing the thrilling yet nerve-wracking experience of watching the fearless horse.
Down occasionally appeared on Channel 4’s "Morning Line", stepping in for John McCririck during holidays, and became lead presenter in 2001 after Brough Scott’s departure. However, in 2012, Channel 4 brought in new production staff and replaced Down and other familiar faces with new, “more photogenic” presenters. Down, a man who would casually smoke during commercial breaks and who once famously completed a Cheltenham promo with his flies undone, took his “retirement” in stride, always preferring the art of writing to the pressures of broadcasting.
Down and his wife Frances, whom he married in 1988, raised two daughters and a son. He also had a daughter, Saskia, from another relationship. Tragically, Saskia lost her life in the Fishmongers' Hall terrorist attack in 2019, a loss from which Down reportedly never fully recovered.
Lasting Impact
In recognition of his contributions to racing journalism, Down received the Horserace Writers Association’s President’s Award in 2022. A week before he passed, he attended a ceremony where the Cheltenham Press Room was renamed in his honor. Overwhelmed, he described his gratitude, adding, “I may even shed a tear or two by the day’s end.”
Alastair Down left an indelible mark on the racing world before his passing on November 1, 2024.