Alastair Down: delight for disciples as miracle worker Martin Tate lands monster punt at Cheltenham
Legendary Racing Post writer Alastair Down has died at the age of 68. To celebrate his remarkable life, we will be republishing some of his finest work, including this piece remembering a huge Cheltenham Festival gamble executed by trainer Martin Tate.
This article was first published on February 17, 2011.
Okay, you are in Cana for a wedding. It's a bit of a dry old do and you are thinking of leaving to have a bet in the seller at Galilee when some bearded bloke, just turned 30, walks in and turns six stone jars full of water into wine.
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Published on inAlastair Down 1956-2024
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- 'Those extraordinary words came from the heart' - friends and colleagues pay tribute to Alastair Down
- For 30 years I only knew Alastair Down's public persona - then, after 30 minutes, it was as if I'd known him forever
- No gloom or trace of pity to be found - Alastair Down’s moving interview with JT McNamara
- Alastair Down: Nicky Henderson, the visionary who is losing the power to see
- 'When the time comes I suspect my ashes will find their final resting place at the top of the hill - a place where all dreams are still alive'
- 'Those extraordinary words came from the heart' - friends and colleagues pay tribute to Alastair Down