Legendary TV commentator reunited with stars of viral video clip on retirement day
Legendary TV commentator Derek Thompson was reunited with the stars of a viral video clip as part of a special send-off on his final day behind the mic.
The 74-year-old, who has worked on the racecourse for BBC radio, ITV, Channel 4, At The Races and Sky Sports Racing, has been a stalwart of the industry for nearly 60-years. He has also been the star of the sport's most famous viral moment when he mistook a man for a woman while he was hosting the racing coverage on Sky. It's been watched more than 28 million times and even got an airing on the Graham Norton Show on BBC1.
READ MORE: King and Queen 'working on' finding an elusive first Royal Epsom Derby winner
In his handover from the studio to reporter Robert Cooper at Hereford, Thompson, said: 'I see you've been joined by a beautiful lady', to which Cooper replied, 'It's a man actually, Derek'.
So during Thompson's final commentary stint at Wolverhampton he relived that moment from 18 years ago with the now retired Cooper and Matthew Jones, the then Hereford clerk of the course who was the victim of the error, for Sky Sports Racing
Discussing the reaction to the clip, Jones said: 'At the time nothing happened at all. It was a few years later when it all blew up.'
Cooper said: 'I was just standing there about to give a going report. Tommo handed that over. I couldn't believe what he said. I said, 'It's a man actually, Derek'. And I was trying to explain to you [Jones] what was going on.'
Thompson told them the viral clip had 'changed my life', if not theirs, on a celebratory night at the track.
The Marco Botti-trained Space Bear (100-30) was a decisive two-length winner in his final race, the It's A Photo – Big Fella EBF Restricted Maiden Fillies' Stakes.
Thompson told Sky Sports Racing: 'It has been absolutely incredible, I'm nearly shedding a tear. It's 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've 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.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
TV fans are already calling Emma Thompson's transformative thriller a 'banger'
Emma Thompson is returning to the small screen in a new mystery drama that will see her as a private detective with a spiky pixie cut. The new Apple TV+ thriller Down Cemetery Road will be perfect for Slow Horses fans, as it's based on the spy series writer Mick Heron's other series of novels. Known as the Zöe Boehm thrillers, the new series kicks off with the dramatic explosion of a home in sleepy suburban Oxford, after which a girl mysteriously disappears. On the case is local resident Sarah Tucker, played by Ruth Wilson, with the enlisted help of private investigator Zoë Boehm, played by many awards winner Thompson, who also executive produces the show. 'The sleuthing pair suddenly find themselves in a complex conspiracy that reveals people long believed dead are still among the living, while the living are fast joining the dead,' the official synopsis for the show reads. Apple TV+ released a series of first look images at the stars of the show this week, with Thompson seen with a new spikey white hair cut and thick black eyeliner on to play Boehm. The show has been written for screen by Morwenna Banks, who has also worked on Slow Horses for the streamer, with author Mick Herron among the executive producers on board. The eight-part thriller is set to land on Apple TV+ from October 29, with episodes dropping weekly and a two-part debut. The first look images were met with a delighted response from TV fans, as many praised Apple TV+ for its impressive roster of upcoming shows, with seasons of Slow Horses and The Morning Show returning soon too. There's also the mysterious new genre-bending show Pluribus coming later this year, from the creator of Breaking Bad Vince Gilligan. More Trending Taking to a Reddit thread to discuss Down Cemetery Road, @MeCritic wrote: 'One banger after another. Superior service.' '2 of my favorite badass ladies plus the Slow Horses folks? Sign me the eff up,' wrote @Jetztinberlin. @Fsociety_1990 added: 'Wake up babe, another Mick Herron banger is about to drop.' View More » Down Cemetery Road will launch on Apple TV+ on October 29. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: These are the 10 best sci-fi films of all time according to film lovers MORE: 7 films celebrating women in sport after the Lionesses win Euro 2025 MORE: 9 deliciously bleak films and where to stream them after 'soul-crushing' new horror
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Scotland star left unemployed at 33 as he leaves club just two games into next season
SCOTLAND centre-back Liam Cooper is leaving Bulgarian First League side CSKA Sofia after less than a year at the club. Cooper featured 25 times for CSKA last season after making the move to Bulgaria as a free agent in September, following a decade long spell at Leeds United. 1 Liam Cooper in training for Scotland at the Euros in 2024 Credit: Kenny Ramsay The defender was keen to get involved at the Bulgarian club, speaking to the CSKA Sofia website he said: 'I spent an amazing 10 years at Leeds, the club that will always be my home and close to my heart. But it was an opportunity I couldn't refuse. 'European football for a huge club in Bulgaria is all I wanted, to challenge myself in a new culture and a new environment. 'I've never had an opportunity like this. This one seems good for me and my family.' He spoke about Scottish Premiership legend Stiliyan Petrov's involvement in the transfer: "When I first heard about the interest in me, I was very enthusiastic - to come to a European capital, a big city and a club with such a history. 'I spoke to Stiliyan Petrov and Iliya Gruev, who is at Leeds. They told me great things, which made the decision easier." Championship clubs will be on high alert with the former Leeds captain likely favouring a move back to England. The 33-year-old would add a welcomed surge of experience to any club in the league with over 200 appearances in the English Championship for Leeds United. Cooper joined Leeds from Chesterfield in 2014/15 and started his 10-year long journey at the club, becoming a hugely influential figure both on and off the pitch. He captained the club to Championship glory in 2020 under Argentinian coach Marcelo Bielsa. Earning them their awaited return to the Premier League after a decade long stint in the Championship. Major Mikey Moore Rangers loan doubts & 'strange situation' at Celtic + transfer news Go Ballistic Cooper's impressive form for Leeds United earned him 19 caps for Scotland, making his debut for his country in a 2-1 loss to Russia in 2019. He has since became a Scotland regular and was selected for Steve Clarke's Euro 2024 squad. Championship club Hull City could be a potential destination for the Scottish centre-back. Cooper came through the youth ranks at the club, and with the Tigers currently subject to a transfer embargo, it is likely that they will be monitoring the free agent market. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Huge TV star reveals bosses beg him to do I'm A Celebrity every year but admits he's planning to retire instead
A POPULAR TV star has revealed bosses have begged him to join I'm A Celebrity each year - but he plans to retire instead. For over 20 years, famous faces have entered the ITV jungle under the watchful eyes of Ant and Dec. 4 4 4 Past winners include Harry Redknapp, Kerry Katona, Vicky Pattison and Sam Thompson. However, TV legend Chris Tarrant has revealed he doesn't plan on entering the jungle. Speaking on the RHLSTP podcast, he shared: "I certainly don't want to do I'm A Celebrity, and every year they ask me. Course I don't. "I've done okay, and I just think 'I really don't want to do that.' "My Mrs was saying to me things like 'Oh darling it would reignite your career'. "The last thing I wanna do is reignite my career, I'm trying to stop!' "I was talking about it cos I sleep rough fishing and stuff. "I could do a lot of that, and I could do maggots and things. "I just couldn't stand the people, I really couldn't.' Last year, Chris revealed he had officially retired after 50 years on-screen. Judith Keppel became the first person to win £1m on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? The broadcast legend's last project was his six series run Extreme Railways on Channel 5. Asked if he had retired, Chris, 78, told The Sun: 'Yes. I've stopped. 'I mean I think lockdown really, you just started to get everything in a bit perspective and I thought, I've done this thing for 50 years. Who has won the jackpot on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Who Wants to Be a Millionaire has offered hundreds of hopeful contestants the chance to become millionaires, but there has only been a handful of lucky winners. There have only been five real winners so far on the show as Charles Ingram, who was the third winner of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? in 2001, had his claim to the prize thrown out because of cheating allegations. The official winners are... Judith Keppel In 2000, garden designer Judith Keppel made quiz show history as she became the first ever winner of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. Judith is also the only woman ever to have won the million-pound prize. David Edwards Former physics teacher David became the second contestant to win the top prize in April 2001. Following his success, Edwards went on to compete in both series of Are You an Egghead? in 2008 and 2009. Robert Brydges Oxford-educated banker Robert became the third Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? champion when he won the quiz show several moths after David in 2001. Robert has stayed out of the limelight since his win. Pat Gibson World champion Irish quiz player Pat won the show in 2004. Amazingly Pat had TWO of his lifelines still available for his final question, something no other winner has managed. Ingram Wilcox Ingram came close to losing on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? in 2006 as he had used all his lifelines up at the £32,000 mark, but in a shocking twist he went on to scoop the jackpot. 'You know, I don't need the money, without sounding silly. "So I was thinking, why am I still doing this?' He presented Who Wants To Be A Millionaire from its 1998 launch until 2014. The show returned in 2018, but with Jeremy Clarkson taking over as presenter.
