Sir Peter O'Sullevan was an Irish-British horse racing commentator for the BBC, and a correspondent for the Press Association, the Daily Express, and Today.
11 Facts About Peter O'Sullevan
1.
2.
Peter O'Sullevan was the BBC's leading horse racing commentator from 1947 to 1997, during which time he described some of the greatest moments in the history of the Grand National.
3.
The son of Colonel John Joseph O'Sullevan, resident magistrate at Killarney, and Vera, Peter O'Sullevan was born in Newcastle, County Down before returning as an infant to his parents' home at Kenmare, County Kerry; he was brought up in Surrey, England.
4.
Peter O'Sullevan was educated at Hawtreys, Charterhouse, and later at College Alpin International Beau Soleil in Switzerland.
5.
Peter O'Sullevan commentated on the 1993 Grand National, which was declared void after 30 of the 39 runners failed to realise there had been a false start, and seven went on to complete the course.
6.
Peter O'Sullevan was a racehorse owner, including of Be Friendly, who won the King's Stand Stakes at Ascot, and Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp.
7.
Peter O'Sullevan was twice successful in the Haydock Sprint Cup in 1966 and 1967.
8.
Peter O'Sullevan was succeeded as the BBC's lead commentator by Jim McGrath.
9.
Peter O'Sullevan's name is inscribed on a commemorative plaque at the course, alongside the likes of Ginger McCain and Captain Martin Becher.
10.
Peter O'Sullevan met his wife Patricia, daughter of Frank Duckworth of Manitoba, Canada, at a ball in Manchester in 1947.
11.
Peter O'Sullevan died of cancer at his home in London on 29 July 2015.