Channel 4 legend dead just one month after receiving huge accolade

ok.co.uk:

Racing has lost one of its most beloved TV presenters, Alastair Down, who has passed away at 68 after a brief illness. Down was a household name as the face of Channel 4 Racing and an acclaimed writer, having worked as a journalist for the Racing Post and Sporting Life.

His passing comes just a week after he was honoured at Cheltenham racecourse, where the Press Room was renamed in his honour.

Alastair had attended the ceremony, surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues, and was interviewed by ITV Racing. During the event, he was visibly moved, saying: "Emotional is a cliched way to put it.

It's very moving I can tell you. By the end of the day, I may have had a cup of coffee, and a glass of Champagne and may even shed a tear or two." Cheltenham held a special place in Alastair's heart, having attended every Cheltenham Festival since he was 19.