Episode 300: Robert Thompson OAM

To mark our 300th podcast episode we present a chat with record breaking jockey Robert Thompson who sits on 4447 Australian winners as this interview is posted. He’s still riding at  age 63, but has greatly reduced his workload. He talks of the huge benefits of the higher weight scale these days.  Rob talks of life on the farm at Cessnock and his love of cattle. The veteran jockey takes us back to the day he rode his 4000th winner- a BM60 at Newcastle on a little horse called Lay Down The Law. He remembers the fuss made of him after the history making event.  Rob talks about the huge racing involvement on both sides of his family. He recalls being allowed to ride horses in the parade ring at small bush meetings while the stewards were otherwise occupied. He remembers the thrill of his first win at Wyong in 1973. Rob talks of his late grandmother Gwen whose support of her grandson at the races could sometimes get quite vocal. He relates one hilarious story about Nana Collins. The great jockey recalls his first city win on a rogue called Semper Prima. It’s a long time now since Rob won a couple of Gr 1’s on Romantic Dream. To this day he says the son of Baguette was the best horse he’s ridden. He talks of his first Gr 1 success on Just A Steal in 1978 and the overtures that came from T.J.Smith and other leading trainers. He recalls a Champagne Stakes win for Neville Begg. Rob pays tribute to My Star Sapphire who broke down after only 16 runs. The horse was trained by his father Arthur. He talks of the jockeys who helped him along the way, including a couple who became his inspiration. Rob looks back on his only Melbourne Cup ride and an unlikely trip to Hong Kong. Friends said he’d never handle the crush. He reflects on a Canterbury Guineas win on Sharscay. It was Guy Walter’s first Gr 1 success. He acknowledges the talents of brilliant sprinter Moss Rocket. Rob talks of his wonderful association with Ross Stitt and the magical ride they had with dual Gr 1 winner Heavenly Glow. The jockey talks of his frequent trips to Northern Queensland and the success to come out of it. Rob acknowledges his induction into the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame.