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Informative, humorous, plain speaking and with a real passion for the sport he was my all time favourite racing pundit.
Unlike many he was never afraid to say what he was thinking and was a titan of the press room for many years.
RIP
Very sad that was a man who could string a line of words together and so soon after the naming ceremony at Cheltenham last week.
The more I know the less I understand.
Oh no, that’s so sad. Didn’t realize he was was only 68.
Always loved reading his articles and glad he got some kind of special recognition only a week ago.Rest in peace Alastair.
My condolences to his family and friends.
I wasn’t a big fan – he was never one to use a hundred words when a thousand would do – but he was certainly passionate about the sport.
I was fortunate enough to work with Al for many years and it was an utter privilege.
He wrote about racing with a compelling mix of passion, verve and lyricism and I always found him a tremendous fella to deal with. I think he always relished finding a kindred spirit who loved racing.
How poignant that he was able to be there for the renaming of the press room at his beloved Cheltenham. That will have meant the world to him.
RIP, you top man.
Very sad news. It’s good that he was able to attend the ceremony at Cheltenham last week and enjoy the recognition he deserved.
Condolences to all his family and friends.
RIPVery sad news.
He was Mr Cheltenham for me growing up. Always loved his little previews and mini documentaries. It wasn’t quite the same without him.
Can’t believe he was only 68. I thought he was that age 20 years ago lol.
RIP Alastair
The only journalist I felt worth listening to or reading his work.
An incredible gift of bringing excitement to racing via the written word.
RIP.
Terribly sad news.
I do miss that period of Channel 4’s coverage of racing:
Brough Scott (1984–2001)
John Oaksey (1984–1999)
Derek Thompson (1984–2012)
John McCririck (1984–2012)
Jim McGrath (1984–2016)
John Francome (1986–2012)
Mike Cattermole (1995–2016)
Alistair Down (2001–2009)R.I.P. Alistair
Loved his intros into the coverage. They all build it up but Alastair would make it more magical
RIPGaelic Warrior Gold Cup Winner 2026
His obituary in the “Racing Post”. It sounds like he never really recovered from the terrible tragedy that befell him a few years ago:
RIP
Wasn’t aware that his daughter had been murdered; hard to come back from such a tragedy. As a columnist in a past life I greatly appreciated the fluency and lyricism of his writing.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.Very sad especially considering he was only at Cheltenham last week to open the renamed press room, to be fair though, I did think that he didn’t look great but this is still a shock to hear.
Very much recommend his book The Best of Alastair Down: Cheltenham et Al…(I have it on Kindle) which highlights just what a great writer he was with the ability to bring words to life as if you were there.
RIP
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