Britain’s longest serving racecourse commentator, Derek Thompson, retires on Tuesday after a career behind the microphone spanning 60 years.
Ahead of his final night of commentary at Wolverhampton Racecourse, Tommo (as he is affectionately known), has recalled some of his favourite racing memories – including how he managed to get on the wrong side of Queen Camilla.
The anecdote goes back to March 1980 when Tommo and the then Prince Charles took part in a charity horse race at Plumpton Racecourse in Sussex.
Charles partnered a horse called Long Wharf, whilst Classified was the mount of Tommo.
Come the end of the race, the pair finished in first and second, with Prince Charles having to settle for second place.
Speaking ahead of his retirement, the 75-year-old broadcaster said: “I beat him, Prince Charles as he was then!
“There were about 12 runners, it was a two-mile Flat race and it was incredible.”
He then went on to recall how some 45 years on from the race, it is still fondly remembered in royal circles.
Tommo said: ”I remember at Royal Ascot last year, we were having a chat, and I said, ‘sorry, Sir. I beat you all those years ago.’ He said, ‘don’t worry. I forgave you. Don’t worry.’
“His wife, The Queen, then said, ‘but I haven’t Tommo!’
“We always joke about it, but it was an incredible day. I’ll never forget it.”
The then Prince Charles enjoyed a 14 month career in the saddle.
Despite a promising start at Plumpton, he never managed to win a race as a jockey, although now enjoys many successes as an owner after inheriting his late mother’s horses.
