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.
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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.'
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