DAVID Conolly-Smith, an authority on German racing in the media for over 40 years, has died after a long illness. He was 83.

A member of the International Racing Bureau team of European racing correspondents, Conolly-Smith was based in Munich and wrote for a number of publications including The Irish Field, Racing Post and European Bloodstock News.

Adrian Beaumont of the International Racing Bureau said: “When I joined the IRB, in 1982, David was already a well respected member of the team. For many years he ran a bookshop in Munich but that was only a front for his love of racing and gambling.

“He was happiest talking to British and Irish trainers who planned to run horses in Germany. He was able to give them going reports, likely fields and form updates. He also booked local jockeys to ride if required. Trainers like Sir Mark Prescott – who recently rang David in hospital to congratulate him on his 83rd birthday – loved chatting to him and of course David loved to back the raiders who were often overpriced.

“He was part of a syndicate that won over £900,000 in the Tote Scoop6 in 2000 and in later life he used to do German commentaries on British and Irish racing for the betting shops there.

“My favourite meal with David was when we took Ian Balding and Steve Cauthen to lunch in Koln before Glint Of Gold won the 1984 Preis von Europa – David knew all the best places. David also came out to the Hong Kong International races as the guest of a German trainer – something that he found an eye-opening experience!

“He loved racing but most of all he loved racing folk and they all loved him.”

Conolly-Smith is survived by his long-term partner, Hildi.