Peter O'Sullevan facts for kids

Sir Peter O'Sullevan (born March 3, 1918 – died July 29, 2015) was a famous Irish-British sports commentator. He was best known for his amazing work commentating on horse racing for the BBC. For 50 years, from 1947 to 1997, he was the main voice for horse racing on the BBC. He described many of the most exciting moments in the sport, especially during the Grand National race. He also wrote for several newspapers like the Daily Express.

Early Life and Education

Peter O'Sullevan was born in Newcastle, County Down, Ireland. His father, Colonel John Joseph O'Sullevan, was a local judge. Peter moved to Kenmare, County Kerry, as a baby. He grew up in Surrey, England.

He went to several schools, including Hawtreys and Charterhouse. He also studied at Collège Alpin International Beau Soleil in Switzerland.

A Voice for Horse Racing

Peter O'Sullevan started his career in the late 1940s. He was involved in some of the very first television commentaries for any sport. Before horse racing was shown on TV, he did many radio commentaries. The Grand National race was first televised in 1960.

He became the main commentator for many big racing events. These included the Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot. He also covered the Grand National and Glorious Goodwood until he retired in 1997. During his long career, he commentated on about 30 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe races in Paris. He also covered races from the United States and Ireland.

Grand National Moments

Jockey colours

Over 50 years, O'Sullevan commentated on many memorable Grand National races. He described Bob Champion's win on Aldaniti in 1981. This was special because Bob had recovered from cancer. He also called the 1967 race, where a 100/1 outsider horse named Foinavon won.

One of his most famous calls was for Red Rum. This horse won the Grand National three times, in 1973, 1974, and 1977. Peter O'Sullevan also commentated on the 1993 Grand National. This race was later cancelled because many horses did not realize there had been a false start. He called it "the greatest disaster in the history of the Grand National."

The "Voice of Racing"

Peter O'Sullevan became known as the "Voice of Racing." Before his 50th and final Grand National in 1997, he shared a fun fact. He said his commentary binoculars came from a German submarine! In the same year, he was given a special honor. He was knighted, becoming Sir Peter O'Sullevan. At that time, he was the only sports broadcaster to receive this honor.

Racehorse Owner

Sir Peter O'Sullevan also owned racehorses. One of his horses was Be Friendly, who won important races like the King's Stand Stakes. Another horse he owned was Attivo. Attivo won the 1974 Triumph Hurdle. O'Sullevan said this was the hardest race for him to commentate on. After Attivo won, he famously said: "And it's first Attivo, owned by, uh, Peter O'Sullevan..."

Attivo also won the Chester Cup and the Northumberland Plate. Sir Peter's last race commentary was at Newbury in 1997. After he retired, Jim McGrath took over as the BBC's main horse racing commentator.

Charity Work and Legacy

After retiring, Sir Peter O'Sullevan dedicated his time to charity. He raised money for causes that protect horses and farm animals. These included the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH).

In 2008, a race at the Cheltenham Festival was named after him. It was called the National Hunt Challenge Chase Cup, to celebrate his 90th birthday. In 2010, Aintree Racecourse named him one of the first "Grand National Legends." His name is now on a special plaque at the racecourse.

Personal Life

Peter O'Sullevan met his wife, Patricia Duckworth, in 1947. She was from Canada. Patricia sadly passed away in 2010 from Alzheimer's disease.

Sir Peter O'Sullevan died from cancer at his home in London on July 29, 2015.