ROBERT Hall will present RTÉ’s racing coverage for the final time on Sunday, after almost 40 years of service with the national broadcaster.

The 65-year-old recalled: “My first assignment for RTÉ was radio commentary on the Irish 2000 Guineas in 1982, won by Dara Monarch. I was one of three candidates given a trial on the day. The other two were given impossible handicaps to call and I only had seven runners in my race!”

Hall got the job and was soon deputising for Tony Sweeney in the betting ring. He moved into the television role in the early 1990s, replacing Noel Reid on Sports Stadium. Ted Walsh had been an occasional guest presenter at that time and the two soon became a regular on-screen partnership which proved a hit with viewers.

Hall also produced the racing programme for a number of years through his Highflyer company. He explained: “I think RTÉ had a directive to have at least 25% of their output produced independently. I teamed up with John Fairley to form Highflyer and they were great years. But RTÉ took the pictures back in-house in recent years, which was understandable.”

Hall also enjoyed a long career as an auctioneer with Goffs, a position he gave up just six years ago. That association continued a link begun by his father, Captain Michael Hall. “My father was a very accomplished horseman – he was on the Grand Jury for the European three-day event championships at Punchestown.

“He came to Ireland after World War II and got a job as third in command at Goffs. Within a short space of time he was managing director and I began working there at 16 years of age, compiling end-of-day sales. We both sold Derby winners, but for very different prices. Dad sold Hard Ridden for 270gns and I auctioned New Approach for €480,000.”

Recalling his time in front of the camera, Hall said: “There were so many wonderful days and some near fiascos too! Danoli winning the Irish Gold Cup in 1997 was a real feel-good day, and Desert Orchid winning the Irish Grand National in 1990 was even more memorable.”

Hall will remain closely involved with racing as an acting steward and part-owner.

Tracy Piggott recently left the RTÉ Racing team after 30 years’ service. She told the Irish Independent that she was “devastated” to learn her contract was not being renewed this year.