The cat has leapt from the bag: on July 30, after decades of clambering up the greasy pole and slithering down again, I am tendering a fond farewell to my reporting duties for Sky Sports Racing.
My Racing Ahead colleague Simon Nott unintentionally (I think) released this four-legged feline at Towcester a few weeks ago, when I was there supporting a pal with a qualifier in a Greyhound Derby heat. Simon invited me to pose, nattily attired just like a jolly bookie a welcoming smile and deep pockets - on the Star Sports pitch, sponsors of the Derby.
Did I mind him posting the snap on social media? Not at all, at the time unaware of the rapid snowball effect.
Within what seemed like minutes, OK next day, I received a phone call (reversed charges) from Derek 'Tommo' Thompson, politely reminding me that he had lent me £3.50 for an ice cream at Wolverhampton, and could I reimburse him before I sailed into the sunset bank details to follow.
That's a fib of course, Tommo did ring but without any financial demands and we had a most cordial chat about my decision, also we reflected on the ludicrous popularity of the "It's a man actually Derek" clip. It was good of Tommo to ring, and heartfelt thanks to everyone who posted, texted or phoned.
Further tributes followed on various media platforms, bizarrely mostly flattering I assume the 'about time too'ones had been tactfully edited. It was rather like glimpsing an advance copy of an obituary - mine! But I'm still alive and kicking, plus even better news for me anyway - my monthly Racing Ahead column is set to continue.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July 2024 من Racing Ahead.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July 2024 من Racing Ahead.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Tragedy Hits Racing Family - Nick Townsend reels from shock attack on John Hunt's wife and daughters
Nick Townsend reels from shock attack on John Hunt's wife and daughters. I will be far from alone in recent days in being overcome by emotions ranging from utter disbelief to revulsion upon hearing of the unspeakable acts perpetrated upon John Hunt's family, resulting in the death of his wife Carol and daughters, Hannah and Louise.
AUDIENCE IS ERUPTING
John Anthony reveals the latest top speedsters after another Glorious Goodwood
HORSE OF A LIFETIME
Graham Buddry pays fresh tribute to track legend Sea The Stars - surely one of the greatest ever
IT'S TIME TO TAKE STOCK
Paul Jacobs looks forward to seeing some big on-track questions answered
PLAYING TO THE WHISTLE
lan Heitman flies about to keep pace with a rush of two-year-old Flat action
WINNING JOY ON A BUDGET
Richard Eagle takes a trip to Windsor to check out peoples' route into the port of kings
GIFT HORSES AND FRENCH LESSONS
Robert Cooper finds 'retirement' is keeping him busy
FEUD GETS THE PARTY ROLLING
Karl Hedley savours the Galway Festival action and picks out the summer highlights at Ballybrit
ROCKING THE MONEY BAGS
Simon Nott reveals his recent experiences from trips to Brighton and Ascot
FLYING EVE'S BORN TO WIN
Nick Townsend talks to in-form trainer Eve Johnson Houghton