The BBC, Channel 4 and Sky Sports Racing broadcaster, has announced plans to retire in July, aged 75, after a 50 year career behind the microphone

Legendary TV broadcaster and commentator Derek Thompson was “absolutely buzzing” after seeing his colours carried to victory at odds of 66-1.

Thompson, who has worked for the BBC, Channel 4 and Sky Sports Racing, has commentated on some of the biggest and most prestigious races all over the world and is believed to be the youngest ever commentator on the Grand National when he made his debut at 22. Late last year he announced that he will retire from the commentators’ booth this year and will call his final race in July, the same month he turns 75.

But he enjoyed a rare success as an owner on Monday after the 66-1 success of Cheerleader in a minor event at Redcar. Cheerleader is trained by Tina Jackson, the partner of Thompson’s brother Howard, and ‘Tommo’ owns the three-year-old filly with his wife, Caroline.

Ridden by Jo Mason, she may have been an outsider in the Join Racing TV Now Handicap but the result barely looked in any doubt as she came home three-quarters of a length clear.

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