Ben Thompson raring to go ahead of Hong Kong debut: ‘I’m pinching myself’

Lightweight Australian jockey Ben Thompson says it will be a “dream coming true” to ride in Hong Kong as he prepares for his first day at the races on Monday.

Nearly 80,000 punters clicked through the turnstiles at last year’s Lunar New Year meeting and Thompson is looking forward to being thrown in the deep end with four rides on his Sha Tin debut.

“It’s been an exciting week and a half,” Thompson said. “Receiving the call was a dream coming true. It was a day I hoped would come and for it to happen was very surreal.

“It’s my first time in Hong Kong and it’s an amazing place. I’m pinching myself, really. To be starting on a huge occasion will also be very special.”

A consistent winner in Brisbane in recent years, Thompson has amassed nearly 800 victories, headlined by his breakthrough Group One triumph aboard Uncommon James in the Oakleigh Plate last February.

Able to ride at 115 pounds, Thompson has also tasted success in Singapore, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates and hopes his previous international experience can contribute to a successful start.

“I’ve been very lucky to travel in the past and experience racing in a few different countries now, so hopefully that will stand me in good stead,” Thompson said.

“I’ve always been an avid follower of Hong Kong racing. It’s the pinnacle, it’s probably the toughest racing in the world. The aim is to put my head down, work hard and make a few connections. Hopefully, the winners can come from there.”

The 27-year-old will ride for three different trainers to kick off his 16-meeting contract which sees him in the city until April 4, including two rides for red-hot handler Ricky Yiu Poon-fai.

Arguably, Thompson’s best chance of returning to the winner’s enclosure comes in the Class Three Prosperity Handicap (1,200m) when he hops aboard the Yiu-trained Solar Partner. The son of Zoustar is a two-time winner and sits only two points above his last winning mark.

Powerful Wings is the other representative from Yiu’s yard Thompson will team up with on the 11-race card. The six-year-old son of Kingman will aim to bounce back from a run of below-par performances in the Class Three Red Packet Handicap (1,600m).

“It’s amazing how quick it’s happened and it’s great to get support straight away. To ride for three different trainers is exciting,” Thompson said. “I’ve been speaking to friends of mine that have been here – Micky Dee in particular – and he’s given me some good advice.

“Zac Purton and Hugh Bowman have always been idols of mine. To compete against them at home was always very special and to do it abroad now will be even more special. I’m just really looking forward to getting started.”

Thompson will also team up with Dennis Yip Chor-hong aboard Devil And Gold in the Class Five Kung Hei Handicap (1,200m) and complete his book of rides with the Cody Mo Wai-kit-trained Le Maillot Jaune in the Class Four Good Fortune Handicap (1,200m).