Bromley spent 41 years calling races for BBC radio Radio's voice of racing Cornelius Lysaght's tribute

He had been battling cancer and died on Tuesday evening.

He had served as the BBC's racing correspondent for 41 years and only retired after the 2001 Epsom Derby.

During his career he commentated on 202 Classic races.

Bromley served in the army and then as an assistant trainer before he became one of the first racecourse commentators in the early 1950s.

Classic commentaries 1964: Arkle claims first Gold Cup 1977: Red Rum's third National win 1989: Desert Orchid wins Gold Cup

He was signed up for television work and briefly worked alongside Sir Peter O'Sullevan, but switched in 1959 to radio, where he made his name.

Sir Peter said: "He made the decision to go to radio and he did a very good job. He was very conscientious and he did get a lot of satisfaction out of his work.

"He was a good broadcaster and a good advocate for racing in general, not just for commentating.

"Peter was partly responsible for coverage on the radio being extended and he used to get very annoyed if his slot was curtailed or if they came to him late because another sport had overrun.

"He was an excellent colleague - when I was lucky enough to win the King's Stand Stakes with Be Friendly in 1967 I was watching the race in the commentary box and I could hear his commentary in the box next to me.

HAVE YOUR SAY Peter Bromley's voice epitomised horse racing to listeners From Dave Westwell, Newcastle upon Tyne Send your tributes

"After the race he was kind enough to give me his chart of the race, something which we both used to make showing the colours of all the runners, and he dedicated it to me. That gesture shows what kind of man he was.

"Peter was a very, very nice man, a good colleague and he has done a lot for broadcasting and the sport," he added.

Former champion jockey Willie Carson remembered Bromley as "the most amazing man".

Carson added: "I've got a tape at home with me winning the 200th Derby on Troy, and to me hearing his voice was just fantastic - winning my first Derby.

"That will be a memory that will go with me to the grave. That was my first Derby, and his voice was just magic."