Autographs galore, star well-wishers and a surprise guest involved in that viral clip - how Derek Thompson signed off at Wolverhampton

Racing does not have its troubles to seek but for one Tuesday evening, at least, they can be forgotten.

To follow Derek Thompson around on his final day as a commentator in Britain, after 60 years, is to be transported to a world where the terrifying racing tax, the controversial will-he-won't-he BHA chair and the latest jockey to test positive for cocaine don't seem to matter quite so much.

He is signed in as "Delboy" on the check sheet and as he walks to the weighing room to check the jockeys' colours – "Michael O'Hehir taught me to do that" – it is as though David Jason himself is walking among the racegoers.

Derek Thompson was signed in as DelboyCredit: David Carr

This is a man hugely popular with the public, spreading smiles as he goes and dispensing the odd "big fella" and "Are you well? I thought you were" on his way.

Some big names are here. Derek is particularly chuffed that William Derby has made the three-hour trip down for the evening.

But there is nowhere else the York chief executive would rather be, saying: "I grew up with Tommo in his Channel 4 days. He's part of my childhood."

The feeling is just as heartfelt from the racegoers who stop the man of the hour and ask for autographs.

People like Barbara McKenna from Bridgnorth, who marvels: "He's down to earth and so nice. His great enthusiasm really comes through in his commentary."

Or Chris Bennett from Cannock, who says: "I'm sorry he's going, it's been lovely to see him here over the years."

Our hero has got through plenty of autographs by now, having started the evening signing his way through a pile of racecards so huge that you feel that the true value on Antiques Roadshow in 2125 will be a copy he has not signed.

He is a thorough professional in these things, smiling perfectly on cue when asked to pose for a photo on a bench proclaiming Arena Racing Company's £1 million bonus — and maintaining that grin even when someone suggests the caption should be "Tommo's taking a pay cut!"

Tommo assists in some promo work for the Arena Racing Company's £1 million bonusCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

He is in his element on his last visits to the commentary box, as he points out that Frankie Dettori – one of hundreds to send good-luck messages through the day – used to stand with him there to watch the races when a young and eager-to-learn apprentice. 

There is no last-shouted "photo" as all his three races have clear-cut winners, two of them ridden by Luke Morris, who says of Tommo: "He's a real credit to the sport and to himself.

"I grew up with Channel 4 and the Morning Line and he was very much the face of it. I grew up admiring his work and luckily enough he's been around me when I've had some great days. He should be tremendously proud of what he's achieved."

Not too proud to relay some of his early gaffs, including the day he was calling a local point.

He recalls: "I was 17 and my brother came to challenge at the last and I shouted 'come on Howard!' The stewards were not pleased."

But, like Delboy, this is someone whose mistakes tend to be laughed off by a public that have taken him to their heart.

Even by Matthew Jones, the man he introduced as "a beautiful lady" on television many years ago, in a clip that has since resurfaced on social media and been seen by millions.

Jones, now a groom at Overbury Stud, does not bear a grudge and, after being reunited with the great man, he smiles in recollection: "It wasn't supposed to be me doing the interview and I was a young clerk of the course, I was so nervous at the time that I really didn't know what was going on.

"You get tired of it, especially when the same people keep showing it over and over again, but you have to laugh about it and the way it's gone around the world is really quite amazing."

No hard feelings: Derek Thompson is reunited with Matthew Jones at WolverhamptonCredit: Edward Whitaker

His commentaries themselves are delivered with great gusto, particularly considering this is a man just two weeks short of his 75th birthday who told the Racing Post on Sunday he was "struggling to stay in touch".

He will still be describing the action in Jersey, and the greyhound track in the centre of the course here is due to open in September. I wonder if they fancy taking on a race caller guaranteed to spread a little happiness?

Read more . . .

'A very emotional evening' - racing greats help send Derek Thompson into retirement after 60 years behind the mic 

'It's a man actually, Derek' - racing's viral sensation Derek Thompson's top five most iconic moments 

'I'd imagine he'll be quite emotional' - Tommo's 60-year commentary career comes to an end at Wolverhampton on Tuesday 

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