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.
Denne historien er fra July 2024-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
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Denne historien er fra July 2024-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
LOOKING BRIGHT FOR IRISH STARS
Karl Hedley reports as jumps challengers pile on the heat across the water
WELL SET TO STEP AHEAD
Ben Morgan has ten warming prospects to follow in the coming weeks
CUE FOR MANY A CELEBRATION
Graham Buddry recalls the life and times of jumps legend Cue Card
KID KAN DOO FOR NICHOLLS
Paul Jacobs casts a close eye over leading picks for this month's big races
TWISTER RUNS MASTER CLASS
John Anthony watches Nigel Twiston-Davies' star catch time judges' eye
NO LEAVES ON LINE TO SLOW THESE FLYERS
Simon Nott enjoys a West Country Weekend catching up with ring pals
EXPECTATIONS SOAR AT RIDGE
Nick Townsend talks to rising Newmarket training star James Owen
KID KAN DOO FOR NICHOLLS
Paul Jacobs casts a close eye over leading picks for this month's big races
NORMA'S COLOURS ARE FLYING PROUD
Robert Cooper sees Percy Willis and Kaadam grace white and green spots and red cap
CHIANTI FLOWS AS NEW LION GROWLS
Prior to the National Hunt season 'proper' getting underway at Chepstow the question on many people's lips was whether or not Willie Mullins would target a second consecutive British trainers' title.
