Friday, 26 March 2010: Mr Des Hoysted, an icon of Sydney racecallers, passed away last night following illness.
Des, 86, first began calling at Radio 2GB in 1952 for seven years before leaving for Radio 2UE where he spent his next 24 years enthralling his thousands of listeners.
Des finished there in 1983 when 2UE pulled its live broadcast of racing. For a short time afterwards he did post-race interviews at the racetrack for Sky Channel.
He was part of the famous Hoysted racing family and many would remember his famous call of the 1982 AJC Derby when Des called Rose of Kingston to victory (who was trained by his cousin Bob Hoysted) and at the 200m yelled with excitement: “Go, Rosie, Go.”
Former radio colleague, Ian Craig, said: "As a racing commentator Des was held in the highest esteem by all. He was a broadcaster I always wished to emulate.
"I know I speak for all in saying 'thanks a million Des for bringing much warmth and excitement into our homes for so many years'."
Chief executive for Racing NSW, Peter V'landys, said today: “Des had the rare talent to make you feel good every time you spoke to him.
“He would always greet you with a smile, and his positive effervescent personality just shone.
“Des was a personality racecaller adding theatre to his calls. He will be missed as a commentator, and more importantly as good bloke of the turf.”
Another former colleague, John Tapp, added: "Des's accuracy will always be unparalleled. His enthusiasm never waned and his knowledge of the sport was always very highly respected.
"His contribution to radio has been most significant; his contribution to the race broadcasting profession has been magnificent. Des did a superlative job over many years."
Des Hoysted is survived by his wife Pat, and children Raymond and Joanne.
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