Legendary racing journalist and broadcaster Alastair Down has passed away aged 68.

Down is the only journalist to have been named racing writer of the year on five separate occasions.

He wrote for the Racing Post and The Sporting Life over four decades and was also a long-time member of the Channel 4 Racing coverage and became lead presenter in 2001.

Down’s passing came one week after the press box at Cheltenham was named in his honour.

Tributes have poured in across the racing world as they mourn the loss of Down.

The Racing Post described him as the ‘most celebrated, decorated and cherished racing writer of modern times’ – and editor Tom Kerr paid tribute to the iconic figure.

“We have lost a great friend and ally who delighted readers and colleagues alike for decades with his magnificent writing, passion for the sport and sense of fun,” Kerr said.

“It is so poignant that just last week we gathered with Alastair at his beloved Cheltenham to celebrate the renaming of the press room in his honour. Alastair was in ebullient mood among friends, family and colleagues.

“While it is shocking that he has died so soon after this wonderful gathering, it is so fitting that his last act involved a few glasses of good Burgundy and the company of many loved ones at the racecourse he cherished above all others. It is the sort of send-off that Alastair, in his pomp, might have written for himself.”

The British Horseracing Authority said: “A genius with a pen and a peerless broadcaster, Alastair will be remembered as one of the greatest writers in racing history.

“His contribution to the sport was immeasurable and he will be sorely missed on British racecourses.

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“The thoughts of everyone at the BHA are with Alastair’s family and friends.”

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls said of Down: “How sad, top man, top journalist always enjoyed my chats with him including at Cheltenham last Friday. RIP Alastair.”

The Racecourse Association added: “All at the RCA are saddened to hear the news of Alastair Down’s death.

“His words across a long and successful career delivered the best of our sport to countless readers, inspiring many new fans and writers.

“We were delighted to see his name honoured at Cheltenham Races last week.”

Down’s former colleague Derek Thompson said: “No one could bring racing alive in print in such a tangible and electrifying way.”

Horse racing broadcaster Mike Cattermole wrote: “So pleased Alastair Down was able to be there for the opening of ‘his’ press room.

“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”.