Veteran racing commentator Derek Thompson, known affectionately as Tommo, has announced he will step down from commentary duties at the end of 2025. The 74-year-old, who has been behind the microphone for over 50 years, will continue to present programmes and work at racecourses.
Thompson began his career in local radio as a teenager and became the youngest person to cover the Grand National in 1973 while at BBC Radio Sport. He later worked for ITV, Channel 4, and Sky Sports' At The Races, becoming one of racing's most recognisable voices.
Speaking to Freebets.com, Thompson admitted the decision was not easy but that age and the demands of travel had taken their toll. 'I still love it to this day... but I'm 74 now. So I think it's time to hand over my binoculars to the younger guys,' he said, noting that long drives after nine-race meetings were becoming harder.
The commentator, who first attended the Cheltenham Festival as a 15-year-old stable lad, expressed his enduring passion for the event. 'I love it... it is amazing because a lot can happen up that Cheltenham Hill,' he said, recalling last year's winner Galopin Des Champs.
