'He had a gift and an extraordinary one' - AP McCoy, Nicky Henderson and more remember racing hero Alastair Down

Alastair Down, one of the greats of the racing media, has been remembered across all fractions of the sport and hailed as a master of his trade following his death at the age of 68. Tributes have been paid from a number of leading figures from the sport . . .

Alastair Down was one of a kind. It was always a pleasure to be interviewed by him over the years. I enjoyed his company and he had such a brilliant way with the English language. A huge loss to racing and he will be greatly missed.
Sir Anthony McCoy, 20-time champion jockey

It's a sad day. With all deference to the great writers, he was totally unique and his gift was just amazing. His passion for it was unbelievable, particularly jumps racing, and we're very lucky to be able to go back and reread his work. It brings tears to your eyes for those memories but they cheer you up on a dull day too, he could do that. He was just brilliant and we all loved him.
Nicky Henderson, six-time champion trainer

I've known Alastair for a very long time and I'm quite lost for words. He became a great mate of mine after he did an open day for Captain Tim Forster at Downton Hall and subsequently we've had some very, very amusing days out. Most of it is unrepeatable though! I think there's a lot of people out there who aspire to write like him, it's that simple. He had a gift, and an extraordinary one, which was the command of the written word which was a rare talent. People who met him were greatly enthused to have met him.
Henry Daly, trainer

I couldn't believe it when my brother phoned this morning. There was that lovely day last week when we were revved to have won his novice hurdle and they were all up in the box with him. I knew him forever and what's lovely is we have so many happy memories.
Sam Twiston-Davies, jockey and winning rider of the Alastair Down Press Room Novices' Hurdle on Potters Charm last week

I am sure we are all joined in grief, but also recalling with fondness our favourite article or turn of phrase from the vast catalogue of glorious memories that he has gifted us all. We were so fortunate to have him. A gifted and peerless wordsmith, he will be so greatly missed by all of us.
Julie Harrington, chief executive of the BHA

As a presenter of this sport I'm probably not fit to lace Alastair's boots, certainly in terms of his ability as a wordsmith – he was a magician with words, written and spoken. I've used his language many times, particularly at Cheltenham when he talked about the cathedral and the Irish pilgrimage. He'll forever be associated with Cheltenham. Reading the Racing Post website this afternoon I saw his words about having his ashes scattered at the top of the hill at Cheltenham and I'm sure we'll all think of him come March. I will say a few nice words about him tomorrow and I'll probably end the show with some words he'd have used about our great sport. I hope I'll find something fitting.
Ed Chamberlin, ITV Racing's lead presenter

It's very sad news. What an amazing man he was and what a great writer. It was fitting he was able to be there for the opening of his press room at Cheltenham last week.
Emma Lavelle, trainer

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Alastair Down. I know how well thought of he was as a gifted journalist. I send my condolences to his many friends and loved ones.
Stephanie Peacock, sports minister

A genius wordsmith who made everyone feel like they were at the races, whether they were watching at home or reading one of his articles. Rest easy, Alastair.
Oli Bell, ITV Racing presenter

It's awful news, I was very fond of him. He was a great writer and a tremendous supporter of jump racing but he was also a wonderful man. He'd regularly send me messages and keep in touch. He'll be a great loss.
Alan King, trainer

I grew up watching Channel 4 Racing, it was a golden era and he was a huge part of the team, its DNA. He was also a great wordsmith and it's very sad news.
Anthony Honeyball, trainer

A giant in our sport, admired and revered by all. A genius with words, both written and spoken, passionate, very funny and yet vulnerable and complicated. We all cared about him. Love to his family.
Mike Cattermole, broadcaster

Alastair had an unparalleled way with words, whether written or spoken, funny or serious, and the rare skill of virtually always hitting the right note. Above all, he had a tremendous passion for the sport and understanding of it, which shone through in all his work.
David Cleary, president of the Horserace Writers and Photographers Association (HWPA)

Remembering Alastair Down:

Legendary Racing Post writer and beloved broadcaster, dies aged 68 

Alastair Down: a master conjuror of words and a cherished advocate for racing 

Alastair's love of racing sang from every line - and his ability to tell the story of a race was unmatched