Derek Thompson is a former horse race jockey who has become synonymous with TV coverage of the sport. He is a stand up character who has fine presenting skills, is conformable in front of all manner of audiences and is a great person to have at any racing related event, conference or function. For more than a decade now, Derek has been the face of Channel Four’s racing cover-age in the UK.
It was actually the BBC that first enlisted Derek to talk racing when he was just 22 years of age. Back then he worked for BBC Radio and The World Service and in this time Derek worked on and presented a fine total of nine Grand National races. Soon after this he was snapped up by ITV and then in 1985 joined Channel Four, with whom he became very famous amongst racing fans. A true professional at every turn, Derek present Morning Line and constantly travels around the world to anchor various shows for TV as well as relaying his racing tales to interested audiences.
On the horse, Derek even once beat HRH Prince of Wales whilst racing at Plumpton. He has spent his life working in broadcasting and with horses, beginning his career as an assistant trainer in the U.K. and France, whilst at the same time learning the tricks of the reporters trade as a part time racecourse commentator and reporter. As such for appearances at any horse related events, Derek Thompson should be the first and last port of call.
