Ben Thompson is confident he will return to Brisbane as a much better jockey following his stint in Hong Kong

The frenetic nature and high intensity of riding in Hong Kong will only help Ben Thompson when he returns to Brisbane in July.

Jockey Ben Thompson after partnering with Rothfire to win the King of the Mountain at Clifford Park Racecourse, Monday, January 1, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ben Thompson is confident he will return to Brisbane in July as a much better jockey following his 18-month stint in the frenetic and cut-throat world of Hong Kong racing.

The 27-year-old will finish up in the Asian racing mecca on July 16 and fly home the following day to be with his wife and former jockey Stephanie Thornton and their young child Harry.

And leading Eagle Farm trainer Robert Heathcote has welcomed Thompson’s imminent return to Brisbane’s riding ranks, rating him in the “top three” jockeys in the River City.

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Thompson last week withdrew his application to continue riding in Hong Kong for another six months, saying “it felt like the right move” to head back to Brisbane.

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“I’ve had great support fortunately since being here and received a good number of rides (352 this season) but I just felt it was in my best interests, both professionally and personally, to go back to Brisbane,” he told Racenet from Hong Kong on Monday.

“It’s been the highlight of my career being here and it is a place that I’d love to return. But I just feel I can take the experience from here home and see how we go.

Jockey Ben Thompson with wife Stephanie and their baby boy Harry Picture: Supplied

“But it’d be a dream to return (to Hong Kong) some time down the track.”

Thompson has been through a lean trot, having not won a race since April, and has notched eight victories in Hong Kong this season, one behind fellow Brisbane jockey Jimmy Orman, who has extended his contract in the region until February 17.

“When you’re only riding twice a week on the greatest stage in racing, winners are hard to come by, it’s just part of it,” said Thompson, who has won more than HK$22m (AUS$4.2m) in prizemoney so far this season.

“It’s been a surreal experience and without doubt the most rewarding and challenging chapter of my career.

“You’re rubbing shoulders with the world’s elite riders and they’re permanent fixtures, the likes of Zac Purton, Hugh Bowman and Andrea Atzeni.

“These are jockeys I’ve idolised so it’s been a great experience watching them ply their trade.”

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And Thompson, who acts as his own riding agent in Hong Kong, has no doubt he’s a superior jockey to when he left Australian shores in February last year.

“Everything happens at such a fast pace here and you have to think so quick,” he said about riding in Hong Kong.

“From the time you jump out the gates it’s all systems go and you only get one chance.

“Off the track you’re chasing horses that you’ve raced that day and trying to get your backside on them for the next time they run.

“Everything moves at such a fast rate and you have to be so dialled in. I’d like to think that has left me much better off for my return to Brisbane.”

Jockey Ben Thompson and Rothfire after winning the King Of The Mountain slot race for trainer Robert Heathcote in Toowoomba on New Year’s Day last year. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Heathcote said he would have no hesitation in getting Thompson on his horses when the jockey makes his comeback to racing in Brisbane in the August 2 metropolitan meeting at Eagle Farm.

“Not only is he a lightweight rider but he’s a thorough gentleman, he’s hard working and he’s a quality jockey,” the trainer said.

“He’ll get as much support from my stable as I can give him.

“He’s brilliant with form and he’s an A-grade rider. He’ll certainly be in the top three jockeys in Brisbane.”

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Thompson will take time off from his busy schedule on Saturday to watch star greyhound Tim Zoo contest the Group 1 Brisbane Cup at Q2 Parklands.

The gifted chaser is trained by Ben’s father, champion trainer Jason Thompson, and is owned by a syndicate which includes Ben.

“My parents were fortunate enough to win the Brisbane Cup last year with Flying Zulu so hopefully they can do it again,” he said.

“The dogs are my biggest outlet away from the gallops.”

Originally published as Ben Thompson is confident he will return to Brisbane as a much better jockey following his stint in Hong Kong