ROBERT THOMPSON TEAMS UP WITH SNOWDEN AS HE LOOKS TO MAKE IT THREE IN A ROW IN THE RAMORNIE

By Graham Potter | Monday, July 6, 2015

Two days down and now we move on to the two successive feature days of racing at a five meeting carnival that never seems to lose its zest for supplying racing hype in a traditional mode that keeps enthusiasts coming back year after year.

Each year in July the city of Grafton opens up its doors to the horseracing fraternity and racegoers reciprocate by coming from near and far the celebrate a week of racing inspired activities in a spirit that promotes the cause of both the host city and the racing industry.

On Wednesday Robert Thompson will try to become the first rider to claim a three successive wins in the Ramornie Handicap.

The most successful rider in the history of Australian racing (in terms of number of winners ... Thompson has over 4000 to his credit since starting out in 1973) and a much honoured sportsman (earlier this year he was inducted into Hall Of Fame and only last month he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours list), Thompson’s presence adds a celebrity status to the occasion, although the modest champion would downplay that point.

In any other sport he would be feted as a superstar, both in talent and character.

Thompson has, in fact, incredibly won four out of the last eight editions of the Ramornie.

In 2008 and 2009 he scored a famous back-to-back double on the Paul St Vincent trained The Jackal who, at the time, became the first horse in over twenty years (after Credit Again in 1986 and 1987) to claim that distinction. Then he saluted on Youthful Jack in 2013 (trained by Ross Stitt) and Big Money in 2014 (trained by Rodney Northam).

This year Thompson has the ride on I’ve Got The Looks for the Snowden stable. The mare was a two-time winner over the Queensland Racing Carnival striking gold in both the Silk Stocking and the Juanmo Stakes.

Peter Snowden trained Pinwheel and Jerezana, the 2010 and 2011 winners of the Ramornie so, between them, Thompson and Snowden have won six out of the last eight running of the Ramornie!

As a combination going forward into Wednesday, their respective records could not be more formidable.

If you wanted any more recommendation as to the relevance of this carnival and the strength of the Ramornie in particular have a look at the names of the trainers involved in the Ramornie.

John O’Shea brings the Godolphin owned Barbed to Grafton. Kris Lees has Thump. Clarry Connors comes to town with Fare Well. Brisbane’s champion trainer Tony Gollan is there with Rocket To Glory ... and of course there are others who will add weight to the reputation of the race.

Lastly, just a word about the 2004 winner of the Ramornie.

The race was just one of many stepping stones on his way to greatness for the mighty Takeover Target. His passing last month brought out a host of tributes to his and trainer Joe Janiak’s achievements.

While it might seem a little down the list after the mountain he climbed after the Ramornie, Takeover Target’s contribution to the rich tapestry of the Ramornie history will always be a favourite memory.

On Wednesday another chapter will be added.

Expect a great contest.

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