Career Peter O'Sullevan

o sullevan involved in of earliest television commentaries on sport in late 1940s , made many radio commentaries in earlier years (including grand national before televised first time in 1960). on television, voice guided viewers through many of biggest events of racing year, cheltenham festival until 1994, derby until 1979, grand national, royal ascot , glorious goodwood until retired in 1997. during career, called around 30 renewals of prix de l arc de triomphe in paris , racing united states , ireland trotting rome during 1960s.

o sullevan commentates red rum secures unprecedented third grand national victory in 1977

during 50 years of commentating world s famous steeplechase, grand national, o sullevan called home numerous historic victories. these included bob champion s run on aldaniti in 1981 after recovering cancer, 100/1 outsider foinavon s win in 1967, , three-times winner red rum in 1973, 1974 , 1977. perhaps 1 of infamous grand nationals involved in in 1993, declared void after 30 of 39 runners failed realise there had been false start, , 7 went on complete course. runners approached second-last fence in race never was, o sullevan declared greatest disaster in history of grand national.

o sullevan became known voice of racing . in television interview before 50th , last grand national in 1997, revealed commentary binoculars came german submarine. knighted same year – sports broadcaster @ time have been bestowed honour. o sullevan successful racehorse owner, including of friendly, won king s stand stakes @ ascot, , prix de l abbaye de longchamp. twice successful in haydock sprint cup (then vernons sprint) in 1966 , 1967. popular horse owned attivo, victory in 1974 triumph hurdle @ cheltenham festival described o sullevan difficult race call. after passing line, o sullevan uttered: , s first attivo, owned by, uh, peter o sullevan... trained cyril mitchell , ridden robert hughes.

attivo won chester cup , northumberland plate during 1970s. o sullevan s final race commentary came @ newbury 1997 hennessy gold cup, , visited winners enclosure winning owner in race followed courtesy of sounds fyne s victory in fulke walwyn chase. succeeded bbc s lead commentator jim mcgrath.

after retirement, o sullevan actively involved in charity work fundraising causes revolve around protection of horses , farm animals, including international league protection of horses (ilph), thoroughbred rehabilitation centre , compassion in world farming. national hunt challenge chase cup (run @ cheltenham festival) named after him in 2008 celebrate 90th birthday. in 2010, aintree racecourse named o sullevan 1 of 8 inaugural grand national legends . name inscribed on commemorative plaque @ course, alongside likes of ginger mccain , captain martin becher.