Home / Horse Racing / WATCH: Derek Thompson Reunited With “It’s A Man Actually” Matthew Jones At Wolverhampton Retirement Evening

WATCH: Derek Thompson Reunited With “It’s A Man Actually” Matthew Jones At Wolverhampton Retirement Evening

Andy Newton Written by Sports EditorAndy Newton
Updated –
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Derek Thompson and Matthew Jones at Wolverhampton

Legendary horse racing commentator Derek Thompson was calling his last UK race on Tuesday night at Wolverhampton – with a whole host of well-known racing folk turning out to wish Tommo a happy retirement – including Matthew Jones, who Thompson hilariously thought was a lady over 18 years ago in an AtTheRaces clip that went viral. 

Phoenix From The Flames: Bob Cooper and Derek Thompson Reenact “It’s A Man Actually, Derek” Clip With Matthew Jones

The Derek Thompson retirement bandwagon ended at Wolverhampton on Tuesday night with the veteran horse racing commentator calling his final races.

Tommo’s last call on the six-race card came in the 7:30pm, which was aptly-named after one of his famous calling catchphrases “It’s A Photo – Big Fella EBF Restricted Maiden Fillies’ Stakes”.

The 7f contest was won by former Arc-winning jockey Luke Morris on the Marco Botti-trained Space Bear.

The horse won by two-lengths, however – so no need for Tommo to wheel-out his legendary “It’s a Photo” line.

But, with a whole host of big racing names on show at Wolves – another huge highlight on the evening was when Derek Thompson was reunited with Bob Cooper and a stud groom called Matthew Jones.

Over 18 years ago the trio were involved in a classic ‘Tommo Clip’ when the now-retired Thompson famously mistook Matthew Jones for a lady when he cut from the studio to Cooper at Hereford racecourse.

You can see the three back in action at Wolverhampton on Tuesday below – plus relive the hilarious “It’s a Man Actually, Derek” clips that has had over 2 million views since.

WATCH: The Original “It’s A Man Actually Derek” Clip Here 

After a 60-year career Derek Thompson called time on his career behind the mic on Tuesday 22nd July.

Having called his first race in a Point-to-Point at the age of 15 – he called the first three races on the six-race Wolverhampton card.

Leaving the last three contests to fellow commentator Ian Bartlett, so Tommo could enjoy the rest of the night that saw an array of racing media and stars turn out.

There Were Plenty Of Derek Thompson Retirement Messages 

“It’s a very emotional evening. The phone hasn’t stopped. There’s been a message virtually every 40 seconds – I can’t believe how many there have been. We had to turn the sound off in the car getting here because it was getting ridiculous.”

“I’ve had messages from Frankie Dettori and William Buick. And they’ve come from some people I haven’t seen for years – one said ‘you commentated when I had my first point-to-point ride nearly 60 years ago’.” Said Tommo

Thompson was also the youngest man to call the Grand National, when part of the BBC radio team in 1973.

While he also rode a horse called Classified for trainer Nicky Henderson at Plumpton in 1980 – beating none other than King Charles III.

Derek Thompson Beating King Charles III At Plumpton
Derek Thompson Beating King Charles III At Plumpton

However, despite the night being Derek Thompson’s retirement from the commentary circuit – workaholic Tommo isn’t expected to be sitting about with his carpet slippers and pipe.

Thompson is still heavily involved in the Jersey horse racing scene and will continue to do hospitality roles at many tracks in the UK.

Tommo will turn 75 in a few weeks.

WATCH: Derek Thompson’s FINAL Call In The 7:30pm at Wolverhampton

 

Frankie Dettori Sends Tommo ‘Happy Retirement’ Message

Derek Thompson Explains To Sky Racing’s Simon Mapletoft How It All Started

Andy Newton Written by Sports EditorAndy Newton
Andy is a horse racing journalist and betting expert who specializes in trends and stats. With his long association with FromTheStables, Andy has also built up solid contacts with some of the best stables in the UK. Has written for GeeGeez and bookmakers Matchbook and BetBright in the past too, plus was the former sports betting editor of odds comparison site Easyodds and Juicestorm. Has also appeared on betting podcasts for MatchBook and has featured in the popular Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Guide in the past. Andy's also ghost written for former top jockey Richard Dunwoody and continues to have a monthly column in the Racing Ahead horse racing magazine. Now a regular on Sportscasting giving his views, trends and tips mainly on horse racing - if there's a stat to be explored and it's a sport, Andy is sure to find a betting angle to use. You can also hear Andy's weekly horse racing views and best bets on the popular Final Furlong podcast.
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