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Tommo's Wolverhampton Whoopsie - A Howler That Had Some Racing Punters Fuming!
Legendary BBC racing commentator Derek "Tommo" Thompson found himself in a tangle with punters after a rather spectacularly confused call during Monday's all-weather action at Wolverhampton.
Known for his sharp wit and commentary, Tommo seemed to lose his bearings mid-race, mistaking the horse in third place (sporting a blue star on a white cap) for the leader.
- He called 11-2 Initial Blue the leader turning for home in the Class 5 race over seven furlongs, even though the horse was trailing behind. It turns out he had confused Initial Blue with 12-1 Sea Baaeed, the actual leader.
- Tommo, the 5Live and Channel 4 legendary race caller, called Initial Blue the leader and likely winner right down the straight, until he realised his mistake with a few yards to go. He managed to correct himself and proclaim Sea Baaeed the winner, just in time.
- Initial Blue finished a disappointing fourth, 5 lengths behind the winner. While the silks were similar, Sea Baaeed's jockey, Rob Hornby, wore a distinctive all-white cap.
This "car crash" of a commentary was extremely confusing for punters, especially those who thought they were onto a winner with Initial Blue. The social media response was swift and merciless, with punters expressing amusement, disbelief, and in some cases, annoyance.
One tweet even suggested "Tommo can't continue" after this blunder.
While this howler was a rare slip-up for the usually reliable Thompson, it's a reminder that even the best commentators are human, and sometimes, even legendary race callers can make mistakes.
Personally, I think it's all a storm in a teacup. Mistakes happen. Some punters do hate him though. I quite like the way Tommo calls races, even if he does pretty much always leave it to the judge. Cheers, Sandracer.
Derek "Tommo" Thompson: A Racing Voice for Generations
Derek Thompson, affectionately known as "Tommo," is a name synonymous with British horse racing. Born on July 31, 1950, in Stockton-on-Tees, his passion for the sport was ignited early on.
His father, Stanley Thompson, was a small-time horse trainer, giving Derek his first taste of riding as an amateur jockey.
Tommo's natural talent for commentary emerged at the tender age of 15 when he provided his first commentary at a point-to-point meeting.
He honed his skills, working unpaid for trainer Denys Smith and later assisting Pierre Sanoner in Chantilly, France.
His professional broadcasting career began at 18, captivating local radio audiences. He then joined BBC Radio Sport in 1972, covering major events like the Grand National alongside esteemed commentators Peter Bromley, Michael Seth-Smith, and Michael O'Hehir.
In 1981, Thompson moved to ITV, appearing on their iconic "World of Sport" and midweek racing coverage. He later joined the newly formed Channel 4 Racing team in 1985, becoming a familiar face as a presenter.
In June 2012, Tommo announced he would be stepping back from his duties for surgery to remove a tumour. He returned to BBC Radio for the Cheltenham Festival in 2013, but unfortunately, was not retained by Channel 4 Racing when they moved their production.
Throughout his career, Tommo has provided a captivating voice to millions of racing fans. His infectious enthusiasm, sharp wit, and expert knowledge have made him a cherished figure in the world of horse racing, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most recognizable voices in the sport.