Tributes paid to racing broadcaster

TOM O'RYAN, an award-winning racing journalist and broadcaster, has died aged 61, family friend Richard Fahey announced on Twitter.

He was a former jockey and well-regarded apprentice on the Flat. O’Ryan was deeply respected within the sport and held a long-term reporting roles with the Racing Post - he was named Racing Journalist of the Year in 2002.

O’Ryan was also an anchor and analyst for Racing UK, a columnist for www.sportinglife.com, a qualified jockeys’ coach and a work-rider for Malton-based Fahey.

Fahey said tonight: “Devastated to say that Tom O’Ryan passed away earlier today. Can’t say how much we will all miss him.”

Jonjo O’Neill said he was “heartbroken and lost for words”. O’Ryan is survived by his wife, Wendy, and brother, Robin.