Derek Thompson signs off at Wolverhampton

Even though there was a clear winner, a trademark shout of “photo!” from Derek Thompson was an appropriate way of bringing the curtain down on his 60-year commentary career at Wolverhampton.

Thompson announced late last year he would retire from commentating in 2025 and subsequently identified Tuesday night’s six-race fixture at Dunstall Park as his last ahead of his upcoming 75th birthday.

With well wishers aplenty on track, ‘Tommo’ called home the first three winners on the card, his final race being the appropriately named It’s A Photo – Big Fella EBF Restricted Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.

The Marco Botti-trained Space Bear (100-30) was a decisive two-length winner in the hands of Luke Morris, but that did not stop Thompson having some fun inside the final furlong, as he said: “Space Bear now takes it up, from Jowalla, coming from a long way back is Lyra Lea, but it’s Space Bear whose going to win the It’s A Photo – Big Fella European Breeders Fund Maiden Stakes!”

Ian Bartlett commentated on the final three races, but Thompson remained in the thick of the action and was on hand to present the connections of Ballsgrove Boy with their winner’s prize following his success in the concluding Thanks For Everything Tommo – Happy Retirement Handicap.

Thompson told Sky Sports Racing: “It has been absolutely incredible, I’m nearly shedding a tear. It’s a ridiculous as I’m a tough cookie, but this is marvellous tonight.

“I’ve enjoyed it and people have come from all over to be here tonight. Normally after the last race people are rushing off to their cars but we’d had thousands here, it’s superb.”

On his final call, he added: “I’ll never ever forget it. I’m quite moved and it’s difficult to concentrate as I’m not working any more – I’m talking into the microphone, but I’m not holding it.”

Thompson remains one of the most recognisable figures in the racing industry having spent time commentating on-course and for BBC radio, while also presenting for ITV, Channel 4, At The Races and Sky Sports Racing during a nearly 60-year broadcasting career.

He was even part of a three-strong party alongside Lord Oaksey and The Sun’s Peter Campling that attempted to negotiate the release of Shergar after the 1981 Derby winner was kidnapped.

And while his long spell commentating in Britain has come to an end, Thompson has no intention of hanging up his microphone entirely, with several racecourses continuing to use him as a raceday presenter, while he will also continue his association with racing in Jersey.

He said: “I’ve got Ascot at lunchtime on Friday and then York on Friday evening, Ascot on Saturday and then go to Jersey on Saturday night/Sunday.

“I am going to settle down a bit and enjoy. I am going to miss the commentary because the commentary box is the best view and the best seat in the house.”

Speaking to Sky Sports Racing presenter Simon Mapletoft, Thompson signed off perfectly with: “I’ve had a great career. Thanks big fella and by the way, it’s a photo!”