Ben Thompson jubilated in breakthrough Hong Kong success at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (6 March), describing his win on Courier Magic as “an amazing result” as the Australian’s patience and resolve was finally rewarded.
Undeterred after 48 fruitless previous outings, Thompson snared his first Hong Kong win aboard Jamie Richards’ charge, triumphing at 40/1 in the Class 5 Kwoon Chung Cross Boundary Service Handicap (1650m).
Adding to a career tally of 800 wins accumulated in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, Thompson was elated – and relieved – after the victory.
“It’s taken a couple of weeks to wait, but it’s extremely rewarding to ride a winner here, Thompson, 27, said. “It’s just nice to get the first winner out of the way – a big thanks to Jamie Richards, his team and connections.
“It’s very surreal. I’m sure it’s not going to sink in straight away, but a huge thrill – an amazing result for my career.
“They gave me a nice fit horse to ride and he draw well (barrier three) and it worked out perfectly.
“Every jockey, wherever they go, let alone Hong Kong, wants to ride winners and I didn’t expect anything to be easier – nothing has surprised me – and it was just a matter of being patient and riding everything as well as I could and it’s great to finally get a winner.”