Steve Cairns, one of Australia's best known racing radio personalities, has died aged 53.

Cairns was appointed general manager of RadioTAB, the voice of Queensland, South Australian, Northern Territory and Tasmanian racing, earlier this year.

He had a long history in both racing and radio having worked the first shift on the new 4TAB in Brisbane in 1990.

Cairns moved to Victoria 19 years ago and was the group program director for racing station RSN until May this year when he moved back to Brisbane.

UBET chief operating officer Barrie Fletton said Cairns had brought enthusiasm to make major changes at Radio TAB.

"His good humour, knowledge and capability, will be greatly missed by all of his colleagues and members of both the radio industry and racing industry," Fletton said.