BEN THOMPSON SET TO CALL HONG KONG HOME

By Darren Winningham | Monday, April 29, 2024

Ben Thompson was granted a contract by the HKJC back in February to ride in one of the most competitive precincts in the world.

Since then, he has ridden three winners in the lead up to FWD Champions Day.

In the first race on FWD Champions Day Thompson was aboard the lightweight chance Legion Of Merit for local trainer Chris So. The striking grey gelding was taken to the lead by Thompson over 2000 metres and he ran them into the ground.

On hand to celebrate the victory was his wife Stephanie who was extremely proud of her husband posting his first Sunday day winner in Hong Kong.

Prior to the victory Thompson had been given the nickname of the “Night Rider” as he had only managed to ride winners at night meetings. Now the monkey is off the back – the locals will need to find him a new nickname.

Just recently the HKJC have extended Thompson’s riding contract through until the end of the current season.

WINNO managed to catch up with Thompson at the FWD Champions dinner night where he said that Stephanie and their young son Harry have settled in well and were really enjoying their time in Hong Kong.

He lives on the track at Sha Tin and explained that he can walk to the track and be on the back of a horse within five minutes. He has been riding trackwork and has been to mainland China to the HJKC’s Conghua track as well.

He said that he was hoping to stay in Hong Kong long term now as he is just starting to build some momentum. When you look at his current season stats, he is a quiet achiever riding four winners and seventeen place getters from 137 rides. Accumulating HK$4.86 million.

Whilst you may look at the above stats, bear in mind has not been getting the pick of the rides and has had to build his profile virtually from scratch. To his credit he is giving every one of his rides every possible opportunity and getting the best out of them all.

Thompson is genuinely excited to remain in Hong Kong and make his mark.

Hopefully the HKJC will grant him a permanent contract. He rides lightweights, and he presents himself in such a professional manner on and off the track that he would be a perfect permanent addition to Hong Kong racing.

Let’s hope he gets this contract and can remain in Hong Kong for the foreseeable future.

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