Robert Thompson reveals Sagatona success would be fitting tribute to his father
AGELESS jockey Robert Thompson rides for his dad these days and admits emotions will overflow if he is successful aboard Sagatona today.
Racing
Don't miss out on the headlines from Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News.
AGELESS jockey Robert Thompson rides for his dad these days.
That's why it's fitting Thompson's father, Arthur, who died of cancer last May, laid the foundations for his plum ride in today's Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on the Gold Coast.
The 55-year-old, who has booted home an Australian record 3957 winners over his four-decade career, will ride $13 chance Sagatona for Brisbane trainer Liam Birchley in the $2 million race.
The NSW jockey may never have even met Birchley if it wasn't for Arthur and admits he will have his dad to thank if he is successful today.
"When I first came in contact with Liam Birchley he was working at a stud farm in Scone and that stud farm (Turangga Farm) my father used to train for," Thompson recalls.
"Liam used to break all the young horses in and send them to dad and that's how I first got to know Liam.
"Liam went on to train in NSW and I rode for him there and I still ride for him a bit now.
"I guess you could say dad helped me get the ride (today) and I will dedicate it to him if we win.
"It would be a bit emotional and I think about him every day."
Arthur was always proud of his son and regardless of the result today, it would be no different.
He always wanted Robert to do what he did best even when he should have been somewhere else.
"He passed away in May last year and that was when the big Cup carnival was on at Scone," Thompson recalls.
"He wanted to know why I was beside his bed and not at the races.
"I said "I want to be here with you".
"He is used to ask me how close I am to 4000 winners and he said you will get there one day.
"I want to get there for him."
Barring injury, Thompson will fulfil his dream too.
Despite his age, the evergreen hoop is still picking up plenty of rides right across the country.
He rode a double at Port Macquarie on Thursday and had six rides at Devonport in Tasmania the day before.
More importantly the hunger to ride winners is still there, regardless of where he is.
"I enjoy riding in the bush just as much as I do at Randwick," Thompson said.
"I'm a bush kid and that's where I was brought up.
"I can't give you an answer on how long I will keep riding for but while I'm still enjoying it I will keep going."
Born in Cessnock, NSW, nothing has ever been too hard for Thompson since he left school at 14 to become a jockey.
He has ridden at about 100 different tracks over his illustrious career and could write a whole book of interesting stories.
"I rode in Papua New Guinea once at Lae and the home straight was the air strip," Thompson recalls.
"I also rode at Birdsville once and a few of those bush tracks out west."
Travelling the extra miles has been the key to his longevity.
And it could well pay off again today.
Robert Thompson
Born: Cessnock
Age: 55
Winners: 3957
Weight: 54kg
Height: 164cm
‘It’s why I get so emotional’: Another Wil’s special family connection
There is a deep and emotional family connection in the ownership of freak racehorse Another Wil who is named after a 14-year-old boy and could be on a Cox Plate path this spring.
Marshall scores Hole In One at Kranji farewell
Brisbane jockey Taylor Marshall will have the opportunity to win the last ever race run at Kranji next month when he takes the ride on Hole In One in the Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup.