OUR SKY MAN IS FLYING THE COOP

Robert Cooper may be bidding farewell to Sky Sports but, never fear, will still be landing his gems in Racing Ahead

- Robert Cooper

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.