EPISODE · Sep 28, 1997 · 37 MIN
Peter O'Sullevan
from Desert Island Discs · host BBC Radio 4
Sue Lawley's castaway this week has been the voice of racing for half a century. Due to retire in November 1997, Peter O'Sullevan calculates that he has commentated on some 14,000 races. After calling his last Grand National earlier this year he perhaps breathed a sigh of relief, because even after 50 broadcasts he admits to still finding the responsibility nerve-wracking. Horses have always been his life. He owns them, bets on them, writes about them and campaigns for their welfare, with the same enthusiasm that he had as a young boy riding with his grandparents' groom, Truelove.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Piano Concerto 5 in E Flat Major by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: Ends and Means by Aldous Huxley Luxury: Bottle Of Calvados
What this episode covers
Sue Lawley's castaway this week has been the voice of racing for half a century. Due to retire in November 1997, Peter O'Sullevan calculates that he has commentated on some 14,000 races. After calling his last Grand National earlier this year he perhaps breathed a sigh of relief, because even after 50 broadcasts he admits to still finding the responsibility nerve-wracking. Horses have always been his life. He owns them, bets on them, writes about them and campaigns for their welfare, with the same enthusiasm that he had as a young boy riding with his grandparents' groom, Truelove.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Piano Concerto 5 in E Flat Major by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: Ends and Means by Aldous Huxley Luxury: Bottle Of Calvados
NOW PLAYING
Peter O'Sullevan
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
May 10, 2026 ·62m
May 4, 2026 ·43m
May 3, 2026 ·67m
Apr 27, 2026 ·63m
Apr 26, 2026 ·46m
Apr 21, 2026 ·26m