Ted Walsh has announced his retirement from broadcasting after 40 years working with RTE.
The trainer made the shock announcement during the state broadcaster's coverage of the final day of the Punchestown Festival.
Walsh, the father of former jockeys Ruby and Katie, as well as Ted Jr, who is married to Nina Carberry, and Jennifer, who also works as Ruby's agent, stunned his colleagues when making the announcement during the live coverage.
He said on RTE: "I got a great chance from RTE and I want to thank them very much for giving me the opportunity to comment on a sport that I love, filled of people that I admire, a lot of them are my friends.
"I must say the late Tim O'Connor was a great help to me. Got me in it. It's 40 years. It's a long time to be doing anything and I've enjoyed every day of it.
"We've a great producer now in Ryan McCann and a good head of sport in Declan McBennett. Ryan, I know I've dropped you in it here with this, but at the same time you'll understand.
"There comes a time in everyone's life when they call it a day. Ruby called it a day pulling up here, so did Katie (Walsh) and Nina (Carberry) and so did Puppy Power and so is Ted Walsh."
He added to his colleagues Jane Mangan, Barry Geraghty and Lisa O'Neill: "I want to wish you all the best. I hope all of you that are working for RTE get as much kick out of it and get 40 years out of it. You'll all look a bit shooker in 40 years time. I've loved it and I had a great response.
"I got myself into hot water here and there, but that happens on live television. I've enjoyed it. It's a great sport, a great game. It's been good to all of you. It's been very good to me and everyone connected with it. I thank you all very much and thank RTE."
A stunned Mangan, who was presenting the programme, responded by saying: "You've caught us all on the hop. I can honestly say from everyone here. You have raised not only a generation but multiple generations of racegoers."
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