Cheltenham countdown - news digest

Cheltenham Racecourse is to rename the 2008 running of the National Hunt Chase at The Festival in honour of Sir Peter O’Sullevan, master commentator, journalist, racehorse owner and charity fund-raiser, who shortly celebrates his 90th birthday.

The race, on Wednesday, March 12, will be known as the Peter O’Sullevan National Hunt Chase for one year, as Cheltenham’s celebration of his 90th birthday on March 3.

In 2007 the race was won by subsequent Irish Grand National winner Butler’s Cabin. Graduates from the race in recent years include Silver Birch, Hot Weld, Miko De Beauchene, Celestial Gold, Stormez and Timbera.

Edward Gillespie, Managing Director of Cheltenham Racecourse, said: "Anyone with even a passing interest in horseracing is in awe of the contribution that Sir Peter has made to the sport in so many ways.

"It is as the doyen of racing commentators that he is best known and loved. He always seemed to find the ideal way to describe the most iconic races and in Cheltenham’s rich history, his commentaries of the Gold Cup wins of Arkle in 1964, 1965 and 1966, Dawn Run in 1986 and Desert Orchid in 1989 will never fade.

Sir Peter O’Sullevan, who first visited The Festival in 1935 to witness the epic Gold Cup encounter between Golden Miller and Thomond II and was successful as an owner at the National Hunt Meeting 39 years later, commented: "I am greatly flattered and honoured to have my name associated with the historic National Hunt Chase. I was ‘lucky’ enough to commentate on the race for many years, including in the days when the course took the runners out of view behind the car park at the back of the stands!

"Cheltenham has always been a special place for me as an owner, journalist and commentator, but also as a lifelong fan of our wonderful sport. Seeing my name linked with a race at The Festival this year will rank alongside the privilege of commentating on Arkle’s breathtaking Gold Cups and the joy of calling home for BBC viewers my own little Triumph Hurdle hero Attivo on March 14, 1974."

Sir Peter will also have his name added to a race at Glorious Goodwood this year on Wednesday, July 30. Sir Peter added: "I’m thrilled to receive a similar honour at Goodwood. For eight decades, no less, my annual return to the most scenic racecourse in the world has been a personal highlight. Both Cheltenham’s and Goodwood’s charming gestures will make 2008 especially memorable for me."