'This isn't retirement - I'm only hanging up my binoculars' - Derek Thompson confirms his final commentary shift and future plans

The Racing Grapevine is exclusive to Racing Post+ subscribers from 4pm every Sunday. Here is a free-to-read excerpt from this week's Racing Grapevine with Derek Thompson confirming the date of his final racecourse commentary . . .

• Exclusive: Ryan Moore's teenage son continues family tradition by becoming an apprentice with Charlie Appleby 

Here is one more date to add to the crowded summer diary between Wimbledon, the Open and the King George – Derek Thompson will deliver his final racecourse commentary on July 22.

The last chance to enjoy "here comes the favourite," "it's a photo" and all the other familiar Tommo taglines will come on a Tuesday evening card at Wolverhampton.

Thompson began his career by calling at a point-to-point meeting at the age of 15 and has been doing the job for 60 years.

He announced at the end of 2024 he was stepping away from the commentary box and has now confirmed the date of his departure.

Derek Thompson: "I'll still be hosting and doing raceday presenting"Credit: Chris Bourchier

"I'll be 75 on July 31 and I think I'm the world's oldest sports commentator," he told the Grapevine. "I've gone full circle because I was the youngest man ever to commentate on the Grand National back in 1973."

But don't mention the R-word to a man who became a hugely familiar face during his time on Channel 4 Racing, and who is also famed for beating the then Prince Charles in a race at Plumpton and also becoming an unlikely star on social media thanks to a television advert that spawned the catchphrase: “Are you well?"

"This isn't retirement," he stressed. "I'm only hanging up my binoculars. I'll still be hosting and doing raceday presenting."

And although he is putting down the commentary mic, Tommo has taken up the pen. "I'm writing a book, which is called The Final Furlong and will be about my last year as a commentator." 

The big fella's big read is due out at the end of 2025.

Join Racing Post+ and get 60% off your first month!

The Story of Horseracing in 20 Races is an unmissable new series ready to launch and we’re celebrating with 60% off Racing Post+. In it, we will tell the story of horseracing through the 20 most significant races ever run, crafting an expansive and fascinating tale of how the modern turf took root.

Anyone who isn’t yet a subscriber can join up now with a whopping 60% off your first month – just add the code STORY20 at the checkout.

On top of award-winning journalism from the best writers in the sport, including current racing writer of the year Patrick Mullins and previous winners Lee Mottershead, Peter Thomas and Chris Cook, Racing Post+ Ultimate subscribers also have access to the Racing Post Digital Newspaper every evening from 9pm and daily best bets from the sport's top judges, led by Tom Segal and Paul Kealy, as well as golf's greatest tipster Steve Palmer, whose advice on the week's golf tournaments is now exclusively available to subscribers from 2pm every Tuesday.

Read more . . .

'It's been my whole life and I still love it' – Tommo to give up commentating at end of 2025 

The remarkable story of daredevil Prince Charles's riding career - including a close-up of Derek Thompson's rear end 

'If I said I'd scripted it that would be a lie' - Tommo's words that went viral 

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.