LEGENDARY BBC racing commentator Derek Thompson has been told by punters ‘he can’t continue’ after completley botching the call on this race.
Thommo was behind the mic for the all-weather action at Wolverhampton on Monday evening when he made the confusing blunder.
3
3
3
He called 11-2 Initial Blue the leader turning for home in the Class 5 race over seven furlongs.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure.
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…
- Four free racing tickets, four times a year – worth £300
- Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
- Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
- Exclusive insights from Andrew Balding and Hayley Turner
- VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
- New customer offer with Coral
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk
But it turned he had got the horse mixed up with 12-1 Sea Baaeed, who was the actual leader.
Thompson, who has been a major figure on 5Live and Channel 4’s coverage over the years, called Initial Blue the leader and likely winner right down the straight – despite him lugging lengths behind – 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 fourth, some five-and-a-half lengths behind the winner.
In fairness the silks were very similar, although you could argue Sea Baaeed was distinctive by the all-white cap jockey Rob Hornby was wearing.
Initial Blue’s rider Sean Levey had a big white hoop through the middle of his top and a blue star on his white cap.
The commentary mix-up made it very confusing for punters, especially those who thought they were onto a winner with Initial Blue.
Thompson is a huge figure in racing and responsible for one of the most replayed clips ever, which was likened to the ultimate Alan Partridge moment.
Believing his colleague was about to interview a woman, he said: “I see you’ve been joined by a beautiful young lady.”
Only for the recently-retired Bob Cooper to reply: “It’s a man actually, Derek.”
Sadly this latest blunder didn’t draw so many laughs.
One punter said: “He can’t continue. That’s shocking.”
Another posted online: “Imagine listening on the radio thinking you are on a winner.”
And a fellow punter wrote: “I thought my horse had won!”
Another comment read: “It’s now so bad it’s good.”
However, some backed Thompson no matter what, with one saying: “I think racing has a LOT more wrong with it than an icon giving us comedy value every year. Keep going, Thommo.”
And another posted: “He’s a living legend, no need, we all make mistakes.”
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.