Sir Peter O'Sullevan, known as the 'Voice of Racing', has died at the age of 97.
The iconic commentator called 50 Grand Nationals for the BBC from 1947, receiving a knighthood before his retirement in 1997.
"Sir Peter died earlier this afternoon, very peacefully, at home," said Nigel Payne, chief executive of the Sir Peter O'Sullevan Charitable Trust.
"Sir Peter was one of the greatest men I've ever known. Only last week he was talking about what he wanted me to do for the trust in the future. He was still very alert. It's a sad day."
O'Sullevan, born in County Kerry in Ireland on March 3, 1918, began his career working in print journalism for the Press Association in 1944 before joining the Daily Express, where he spent 36 years as racing correspondent.
He was also a successful owner, with Be Friendly winning the King's Stand at Royal Ascot and the Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp along with two Haydock Sprint Cups. His Attivo also claimed victory in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in 1974.