Racing mourns death of respected journalist and broadcaster at 61

Tom O'Ryan, the much respected, award-winning racing journalist and broadcaster, has died at the age of 61. He had been battling lung cancer.

O’Ryan, Racing Journalist of the Year in 2002, had also been a talented Flat jockey and one of the leading apprentices of his era. Starting his career as a 16-year-old weighing 6st 2lb, he partnered top-class performers Gunner B and Alverton on course and Sea Pigeon, Night Nurse, Little Owl and Alverton in home work – a quartet who won four Champion Hurdles and two Cheltenham Gold Cups.

O’Ryan rode for Pat Rohan, Peter Easterby and as a freelance for 12 years before weight forced him to turn his hand to journalism. He soon made an impact, working as a racereader for Raceform
and joining the Racing Post as northern correspondent as well as becoming a presenter and pundit for Racing UK.