King of Cup returns
Legendary jockey Robert Thompson (above) will be looking to add to his record win tally when he races in this weekend’s Cairns Cup at Cannon Park. The hawkish rider has won more than 4000 races in a career that has spanned four decades and included more than 27,000 starts across Australia. The 59-year-old even has a race named after him — a 1300m held in Newcastle each November — which he has unsurprisingly started in and won.
LEGENDARY jockey Robert Thompson will be looking to add to his record win tally when he races in this weekend’s Cairns Cup at Cannon Park.
The hawkish rider has won more than 4000 races in a career that has spanned four decades and included more than 27,000 starts across Australia.
The 59-year-old even has a race named after him – a 1300m held in Newcastle each November – which he has unsurprisingly started in and won.
But the evergreen hoop, renowned for his diligent preparation, said he didn’t see himself stopping any time soon.
“I’m looking forward to getting back this Saturday,” Thompson said. “I’ve probably been up to Cairns 15 times now.
“I can’t tell you when I’ll hang it up, mate. I still enjoy my job.
“When I wake up and I don’t feel like I want to do it anymore is when I’ll give it away. That hasn’t happened yet.
“I love the game. I have a great family behind me and I love my job.”
Despite a compound fracture in his ankle which kept him away from the track, Thompson said a fortunate run with injury had aided his remarkable career.
“I’ve been pretty lucky,” he said. “I’ve had a broken toe and a broken collarbone.
“With the ankle, I laid on the lounge for 14 months. I couldn’t do too much. I just hoped I could keep racing.”
Thompson will ride seven horses on Saturday, including Townsville Cup winner Chivadahli in the main race.
“He (Chivadahli) is in good form,” he said. “I’m hoping for a big run from him.
“The weather is nice in Cairns. I like it about 27 or 28 degrees so hopefully it all comes together.”
Trainer Jamie McConachy said it was a privilege to have Thompson race his prized sixyear-old racehorse.
“I think Bobby’s won more Cairns Cups than just about any other jockey going around,” he said.
“He knows the track really well.
“It was planned about a week ago to get him to ride. “His record speaks for itself. “It’s great for Cairns Racing to have him too because he’s probably the most well-known and respected jockey racing in regional Australia.”
Interviewed immediately after a 90-minute sauna session, Thompson said there was one thing he wouldn’t miss if he did retire.
“I’ve been riding for 45 years and during that time the sauna’s been my second home,” he said.
“It gets easier (managing your weight) over time but I won’t miss that.”