Thompson chasing another Ramornie
Hoop eyeing history
JOCKEY Robert Thompson will be out to equal a 65- yearold record when he is legged aboard Big Money in today’s $ 150,000 Ramornie Handicap at Grafton.
The Cessnock riding icon, 56, is already a three- time winner of the time- honoured Listed sprint, first run in 1917.
But only one jockey in the race’s history, Cecil Skeeter Kelly, has won the Ramornie back- to- back twice.
Kelly scored on Travatore in 1955- 56 and repeated the feat when he won on Blue Dart ( 1958) and Glanceful ( 1959).
Thompson won back- toback Ramornies on The Jackal in 2007- 08 and last year won a memorable renewal aboard veteran Youthful Jack for close friend, Taree trainer Ross Stitt.
Three other riders have also won the event back to back – Billy Cook on Oriental and Yankee Lad in 1947- 48, his son Peter Cook on High Classic and Tandrio in 1982- 83 and the late Neil Williams on Credit Again ( 1986- 87).
The Rodney Northamtrained Big Money has been targeted at the Ramornie for some time.
Raced by his breeder Phil Gunter and his wife Leona, the four- year- old gelding has been in sparkling form this campaign and his overall record of six wins and four seconds from 10 starts speaks volumes for his consistency.
He is a last- start winner of the Group Three WJ Healy Stakes at Eagle Farm.
Big Money has drawn the inside barrier, pleasing Northam. “That’s good, better than barrier 18,” Northam said.
“He did his last bit of serious work last Saturday and worked super. He ran good time and his track rider said he’s spot on. There doesn’t look to be blinding pace in the race which should hopefully allow him to be not too far off them.
“It would be nice to see him fifth or sixth smoking his pipe coming to the home turn.
“Robert knows the horse, the track and the Ramornie. I won’t be giving him any instructions. He knows how to get the job done.”
Thompson and Northam have already left their mark on the Grafton carnival, combining with Myamira to win the $ 50,000 South Grafton Cup.