Thommo off to a top start
JOCKEY Ben Thompson has been fast out of the blocks since moving to Queensland and he has the chance to make his first impact on Saturday racing here when he rides Astro Boy Toy and Starvirgo at Doomben.
Thompson showed he’s going to be a welcome addition to the southeast Queensland riding ranks after racking up four winners in eight days to Thursday, winning for trainers Rob Heathcote (twice), Tony Gollan and Steve O’Dea.
“I’m really enjoying my time here. I’ve been out of quarantine for two weeks and loving it,” Thompson said.
“I’m going to Eagle Farm most mornings and went to the Gold Coast trials this week.
“I couldn’t have asked for better support in the short time I’ve been here. Hopefully I can keep building now.”
Thompson, 23, rode 379 winners before moving from Victoria, with the highlights being three Listed successes and the Group 2 Sunline Stakes on Mamzelle Tess at Moonee Valley this year.
Ex-Victorian jockeys have made a strong impact in Queensland recently.
Ryan Maloney is among the state’s leading riders, Dale Smith, Andrew Mallyon and Jake Bayliss have ridden with success and Thompson’s partner Steph Thornton finished fifth on the metropolitan premiership last year.
Given he walks around at 53kg and can comfortably ride the limit weight, Thompson is certain to be presented with ample opportunities.
The move north was inspired by his desire to reunite with Thornton, 21, and the couple are now enjoying being back together, as well as renewing a rivalry on the track.
“It had been a long time coming. We had been apart just over 18 months,” Thompson said.
“We’re very competitive and she’s not a great loser, Steph, but she gets over it pretty quickly.”