Racing presenter Derek Thompson to undergo cancer treatment

Channel 4 Racing’s Derek Thompson is stepping down from presenting and commentating while he undergoes treatment for cancer.

Derek, who is 61 and has been diagnosed with a tumour near the bowel, will be treated in Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge. He undergoes surgery today (Wednesday 27 June).

He will be in hospital for a week and off for up to eight weeks.

“It’s going to be very frustrating because, after Royal Ascot, there are so many top meetings coming up around the country that I would normally enjoy, but I will continue watching them in hospital,” he said.

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