Des Hoysted dead at 86

SYDNEY, March 26 AAP - Renowned Sydney race broadcaster Des Hoysted died in a Sydney nursing home on Thursday night aged 86.

Hoysted began his career on Boxing Day 1948 calling races at Wodonga and a few years later came to Sydney as understudy to Joe Brown and later to Ken Howard.

He first began calling for Radio 2GB in 1952 before joining Radio 2UE seven years later where he worked until 1983.

Hoysted came from the famous Victorian racing family and was the nephew of trainer Fred Hoysted who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002.

One of his most famous calls came in the 1982 AJC Derby when he yelled with excitement "Go, Rosie, Go" as Rose Of Kingston, who was trained by his cousin Bob Hoysted, raced to victory.

After his retirement from race calling, Hoysted continued to work into his early 80s conducting on-course televised interviews with winning connections.

He also assisted the course broadcaster with information on what was happening in the stewards' room or parade ring until he became ill a couple of years ago.

Hoysted also called 20 Melbourne Cups for 2UE.

"As a racing commentator Des was held in the highest esteem by all," former colleague and now retired racecaller Ian Craig said.

"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'."

John Tapp, another former colleague, said Hoysted's contribution to race broadcasting was magnificent and said he was highly respected for his accuracy.

"Des' accuracy will always be unparalleled," Tapp said.

"His enthusiasm never waned and his knowledge of the sport was always very highly respected."

Racing NSW CEO Peter V'landys also paid tribute to Hoysted as one of the turf's true personalities.

"Des had the rare talent to make you feel good every time you spoke to him," V'landys said.

"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 a good bloke of the turf."

He is survived by his wife Pat and children Raymond and Joanne.