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 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!’.”
