Episode 340: Bob Thomsen

The former outstanding Randwick trainer talks about his introduction to horses at an Oatley riding school, and his interest in becoming an apprentice jockey.  Bob recalls that his interview with Tommy Smith was arranged by his father’s friend Arthur Davies, better known as Channel 9’s Clarence The Clocker. He looks back on 40 winners as an apprentice- most trained by his master, and all on metropolitan tracks. He acknowledges other great horsemen who helped him along the way.  Bob spent 17 years at Tulloch Lodge but left following a dispute with T.J.Smith. He explains the circumstances. He reflects on a modest start as a trainer with one horse and a rented box on the corner of Barker and Botany Streets at Randwick. The lady who owned the stable waived the rent when Bob agreed to train her horse.  Bob remembers his association with an owner who purchased a tried horse from a Rosehill stable. The horse was Tudor Charger who became the trainer’s very first winner, and at Royal Randwick of all places. It’s great to hear the distinguished horseman profile the galaxy of stars he got to train in a solo career embracing close to four decades. It’s not hard to pick his personal favourites. Bob talks of the talented apprentices he had in the stable during his training days. He acknowledges the great jockeys to ride for the stable with special mention of Shane Dye. He had a fascination with cars from an early age. That interest led him to an association with vintage cars which continues to this day. Bob highlights some of the “collectors items” to pass through his hands over the years. Bob’s training career didn’t end the way he would have liked. He was none too pleased when the Australian Turf Club informed him of an impending relocation from his High St stables. He looks back on the dispute which hastened his retirement.  Bob concludes the podcast on a sentimental note. He takes us back to the Tulloch Lodge days when he got to ride some legendary horses in afternoon exercise. He drops a couple of famous names.