Another Derek Thompson masterpiece

[robnorth]

On Friday at Musselburgh one horse was 2 or 3 clear in the opener and dear old Thommo didn’t even realise.

“We’ll leave that one to the judge”

[Nathan Hughes]

1/33 winner Red Danielle 2.25 Yarmouth

Thommo in running commentary

Red hot Favourite x 3
Long odds on favourite x 2
odds on favourite x 1

Gaelic Warrior Gold Cup Winner 2026

[Cork All Star]

But did she “win it like an odds on favourite should”?

[Nathan Hughes]

She sure did but Thommo never said she did
nor did he tell favourite backers to collect although at 1/33 he should have been counting the lengths

Gaelic Warrior Gold Cup Winner 2026

[yeats]

Has there been an older racecourse commentator (73)?

[CarryOnKatie]

While Peter O’Sullevan continued on the BBC until 79, (and I think Dessie Scahill carried on in Ireland til his early 70’s), course commentators (Racetech list) normally seem to be pensioned off around 65.
Seemed to recall both Graham Goode & ‘Aussie’ Jim McGrath calling it a day around that age yet Thommo keeps dodging the bullet.
Could be a mass exodus in around a decade when many of our current roster will be well into their 60s.

[Cork All Star]

Didn’t today’s card at Sandown used to be the Variety Club race day? Which Derek always said was his “favourite day’s racing of the year”.

[Refuse To Bend]

It was indeed.

The more I know the less I understand.

[Cork All Star]

I thought so. I attended it one year – I suppose it must have been about 20 years ago. I remember seeing Eric Sykes. Jeremy Beadle was acting as some sort of raceday presenter. I assume Thommo was elsewhere, otherwise the role must have been his!

[He Didnt Like Ground]

Did someone say Beadle ….

Pick 3 on Saturday champion 2025/2026

[He Didnt Like Ground]

I believe he did a monthly pub quiz in London which was renown for being very difficult , yet out of game for a laugh team he didn’t get the quiz show gig , that went to …

Pick 3 on Saturday champion 2025/2026

[Cork All Star]

Thommo was on duty at Wolverhampton last night.

Two races were very close finishes in which he excitedly called “photo”, which was fair enough. But one race was won by a clear neck which he inevitably said was “one for the judge”.

None of his commentaries were particularly good, especially in the closing stages. He’s a character and perfect as a race day host but I think it is time he stepped down as a commentator.

[Cork All Star]

In the opening race at Fakenham, Derek informed us on three occasions that the market leader was not just the favourite but “the red hot favourite”.

Unfortunately he did not win or even win like a favourite should, so favourite backers could not collect.

[Nathan Hughes]

Surely some of the favourites are “blue cold favourites” ??

Gaelic Warrior Gold Cup Winner 2026

[Cork All Star]

Surprised Derek called the outcome of the 4.25 at Wolverhampton so decisively. It looked certain to be a PHOTO or One For The Judge.

[IanDavies]

Derek in action at Wolverhampton tonight, the volume is up and I am loving it.

Derek says “circuit,” not “lap,” Derek is of my time.

Viva Derek!

I am "The Horse Racing Punter" on Facebook
https://mobile.twitter.com/Ian_Davies_
https://www.facebook.com/ThePointtoPointNHandFlatracingpunter/
It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"

[Cork All Star]

In the 2 mile race, when they went past the post for the first time he announced “they head out into the country”.

I am not sure the back strait at Wolverhampton quite merits that description…

[Author]

Posts