Legendary racing commentator will be ‘sadly missed’ as he announces retirement after 38 years

3 months ago 34

RACING fans up and down the country said a legendary commentator ‘will be missed’ as he announced his retirement after 38 years.

Mark Slater will put down his mic for good at the end of March after almost four decades calling the action.

Bowing out at the top!

Legendary commentator Mark Slater is retiring at the end of March after a wonderful 38-year career – he chats to @LeglockLuke about some of his favourite memories… pic.twitter.com/cHPdgCrCNi

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 13, 2024

He started out when there were no TVs in the bookies, with his words the only guide to how the action was unfolding.

During his time in what he called a ‘lonely job’ he has seen the introduction of racing on three TV channels and the explosion of in-running betting.

But, as he looks back on his career, he told Sky Sports Racing’s Luke Harvey that one incident stood out above all others.

Slater said AP McCoy‘s bizarre win on Family Business – which came after the jockey had been unseated – at Southwell in 2002 ranked top.

The 20-time champion jockey came down at a fence then remounted his horse, jumped the remaining obstacles and won – as the only horse to finish.

Even more weirdly, one punter had bet £4 on McCoy winning at maximum odds of 1000 on the Betfair Exchange as he fell.

But with all the other horses unseating or pulling up, McCoy, whose horse had been caught running loose, sauntered home alone.

Slater said the freakish spectacle was ‘the most amazing race, not only that I’ve commentated on, but that I’ve seen’.

Figures from the world of racing paid tribute to Slater and his many years behind the mic.

ITV Racing’s Richard Hoiles was among them, writing: “So supportive when I started out. Always been a great team player but above all a thoroughly fine man.”

Sky Sports Racing’s Mike Cattermole said: “No ego about Mark, just a top pro and one of the nicest guys in the game. Best wishes for a throughly happy and healthy retirement.”

Race caller Gareth Topham wrote: “Will always be hugely grateful to Mark for all of his encouragement and advice. An excellent commentator and one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet.”

While Tanya Stevenson said: “A lovely man who has had an excellent career.”

One punter wrote online: “Be very strange not hearing your voice, you’ve been amazing for so long. I salute you, Mark Slater, enjoy your next chapter.”

And another said: “Loved his voice, he will be missed.”

Explaining his decision to retire, Slater said: “I’ve decided to retire, you can’t go on forever.

“I’ve always enjoyed the job and never wanted to get to a stage where it wouldn’t become a pleasure to go racing.

“It hasn’t got to that stage but I thought to retire while I’m still enjoying it.

“I’m not that far away from being a pensioner so I think it’s a good time.

“And my daughter’s just had a little baby so I’d like to spend some time with her.”