Alastair Down (journalist)

For the Scottish army colonel, accountant and oilman, see Alastair Down.

Alastair Down
Down in 2006
Born
Alastair Gordon Lyell Down

(1956-02-09)9 February 1956
Died1 November 2024(2024-11-01) (aged 68)
Alma materUniversity of York
Occupation(s)Journalist, broadcaster
Years active1979–2024
EmployerChannel 4 Racing (before 2001–2012)
Political partyLiberal Democrats[1]
Spouse
Frances Down
​
​
(m. 1988, separated)​
Children4[a]
AwardsRacing Writer of the Year (5 times)

Alastair Gordon Lyell Down (9 February 1956 – 1 November 2024) was an English journalist and broadcaster who wrote for Sporting Life and Racing Post and covered horse racing for Channel 4 Racing.

Early life and education

Alastair Gordon Lyell Down was born on 9 February 1956.[1][2] His father, Gordon Down, was an insurance broker, and his mother, Pam, was a gardener. He grew up in Bromley.[1] Down graduated from Tonbridge School and later from the University of York. He said that he attended the University of York because seven racecourses were within an hour's drive of it. At university, Down spent much of his time betting on horse races. He boasted that in his final two years there, he attended only two lectures.[3][2][4]

Career

Down started his career in 1979 with Raceform, shortly before joining The Sun. He then joined Sporting Life two years later, in 1981.[3] He was made the lead presenter of Channel 4 Racing in 2001.[5] His role on the show was particularly prominent when it focused on jump racing.[4] When Channel 4 Racing employed a new production company in 2012, Down was dropped along with John McCririck and Mike Cattermole, which ended his frequent television appearances.[3]

Down (left) at the York Racecourse in 2006

A collection of his writings, titled The Down Side: The Very Best of Racing's Top Writer and TV Presenter, was published in 2012.[6] Its sequel, Cheltenham et Al: The Best of Alastair Down, was compiled by Sean Magee and published in 2014.[2] The book won the 2015 British Sports Book Award in the Best Horse Racing Book category, the last one to do so.[7]

Personal life and death

Down was married to Frances Down (née Werner) from 1988. He later separated from her.[1] They had three children together and he had a daughter from another relationship.[2][4] His daughter Saskia was killed in the 2019 London Bridge stabbing.[8] According to the Racing Post, he never recovered emotionally from her death and drinking became a "safe haven" for him.[4]

Down resided in Evenlode in Gloucestershire, as of 2012 and in Bledington from December 2020.[4][1][9] He died on 1 November 2024, aged 68, after a brief illness.[3][10]

Awards and honours

Down received the Racing Writer of the Year Award from the Horserace Writers and Photographers Association five times, first in 1994 and most recently in 2018.[11] He was the only journalist to receive the award five times.[12] He was awarded the President’s Award by the association in 2022, receiving it in 2023.[13] The press room of the Cheltenham Racecourse was renamed after him in his honour in October 2024.[14]

Bibliography

  • The Down Side: The Very Best of Racing's Top Writer and TV Presenter (Hardcover, Raceform Limited, 1 January 2012; ISBN 1908216050, 978-1908216052, ASIN 1908216050)
  • Cheltenham et Al: The Best of Alastair Down (Kindle Edition, Racing Post Books, 28 October 2014; ASIN B00P02EZKO)
  • Cheltenham et Al: The Best of Alastair Down (Paperback, updated and revised, Racing Post Books, 18 September 2015; ISBN 1910498033, 978-1910498033)

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Powell, Peter (13 November 2024). "Alastair Down obituary: Racing journalist and bon viveur". The Times. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d "Alastair Down, ebullient racing journalist and broadcaster who won a string of awards – obituary". The Telegraph. 2 November 2024. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d Ashforth, David (1 November 2024). "Alastair Down". Association of Mirror Pensioners. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e Ashforth, David (1 November 2024). "Alastair Down: a master conjuror of words and a cherished advocate for racing". Racing Post. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
  5. ^ "Redcar pays tribute to the legendary writer who poked fun at the course". Redcar Racecourse. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
  6. ^ Down, Alastair (May 2012). The Down Side: The Very Best of Racing’s Top Writer and TV Presenter. Raceform Limited. ISBN 978-1-908216-05-2.
  7. ^ "Previous winners". British Sports Book Awards. 2024. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
  8. ^ Lloyd, Howard (1 November 2024). "Tributes paid to racing stalwart Alastair Down". Bristol Post. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
  9. ^ Armytage, Marcus (21 December 2020). "Marcus Armytage's Racing Diary: racing is not exactly overrun with holy men but Richard Rendall is a notable exception". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  10. ^ Lees, Jon; Hart, Peter (2 November 2024). "Channel 4 legend dead just one month after receiving huge accolade". OK! Magazine. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
  11. ^ "Tributes Flow For Legendary Racing Writer Alastair Down, Who Dies Aged 68". Thoroughbred Daily News. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  12. ^ "Alastair Down: Racing writer and broadcaster dies aged 68". BBC Sport. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  13. ^ Cleary, David (5 December 2023). "2023 HWPA Derby Awards – winners announced". HWPA. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
  14. ^ Lees, Jon (1 November 2024). "Channel 4 icon dies just a week after being given huge honour". The Mirror. Retrieved 3 November 2024.

Notes

  1. ^ 1 deceased

Read other articles:

Imamat 26

Imamat 26Kemah Suci, Biblical illustrations, Sweet Media, 1984KitabKitab ImamatKategoriTauratBagian Alkitab KristenPerjanjian LamaUrutan dalamKitab Kristen3← pasal 25 pasal 27 → Imamat 26 (disingkat Im 26) adalah bagian dari Kitab Imamat yaitu kitab ke-3 dalam Alkitab Ibrani dan Perjanjian Lama di Alkitab Kristen. Termasuk dalam kumpulan kitab Taurat yang disusun oleh Musa.[1][2] Teks Naskah sumber utama: Masoretik, Taurat Samaria, Septuaginta dan Naskah Laut Mati....

 

Sergio Gómez

Sergio Gómez Gómez bersama Anderlecht pada 2022Informasi pribadiNama lengkap Sergio Gómez Martín[1]Tanggal lahir 4 September 2000 (umur 23)Tempat lahir Badalona, SpainTinggi 171 cm (5 ft 7 in)[1]Posisi bermain Gelandang serang, bek kiriInformasi klubKlub saat ini Manchester CityNomor 21Karier junior Trajana Badalona Espanyol2010–2018 Barcelona2018 Borussia DortmundKarier senior*Tahun Tim Tampil (Gol)2017–2018 Barcelona B 2 (0)2018–2019 Borussia D...

 

Japanese submarine I-48

I-48 at Otsujima Naval Base on 9 January 1945. History Empire of Japan NameSubmarine No. 378 BuilderSasebo Naval Arsenal, Sasebo, Japan Laid down19 June 1943 Launched12 December 1943 RenamedI-48 on 12 December 1943 Completed5 September 1944 Commissioned5 September 1944 FateSunk 23 January 1945 Stricken10 May 1945 General characteristics Class and typeType C2 submarine Displacement 2,595 tonnes (2,554 long tons) surfaced 3,621 tonnes (3,564 long tons) submerged Length109.3...

Regiment Port Natal

Regiment Port NatalRegiment Port Natal emblemActive1969Country South AfricaAllegiance  Republic of South Africa Branch  South African Army TypeInfantryRoleMotorised InfantrySizeOne BattalionPart ofSouth African Infantry CorpsArmy Conventional ReserveGarrison/HQDurbanMotto(s)Latin: Oppugnamus (Attack)Military unit Regiment Port Natal was a motorised infantry regiment of the South African Army. It formed part of the South African Army Infantry Formation. As a reserve unit, ...

 

KZRX

Radio station in Dickinson, North Dakota KZRXDickinson, North DakotaBroadcast areaDickinson, North DakotaFrequency92.1 MHzBrandingZ92.1ProgrammingFormatMainstream rockAffiliationsPremiere NetworksOwnershipOwneriHeartMedia, Inc.(iHM Licenses, LLC)Sister stationsKCAD, KLTCHistoryFirst air date1983; 41 years ago (1983) (as KRRB)Former call signsKRRB (1983–1998)Technical informationFacility ID57741ClassC3ERP17,000 wattsHAAT122 meters (400 ft)LinksWebcastListen LiveWebsite...

 

Kyle McFadzean

English footballer Kyle McFadzean McFadzean in 2011Personal informationFull name Kyle John McFadzean[1]Date of birth (1987-02-28) 28 February 1987 (age 37)[2]Place of birth Sheffield, EnglandHeight 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[3]Position(s) Centre back[4]Team informationCurrent team Blackburn RoversNumber 55Youth career0000–2005 Sheffield UnitedSenior career*Years Team Apps (Gls)2005–2007 Sheffield United 0 (0)2007–2010 Alfreton Town 85 (3)2010�...

أتراك

هذه المقالة عن المجموعة العرقية الأتراك وليس عن من يحملون جنسية الجمهورية التركية أتراكTürkler (بالتركية) التعداد الكليالتعداد 70~83 مليون نسمةمناطق الوجود المميزةالبلد  القائمة ... تركياألمانياسورياالعراقبلغارياالولايات المتحدةفرنساالمملكة المتحدةهولنداالنمساأسترالي�...

 

聖餐禮

本條目存在以下問題，請協助改善本條目或在討論頁針對議題發表看法。 此條目可能包含原创研究。 (2014年3月7日)请协助補充参考资料、添加相关内联标签和删除原创研究内容以改善这篇条目。详细情况请参见讨论页。 此條目過於依赖第一手来源。 (2014年3月7日)请補充第二手及第三手來源，以改善这篇条目。 传统上，一般用饼与酒的图像代表圣餐（圣体与圣血） 基督教系�...

 

Kota Tacloban

Peta menunjukkan lokasi Tacloban City Tacloban City merupakan nama kota di Filipina dan kota pelabuhan di Provinsi Leyte. Jembatan San Juanico terletak di kota ini. Pada tahun 2010, kota ini memiliki jumlah penduduk sebanyak 236.005 jiwa dan memiliki lebih dari 46.275 tempat tinggal. Kota ini memiliki angka kepadatan penduduk sebesar 1.170 jiwa/km². Pembagian wilayah Secara administratif Tacloban terbagi menjadi 138 barangay, yaitu: Barangay 2 Nula-tula (Barangay 3 & 3A) Libertad (Barang...

2021年夏季世界大學運動會開幕式

此條目需要补充更多来源。 (2023年8月1日)请协助補充多方面可靠来源以改善这篇条目，无法查证的内容可能會因為异议提出而被移除。致使用者：请搜索一下条目的标题（来源搜索：2021年夏季世界大學運動會開幕式 — 网页、新闻、书籍、学术、图像），以检查网络上是否存在该主题的更多可靠来源（判定指引）。 2021年夏季世界大學運動會開幕式开幕典礼2023年7月28日開...

 

Johnny Yong Bosch

American actor (born 1976) Johnny Yong BoschBosch at GalaxyCon Richmond in 2024BornJohn Jay Bosch (1976-01-06) January 6, 1976 (age 48)Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.Other namesKevin HatcherOccupationsActormusiciansingermartial artistYears active1994–presentSpouse Amy Bosch ​(m. 2003)​Children2Musical careerInstrument(s)VocalsguitarMember ofWhere Giants FallFormerly ofEyeshine Musical artistWebsiteeyeshine.net Johnny Yong Bosch (born John Jay Bosch; J...

 

Altra Running

American manufacturing company Altra RunningCompany typeSubsidiaryIndustryFootwearFounded2009; 15 years ago (2009)FounderGolden Harper, Brian Beckstead,Jeremy Howlett, Quirl Jacob HansenHeadquartersLogan, Utah, United States [1]Area servedWorldwideProductsAthletic shoesParentVF CorporationWebsitealtrarunning.comFootnotes / references[2][3][4][5][6] Altra Running, commonly known as Altra, is an American manufacturing co...

Pêr I dari Bretagne

Pêr IAdipati BretagneBerkuasa1213–1221 (sbg adipati)1221–1237 (sbg pemangku takhta)PendahuluAlixPenerusYann Irekan pemimpinAlixKelahiranskt. 1187Kematian26 Mei 1250 (usia 63)PasanganAlixNicoleMarguerite dari CommequiersKeturunanYann IYolande, Comtesse PenthrièvreArzhurOliver I dari MachecoulWangsaWangsa DreuxAyahRobert II dari DreuxIbuYolande de CoucyAgamaKatolik Roma Lambang Pêr I, Adipati Bretagne dan penerusnya. Pêr I (bahasa Prancis: Pierre; skt. 1187 – 26 Mei 1250), dikenal...

 

Natural logarithm

Logarithm to the base of the mathematical constant e Base e redirects here. For the numbering system which uses e as its base, see Non-integer base of numeration § Base e. Natural logarithmGraph of part of the natural logarithm function. The function slowly grows to positive infinity as x increases, and slowly goes to negative infinity as x approaches 0 (slowly as compared to any power law of x).General informationGeneral definition ln ⁡ x = log e ⁡ x {\displaystyle \ln x=...

 

Emmen (Lucerne)

Cet article est une ébauche concernant une localité suisse. Vous pouvez partager vos connaissances en l’améliorant (comment ?) selon les recommandations des projets correspondants. Pour les articles homonymes, voir Emmen. Emmen Emmen. Armoiries Drapeau Administration Pays Suisse Canton Lucerne Arrondissement électoral Hochdorf Localité(s) Emmen-Dorf, Emmenbrücke Communes limitrophes Buchrain, Ebikon, Eschenbach, Littau, Lucerne, Neuenkirch, Rothenburg Maire Mandat Ramona Gut-Rog...

Central Committee of the 13th Congress of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks)

Central Committee of the 13th Congress← 12th14th →The Presidium of the 13th Party Congress2 June 1924 – 31 December 1925LeadershipGeneral SecretaryJoseph StalinSecond SecretaryVyacheslav MolotovInner-groupsPolitburo: 7 full & 6 candidatesSecretariat: 7 full & 3 candidatesOrgburo: 12 full & 6 candidatesCandidatesApparatusNo. of departments11 The Central Committee (CC) composition was elected by the 13th Congress, and sat from 2 June 1924 until 31 ...

 

Kusaka Genzui

Japanese samurai Kusaka GenzuiNative name久坂 玄瑞Birth nameKusaka HidezaburōBornMay 1840 (1840)Hagi, Nagato Province, JapanDiedAugust 20, 1864(1864-08-20) (aged 24)Kyoto, JapanBuriedKyoto Ryozen Gokoku Shrine, Kyoto, JapanAllegianceChōshū DomainBattles/warsBattle of Shimonoseki Straits Shimonoseki Campaign Kinmon incidentSpouse(s) Sugi Fumi ​(m. 1857⁠–⁠1864)​RelationsKusaka Ryōteki (father) Tomiko (mother) Kusaka Genki (broth...

 

グリーンインフラ

米国シアトルの街路側群と隣接する浸透性コンクリート歩道 雨水が浸潤によって土壌へ。この機能を介して都市流出水を処理する市内ストーム下水道の役割 この記事は別の言語から大ざっぱに翻訳されたものであり、場合によっては不慣れな翻訳者や機械翻訳によって翻訳されたものかもしれません。 翻訳を改善してくださる方を募集しています。 グリーンインフラ...

Naintré

Naintrécomune Naintré – Veduta LocalizzazioneStato Francia Regione Nuova Aquitania Dipartimento Vienne ArrondissementChâtellerault CantoneChâtellerault-1 TerritorioCoordinate46°46′N 0°29′E46°46′N, 0°29′E (Naintré) Altitudine49 e 131 m s.l.m. Superficie24,83 km² Abitanti5 955[1] (2009) Densità239,83 ab./km² Altre informazioniCod. postale86530 Fuso orarioUTC+1 Codice INSEE86174 CartografiaNaintré Sito istituzionaleModifica dati s...

 

Cinema of Sweden

This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages) This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.Find sources: Cinema of Sweden – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (July 2009) (Learn how and when to remove this messa...