SJA members 
are offered one-third off the price to attend a special dinner in honour of “The Voice of Racing” and former Daily Express correspondent Sir Peter O’Sullevan, being staged next week at the Leander Club in Henley.
Sir Peter O’Sullevan is an iconic sports commentator.
For half a century his honeyed tones provided the indelible soundtrack for racing’s collective memory, as he called home all the greatest horses – Arkle, Red Rum and Desert Orchid over jumps, Sea-Bird, Sir Ivor, Nijinsky, Brigadier Gerard and Mill Reef on the Flat – and all the greatest jockeys – Lester Piggott, Gordon Richards, Scobie Breasley, Fred Winter, Pat Eddery, Frankie Dettori.
But his influence on the sport has reached far beyond the commentaries. Year after year he was the best-informed racing journalist of the lot, with his Daily Express column providing essential reading for any serious punter and his own canny investments becoming the stuff of betting legend.
As a racehorse owner he waited patiently for success, then enjoyed big-race successes with top sprinter Be Friendly in the 1960s and Triumph Hurdle winner Attivo in the 1970s.
O’Sullevan’s career began as journalist for the Press Association before joining the Express as racing correspondent, staying for 36 years. He is also the author of several books.
For decades, he has been a tireless supporter of equine and animal welfare charities, with the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Trust, set up as he retired from BBC commentary in 1997, having raised over £2 million.
Now, racing’s most famous voice comes to the world’s most famous rowing club.
As part of the Henley Literary Festival, you can join O’Sullevan at the Leander Club on Friday evening, September 19, at 7.30pm for a spectacular evening at one of Henley’s most prestigious locations.
He will be in conversation with the well-known racing writer and journalist Sean Magee at Leander Club, where guests will have the chance to discuss every aspect of the sport with a man who has a unique and unmatched knowledge and a personality, and charm that will make for an unforgettable evening.
“It should be a wonderful evening for anyone who loves their sport particularly racing,†said festival director Sue Ryan.
“He is a unique man and it promises to be an extremely entertaining evening which offers a unique opportunity for people to meet and talk to one of sport’s great personalities. Anyone who has ever had the privilege of meeting Sir Peter will tell you, without fail, that it is something not to be missed.â€
Tickets for the evening, which includes a three-course dinner, cost £45. But thanks to committee member Jon Ryan’s negotiating skills, SJA members can book for just £30 if they quote “SJA offer” when calling the box office number on 01491 414 150. Visit the Festival website for more details: www.henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk
SJA MEMBERS: Make sure your profile details are up to date in the 2009 SJA Yearbook by clicking here