The accolades continue to roll in for champion Cessnock jockey Robert Thompson.
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Just over two weeks after he was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame, Thompson has been made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) on the 2015 Queen’s Birthday honours list.
Thompson was recognised for his significant service to the thoroughbred racing industry as an ambassador, a champion rider, and mentor to apprentice jockeys.
The ever-humble quiet achiever said he was shocked to learn he would be receiving the AM honour.
“I was very surprised, but thrilled of course,” Thompson said.
The 57-year-old became Australia’s most winning jockey in July 2008, overtaking Jack Thompson’s record of 3322 winners.
He rode his 4000th winner at his favourite track, Newcastle, in May 2014 and has racked up more than 100 wins since then.
Thompson started his apprenticeship in 1973 under the watchful eye of his grandfather Norm Collins and father Arthur, both well-respected and successful trainers.
He has ridden at tracks across Australia and overseas – including Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore, and a two-year stint in Hong Kong – and has notched up numerous group one winners.
But some of his most memorable moments have happened at his home track of Cessnock.
In 1987 he rode five winners in one day – all trained by his father Arthur – including the Cessnock Cup on Gay Scene.
He will be vying for his sixth Cessnock Cup win this coming Tuesday.
The love of the job and the horses keeps Thompson going, and he isn’t looking at hanging up his boots any time soon.
“I still enjoy it and I will just keep going while I can,” he said.
“It’s been wonderful, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
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