Overview

• Derek Thompson, renowned for his six-decade broadcasting career, will step down as a commentator in July 2025.
• Thompson and his wife Caroline own Cheerleader, a three-year-old filly who won her stable debut at 66-1 odds on May 19, 2025, at Redcar Racecourse.
• The filly, trained by Tina Jackson, benefited from a winter training program and time to recover after being acquired in November 2024.
• Jockey Joanna Mason rode Cheerleader to victory in a 5f handicap, securing a three-quarter length win for the underdog horse.
• Thompson expressed his joy over the win, calling the experience “unbelievable” and highlighting his continued passion for horse racing beyond his commentary career.