Racing Icon 'Tommo' Hangs Up the Mic After Stunning 66-1 Winner with Wife

By Lewis Barnett 20 May, 2025 6 mins read 83 Views

Good lord, I never thought I'd get emotional writing about Tommo's retirement. But here we are.

Derek "Tommo" Thompson - teh man who's been the soundtrack to my Saturday afternoons since I was in short pants - has finally announced when he'll call his last race. July 22nd at Wolverhampton. Mark it in your diaries, folks.

Hear the Summary

That "It's a man actually, Derek" Moment Still Makes Me Howl

If you've never seen the clip, stop what you're doing and watch it now. It's racing commentary gold. Poor Tommo mistook a male racegoer for a woman, only to have Bob Cooper correct him live on air with the deadpan "It's a man actually, Derek." I've watched it approximately 500 times and it still cracks me up.

My brother-in-law actually met Tommo at Doncaster back in 2019 and mentioned the clip. Apparently Tommo just rolled his eyes and said, "That bloody video will be played at my funeral." Probably right!

From Teenage Commentator to Racing Legend

Tommo started calling races when he was just 15. FIFTEEN! When I was that age I could barely string a coherent sentence together, let alone commentate on live racing.

Now at 74, he reckons he's the oldest sports commentator in the world. The Guinness Book might disagree - they've got some 86-year-old Turkish bloke listed - but who's counting? The man's been behind the mic for nearly 60 years!

I remember watching him on Channel 4 Racing back in the 90s alongside John McCririck and Alastair Down. What a team that was. Television gold that we'll never see again.

Wait... He Beat King Charles in a Race?!

This little nugget blew my mind. Apparently Tommo denied then-Prince Charles his only win as a jockey during some charity flat race at Plumpton in 1980. Can you imagine? "Sorry, Your Highness, not today!"

I spent $40 on a biography of racing personalities last Christmas and somehow missed this fact. Money well spent...

The Partridge Years

Let's be honest. In recent times, Tommo became something of an Alan Partridge figure in racing. Those promotional videos... "Are you well? I thought you were!" Jesus. It was like watching your dad dance at a wedding - painful but somehow endearing.

My mate Dave texted me one of those clips last year with just "I can't unsee this" as the caption. His response when I called him laughing: "already updating my resume in case anyone finds out I watched it."

Going Out With a Bang - A 66-1 Winner!

Talk about perfect timing. Just as he's winding down his commentary career, Tommo lands a 66-1 winner with a horse he owns with his wife Caroline. Cheerleader absolutely flew home at Redcar under Joanna Mason.

The interview afterwards was classic Tommo - couldn't stand still, beaming from ear to ear, giving credit to his wife. "There will be tears streaming down her face. Well done, darling."

I feel stupid now for not backing it. A Tommo-owned horse at massive odds? Should've known better.

What's Next for the Commentary Booth?

Racing's commentary landscape will be different without him. No more "Photo! Photo!" calls that make you spill your tea. No more slightly awkward trackside interviews or enthusiastic paddock reports.

Listen. We all have that one relative who's a bit embarrassing but you love them anyway. That's Tommo to British racing fans.

I met him once at Newmarket in 2017. He was exactly the same off-camera as on - boundless energy, talking nineteen to the dozen, and genuinely interested in what I thought about the day's racing. A proper one-off.

So here's to you, Tommo. Racing won't be the same without you.

...though I suspect the "It's a man actually, Derek" clip will live forever.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I learn the racecards?

Understanding the information contained in a racing card is essential for understanding a race, and the horses involved. A racecard usually lists information such as the horse’s name, age and weight, along with the trainer, jockey and form figures that show past performance. Learning to interpret this data can help you gauge each horse's chances and make more informed betting decisions. As part of customer service, many racecourses and betting companies offer guides on how to read racecards.

How are horses and their riders kept safe during a racing event?

The safety of riders and horses is a priority in UK racing. The UK has strict regulations to ensure that all racecourses are up to safety standards. Horses undergo health checks before and after races, and jockeys are required to wear safety gear such as helmets and body protectors. Rapid response teams and veterinarians are also on hand to deal with any incident.

What are 'Classics' in UK horse racing?

'Classics' in UK horse racing refer to a series of five prestigious races that are traditionally considered the most esteemed contests for three-year-old thoroughbreds. The 2,000 Guineas race, The 1,000 Guineas race, The Epsom Derby Race, The Epsom Oaks Race, and The St. Leger Stakes are all Classics. This is a major achievement for any horse. Winning the Triple Crown is even more impressive.

What are the most prestigious horse racing events in the UK?

The United Kingdom hosts several acclaimed horse racing events that attract audiences worldwide. The most prestigious of these include Royal Ascot and the Grand National in Aintree. These events are not only a showcase of the best equine talent, but they also have a rich history and tradition. They've become social occasions that include distinctive dress codes.

What is the role of a steward in horse racing?

Stewards ensure that racing is fair and conducted according to rules. They are responsible for overseeing the conduct of jockeys, trainers, and other racing personnel, monitoring the races for any rule infringements, and holding inquiries into any incidents or objections. In the event that rules are violated, the stewards may also be able to impose fines or suspending the race.

What does a racing term describing a horse as "stayer" mean?

In racing terms, a 'stayer' is a horse that excels in racing over long distances. These distances usually exceed one mile and four quarters. Stayers need to be fast and have endurance in order to keep up a good pace for long races. Renowned stayers compete in long distance races like the Ascot Gold Cup.

Statistics

The prize money for the Epsom Derby stands at approximately £1.5 million, with the winner taking home a substantial portion of this sum.
The annual Cheltenham Festival has an economic impact of over £100 million for the local Gloucestershire economy.
Approximately 6 million people attend horse racing events in the UK each year, making it the second most popular spectator sport in the country.
Around 14,000 thoroughbred foals are born each year in the UK with the goal of becoming top racehorses.
In the UK, more than 14,000 people are employed directly in the horse racing industry.
The Royal Ascot, held annually in June, draws crowds of 300,000 over its five-day meeting.

External Links

How To

How to Follow Horse Racing Season Calendars in the UK

Start by noting dates for the major races and festivals, which are usually announced at the conclusion of the previous racing season. The flat racing seasons run from March to the end of November. The jump racing is primarily from November until April. Keep track using an online racing calendar, subscribe to a racing magazine, or follow a racing organization on social media for the latest updates. The UK horse racing calendar will be updated regularly, so you won't have to worry about missing any major events.