Derek Thompson to retire from commentary today after 60 years behind the mic
The legendary broadcaster, 74, will call the first three races at Wolverhampton this evening before retiring from the commentary box.
1
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 a little nervous and sad it's coming to an end, but I'm hoping there will be five in a line at the finish so I can give it one last 'photo!'.'
.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
4 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Gregg Wallace breaks silence on John Torode MasterChef axe with warning to TV stars
Gregg Wallace has responded to the news of John Torode's axe from MasterChef after previously claiming he 'won't be the last', revealing what he really thinks of his former co-host Former MasterChef star Gregg Wallace has responded to John Torode's contract not being renewed at the BBC cooking programme following racism allegations. Wallace, 60, was only recently axed from the series following an investigation into his inappropriate behaviour. Banijay - which produces MasterChef - released a report into Wallace 's behaviour on the show, conducted by law firm Lewis Silkin. The company's investigation substantiated 45 of the allegations made against the presenter, the majority of which related to inappropriate sexual language and humour. Meanwhile, a small number of allegations relating to the star being in a state of undress and one claim of unwanted physical contact were also substantiated. Torode, who hosted MasterChef for nearly 20 years, confirmed recently he was the person alleged to have used racist language after an investigation into Wallace. However, Torode claimed he had no memory of making the comment and denies it ever happened. He is reportedly set to take legal actions against his former employers. Earlier this month, the BBC confirmed Torode's contract will not be renewed, saying: "The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.' The production company, Banijay, also said that it had taken the matter 'incredibly seriously'. Following Banijay and the BBC's statement, Wallace responded to the news after claiming he "won't be the last" to be hitting headlines. Speaking in a new interview, Wallace declared: "I'll tell you one thing right now: John Torode is not a racist. I've known John for 30 years and he is not a racist. And as evidence of that, I'll show you the incredible diversity of the people that he has championed, MasterChef winners, over the years." He added to The Sun: "There is no way that man is a racist. No way. And my sympathies go out to John because I don't want anybody to go through what I've been through." Torode said he learned from reading media reports about his 'sacking' from MasterChef for using a racist term but added 'it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else'. The celebrity chef, 59, said he had not heard from the BBC or the production company Banijay UK, and repeated that he still had no recollection of the accusation against him, in a statement posted on his Instagram account on July 15. He then posted a lengthy statement on Instagram, saying: "Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I've been 'sacked' from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of. 'The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong. I'd hoped that I'd have some say in my exit from a show I've worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in last few days seem to have prevented that.' Wallace was sacked by the BBC after a report led by law firm Lewis Silkin, and published on July 14, said that a total of 45 out of the 83 allegations made against Wallace, during his time on the show, were substantiated, including one allegation of 'unwelcome physical contact'. Speaking after the findings was revealed, Wallace said in a statement: "For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait. None of the serious allegations against me were upheld. "I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended. I'm relieved that the Banijay report fully recognises that my behaviour changed profoundly in 2018. Some of my humour and language missed the mark." He added: "I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off. After nearly 20 years on the show, I now see that certain patterns, shaped by traits I've only recently begun to understand, may have been misread. "I also accept that more could have been done, by others and by myself, to address concerns earlier. A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I'm perceived. I'm still learning. Banijay have given me great support, and I thank them. But in the end, the BBC left me exposed to trial by media and the damage it leaves in its wake." Wallace went on to say: "To those who've shown kindness, thank you. It mattered. This has been brutal. For a working-class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place. "I was the headline this time. But I won't be the last. There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people. For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move."
The Sun
4 minutes ago
- The Sun
Lionesses' fans flock to Basel to cheer on team in Euros final – as pubs prepare for bumper day
ENGLAND fans have flocked to Basel to roar on the Lionesses against Spain tomorrow — while millions at home will also be willing our girls to lift the Euro trophy for the second time in a row. Sarina Wiegman 's warriors have the perfect opportunity to avenge their crushing World Cup final defeat by Spain two years ago, and the nation is gearing up for the big match — guaranteeing a bumper day for pubs and supermarkets across the country. 3 Asda expects to sell at least six million pints of beer, 1.3 million bags of crisps and 300,000 pizzas, while a million extra pints will be sold in pubs, giving a huge boost to the economy. The bookies are in for a bonanza too, as in betting terms the match is set to be the biggest in the history of the women's game. England are the underdogs, with their odds currently at 2/1, but 80 per cent of punters are betting on them winning. Coral's John Hill said: 'We are seeing one-way traffic for the Lionesses in our betting, despite them being underdogs. "They have overcome the odds a few times in Switzerland, so the bookmakers are staring down the barrel at a bumper payout should they win.' England fans arriving at Basel Airport yesterday were convinced their heroines can triumph. Women's football consultant Andrea Ekblad, from St Albans, Herts, said: 'I was at the final at Wembley when they won the Euros in 2022. 'I'm superstitious, so I'm wearing the shirt I wore in 2022 — hopefully that helps them win.' Ava Lambert, 16, of Chelmsford, Essex, said: 'I've been watching all the games at home so I'm really pleased to be here for the final. 'Good luck England, you can do it.' England Lionesses press conference ahead of Euro 2025 final vs Spain 3
Daily Mail
4 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Martin reveals long-held desire to link up with Crystal Palace ace as Rangers boss hopes to bring winger to Ibrox
Rangers boss Russell Martin has admitted he is a long-time admirer of potential transfer target Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. Martin confirmed his interest in the Crystal Palace winger after it was revealed the Ibrox club have made an enquiry about taking the 22-year-old on loan with a possible option to buy. Rak-Sakyi has played 10 first-team games for Palace, and scored seven goals in 36 appearances for Sheffield United on loan last season. The England Under-21 international previously hit 15 goals during a season-long loan with Charlton. When asked about the reports, former Southampton manager Martin told Sky Sports News: 'There's a lot of players we'll be linked with. Some wide of the mark, some very close and some spot-on. 'He's a player I liked at Southampton, we tried to take him there and it didn't quite happen. 'So, he's a player I like and I think he's a player the recruitment staff like. But, how far that's gone, I'm not too sure.' Asked if the winger fitted the profile of players he is looking for, Martin added: 'He's a really good player. We look at all sorts of different profiles who we think can help the team. It doesn't necessarily have to be the one type of profile. 'Players are very different, we just need players with the right mentality that are desperate to come and play here. We will see where we end up in four weeks' time.' Meanwhile, Rangers midfielder Joe Rothwell is confident the Ibrox side are now in pole position to progress in their Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos. They beat the Greeks 2-0 earlier this week and will travel to Athens in a commanding position for Wednesday's second leg. Rothwell, 30, impressed on his competitive debut, and believes Rangers should fancy their chances of finishing the job. 'I think we have to now, yeah,' he said. 'At 2-0, it's a good scoreline, especially in this format. 'So we'll go out there and obviously we won't be looking to defend it. We'll try to win the game and score as many goals as we can. The win can be huge. 'The manager said in his press conference it was not going to be a season-defining game, but we wanted to put on a show and really show how he wants to do things. 'I think we managed to do that, controlled the game as we like to do and were just a bit disappointed we didn't go and probably kill the game off a little bit more. 'But we can't complain too much. It's a win and we'll take a lead over there next week.' Rangers should have been behind before 19-year-old winger Findlay Curtis opened the scoring in the 52nd minute. After a nervy first half, they had to rely on the brilliance of Jack Butland to make a series of vital saves to keep the game at 0-0. Rothwell, who was signed from Bournemouth in the summer, was impressed by his first taste of a European night at Ibrox. 'Loved it,' he said. 'Obviously you hear stories from the outside but, when you actually get out there and experience it, it's fantastic. 'I'm sure the fans are going to be behind us in every single game and we'll need them. 'There will be times where it might be a bit tough for us, but I'm sure they'll get behind us and then get us over the finish line. 'You can really see what the manager wants us to do and how we want to play. It was obviously another good test for us and we came through it in the end.'
