Peter O'Sullevan, born on March 3rd, 1918, became one of the most respected figures in horse racing history, earning the nickname “The Voice of Racing” during his remarkable 50-year career with the BBC.
His early life reflected his privileged upbringing as the son of Colonel John Joseph O'Sullevan DSO, who served as the resident magistrate at Killarney.
Following his parents' separation, young Peter was raised in considerable comfort by his maternal grandparents, Sir John and Lady Henry, at their impressive Gatton Park estate near Reigate in Surrey.
His aristocratic background afforded him access to horses from an early age. Family anecdotes paint a picture of a child so devoted to his pony that he once caused local concern when he disappeared, only to be found holding an umbrella over his beloved mount in the rain.
His privileged status was further evident in his education, attending the exclusive Hawtreys prep school at Westgate-on-Sea before moving on to the prestigious Charterhouse public school.
Health concerns later led to his enrolment at the elite Collège Alpin International Beau Soleil in Switzerland.
Despite these advantages of birth and circumstance, O'Sullevan's later success in journalism and broadcasting was very much his own achievement.
A pivotal moment came when the family's head groom took him to Epsom at age seven, sparking a lifelong passion that would eventually lead him to become one of Britain's most respected sports broadcasters, earning his success through talent and dedication rather than relying on his family's position in society.
Journey into Broadcasting
Peter O'Sullevan's broadcasting career stands as one of the most remarkable in sports history.
His journey began in 1947 when he pioneered some of television's earliest sports commentary at a time when the medium itself was in its infancy.
His first BBC commentary came in January 1948, marking the beginning of what would become a 50-year tenure that would forever change horse racing broadcasting.
O'Sullevan developed a distinctive style that set him apart from his contemporaries. His approach was characterised by what became known as a “hectic drawl” – a laid-back delivery that could still convey intense drama without showing bias.
He firmly believed that commentary should never attempt to be humorous, understanding that viewers often had money at stake in the races he was calling.
His voice became the soundtrack to some of racing's most historic moments. He called home legendary horses such as Arkle, Red Rum, Desert Orchid, Sea Bird, Nijinsky, and Dancing Brave.
Perhaps his most famous call came during Red Rum's unprecedented third Grand National victory in 1977, where his commentary captured both the historical significance and the electric atmosphere at Liverpool.
International Reach
O'Sullevan's multilingual abilities – he was fluent in French from his Swiss schooling – enabled him to become a truly international broadcaster.
He covered approximately 30 runnings of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and his expertise took him to racetracks across the United States and Ireland.
During the 1960s, he even ventured into covering trotting events from Rome, demonstrating his versatility as a commentator.
Notable Moments
Perhaps his most celebrated commentary came during Red Rum's unprecedented third Grand National victory in 1977.
His words still resonate today: “They're willing him home now. The 12-year-old Red Rum, being preceded only by loose horses… It's hats off and a tremendous reception, you've never heard one like it at Liverpool”.
The 1981 Grand National provided another defining moment when Bob Champion, who had recovered from cancer, rode Aldaniti to victory.
O'Sullevan's sensitive handling of this emotional story demonstrated his skill in weaving human interest with racing commentary.
Similarly, his call of Foinavon's incredible 100/1 victory in 1967, when the horse avoided a mass pile-up at what is now known as Foinavon's Fence, showcased his ability to maintain clarity during chaos.
Beyond the commentary box, O'Sullevan established himself as one of racing's most respected journalists.
His 35-year tenure at the Daily Express coincided with the paper's golden era, where his insider knowledge and extensive network of contacts regularly provided exclusive stories that competitors couldn't match.
Hugh McIlvanney, the renowned sportswriter, perhaps best captured O'Sullevan's journalistic prowess when he said:
“Had he been on the rails at Balaclava he would have kept pace with the Charge of the Light Brigade, listing the fallers in precise order and describing the riders' injuries before they hit the ground”.
O'Sullevan's influence extended far beyond his commentary and writing. He built an impressive network of contacts throughout the racing world, from stable lads to aristocratic owners, maintaining relationships that crossed social boundaries.
His inside knowledge of work on home gallops, trainers' plans, and jockeys' opinions often put him ahead of even the bookmakers' intelligence networks.
This comprehensive understanding of the sport's every facet made him not just a commentator or journalist but racing's most trusted voice.
Horse Ownership
Peter O'Sullevan's journey as a racehorse owner is a fascinating tale of perseverance rewarded.
His early years in ownership were marked by a string of disappointments – in his first 15 years, he owned 16 horses without a single one finishing in the top three.
This trying period began rather dramatically when, during wartime, he took delivery of his first horse, Wild Thyme, to his Chelsea flat and had to ride it bareback to Richmond Park.
Everything changed with the arrival of Be Friendly, a horse that would transform O'Sullevan's fortunes as an owner.
Be Friendly
Purchased for £2,940, Be Friendly proved to be an exceptional investment. As a two-year-old in 1966, the sprinter made history by winning the inaugural Vernons Sprint Cup at Haydock Park, setting a record by earning £44,000 in aggregate prize money that year – a remarkable sum for the time.
Be Friendly's success continued to grow. The horse stepped into championship class by claiming the prestigious King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, followed by another victory in the Vernons Sprint Cup.
At four years old, Be Friendly's achievements reached new heights with victories in both the Prix du Gros-Chene at Chantilly and the Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp.
The horse's success was so significant that it was later syndicated for £120,000 as a stallion – a remarkable return on O'Sullevan's initial investment.
Further Success with Attivo
O'Sullevan's second major success came with Attivo, trained by Cyril Mitchell.
Despite having “feet turned out like Charlie Chaplin” and being “as narrow as a plank,” Attivo defied early skepticism to become a champion.
The horse provided O'Sullevan with one of his most memorable moments as both owner and broadcaster when winning the 1974 Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.
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This victory created a uniquely challenging situation for O'Sullevan, who had to maintain his professional composure while commentating on his own horse's victory, leading to his famously hesitant announcement: “And it's first Attivo, owned by, uh, Peter O'Sullevan”.
Attivo went on to add more prestigious victories to his record, including the Chester Cup and the Northumberland Plate.
O'Sullevan's final victory as an owner came fittingly on his last day of commentary at Newbury in 1997, when his horse Sounds Fyne won the Fulke Walwyn Chase.
Retirement and Legacy
Peter O'Sullevan retired from broadcasting in 1997 at the age of 79. His final Grand National commentary that year was particularly poignant, and he revealed that his commentary binoculars came from a German submarine.
His retirement in 1997 marked the end of an extraordinary era in sports broadcasting. His final year behind the microphone was filled with emotional moments, none more touching than his last Grand National commentary.
Throughout his career, he had called the race using an extraordinary piece of equipment – a pair of binoculars salvaged from a German U-boat, which had served him faithfully for most of his 50-year career.
His contribution to racing earned him numerous accolades, culminating in his knighthood in 1997 – a groundbreaking achievement as he became the first sports broadcaster to receive this honour.
His journey to knighthood included earlier recognition with an OBE in 1977 and CBE in 1991. The racing establishment further acknowledged his expertise by electing him to the prestigious Jockey Club in 1987, and in 2010, Aintree Racecourse named him among their first “Grand National Legends”.
Charity Work
After stepping away from the microphone, O'Sullevan channelled his energy and influence into charitable causes.
In 1997, he established the Peter O'Sullevan Charitable Trust, which would go on to raise more than £3.5 million for animal welfare causes.
His commitment to these causes remained unwavering even after the death of his wife Patricia in 2009, demonstrating his deep dedication to improving the lives of horses and farm animals.
The trust's funds were distributed among several organisations, including:
- The Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre
- Racing Welfare
- Blue Cross
- Compassion in World Farming
- The Brooke
- World Horse Welfare
His advocacy work extended beyond fundraising, as he became a powerful voice for reform within racing, particularly campaigning against excessive use of the whip and advocating for safer racing conditions at notorious obstacles like Becher's Brook at Aintree.
This commitment to animal welfare and racing reform became his defining mission in his later years, transforming him from the voice of racing to one of its most influential advocates for positive change.
O'Sullevan passed away on July 29th, 2015, at the age of 97, leaving behind an unmatched legacy in horse racing broadcasting.
His voice and expertise helped shape horse racing coverage for half a century, and his influence continues to be felt in the sport today.
