ForumGarden

I never understood how anyone watched a horse race on the television with interest (unless they had money riding on the result) but I certainly recognized the professional magnificence of Peter O'Sullevan's informed and dramatic commentaries.

If there have perhaps been a dozen definitive sports commentators in history then he's firmly placed among them. There was a rabid screamer in Formula One called Murray something, I think. Henry Longhurst on golf. John Arlott of blessed memory. Master Coleman presiding over football, Eddie Waring up north with the league and Cliff Morgan down south with Rugby Union and Bill McLaren towering over both of them. Ron Pickering at athletics meetings, Carpenter with his boxing, Ted Lowe at the billiard hall.

All gone, all remembered, all voices that can still be instantly brought to mind.

I think you'll find that Murray Whatsisname (Walker - ex Formula 1), is, in fact still with us ! He said, in an interview, some while back that he always stood up to do his commentaries on the Formula 1 - he could not be seated at all ! I bet that when he watches F1 on TV, and you can be sure that he does, he will no doubt be commentating as if he was there, and I wouldn't doubt that he was standing up to watch the TV as well ! LOL

Rest in peace, Peter O'Sullevan - the voice of horse racing.

All these famous and instantly recognisable experts in their respective subjects, voices that I associate with my youth and into my middle age, are now gone, and it just brings it home to me that I am getting close to calling it a day myself - a very sobering thought, and an activity which I shall put off for as long as I possibly can. Besides I haven't managed to get back all the NI payments that I have made over the decades !!!