PETER BROMLEY Born: 30/4/1929 Early years: Son of a dentist, lived in Cheshire before settling near Cheltenham National Service: While in Yorkshire, he excelled as a modern pentathlete Early 1950s: One of the first racecourse commentators BBC: Signed up for TV work, and switched to radio in 1959 Career: Commentated on every big race for 40 years, including over 200 Classics

He retired in 2001 after Galileo's Epsom Derby victory, and signed off with a typically booming commentary.

It was his 202nd commentary on a Classic race - a record which began when 66-1 chance Psidium won the 1961 Derby.

As a commentator, Bromley was renowned for his distinctive voice and the ability to pace a commentary, building to a climax at the finish of a race.

His most memorable moments included Red Rum's third win in the 1977 Grand National and Shergar's runaway Derby victory four years later.

In 1981, he also commentated on the emotional victory of Aldaniti and Bob Champion, the jockey who had beaten cancer.

It was a triumph which reduced the broadcaster, and many of his listeners, to tears.

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

He was also on hand to describe the bizarre events of the void Grand National in 1993.

Bromley vividly brought home Desert Orchid's 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup success and Frankie Dettori's 'Magnificent Seven' at Ascot in 1996.

He had started his racing career after leaving the army, working as an assistant trainer and occasional amateur jockey.

After a riding accident, he turned to racecourse commentary and worked as a freelance for both the BBC and independent television.

His first BBC radio commentary was at Newmarket in 1959, and he later became the corporation's first sports correspondent.

Bromley was famed for his meticulous preparation, producing his own racecard detailing the jockeys' colours and other key details.

A modern pentathlete in his youth, he enjoyed rifle shooting in his spare time.

On his retirement, Bromley was presented with a special trophy at Epsom by Lester Piggott, who had been the subject of so many commentaries.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed thousands of races - but all good things must come to an end," said the commentator.

He was diagnosed with cancer less than a year after retiring to Suffolk with his wife Jo.