‘I’m nervous and sad’ – Legendary racing commentator Derek Thompson to retire after 60 years behind the mic
DEREK THOMPSON is officially hanging up his mic after 60 years – and if there is any justice in the world it will be a ‘photo!’ finish.
The legendary broadcaster, 74, will call the first three races at Wolverhampton on Tuesday evening before retiring from the commentary box.
He will continue to work in racing, he just won’t be calling them home anymore.
He said: “I did my first call at a point-to-point when I was 15 and started on radio in 1970. It’s the right time to hand over the binoculars. I’ve so many great memories.”
Thommo was part of the Channel 4 Racing team for nearly 30 years and has one of the most recognisable voices in the sport, with his calls of ‘photo!’ and ‘that’s one for the judge’ his trademark.
His career has also included a spell with the BBC, when he commentated on the Grand National at the age of 22, while he also worked for Sheikh Mohammed in Dubai and defeated the future King Charles III in a charity race.
Two races have been named in his honour at Wolverhampton, the ‘It’s A Photo – Big Fella EBF Restricted Maiden Fillies’ Stakes’ (7.30) and the Thanks For Everything Tommo – Happy Retirement Handicap (9.00).
After a tough day at Ayr in January, when he ‘made a hash’ of the finish in the concluding race, he received lots of abuse and soon after he decided to call it a day.
He said: “I shouldn’t have gone to Ayr, I drove up there on the day and I was tired, I called the result right but made a hash of it.
“I was mortified and I got so much abuse when I was heading home. I put out a video message the next day saying I’d had a bad day and I got so much love and support, it was wonderful.”
Of course, he gained widespread fame more recently when his ‘it’s a man actually, Derek’ and ‘are you well? I thought you were’ clips went viral on social media.
He added: “I’ve had so much fun, Radio 1 DJ Greg James really helped drive it. I have a neon sign at home now which says, ‘Are you well? I thought you were’.
“I’m absolutely stunned by the amount of people that have come up – and that’s not just older people like me, but younger people as well – and said can I have a selfie, can I have your autograph. It’s just lovely.
“The messages I’ve been getting on social media, thank you so much, it’s lovely, it almost brought a tear to my eye. It’s very moving and it makes me feel very proud.
“I’m a little nervous and sad it’s coming to an end, it’s not going to be easy because I still love it to this day and I’m so proud that I’m one of about 20 people that do the race calling in the UK.
“I’m hoping there will be five in a line at the finish so I can give it one last ’photo!’.”
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