Emotional farewell as Explicit claims The Phoenix for Thompson
Explicit delivered a fitting conclusion to his illustrious career, claiming The Group 1 Phoenix at The Meadows in breathtaking style.
Trained by Jason Thompson and brilliantly handled by the Thompson family, the superstar sprinter surged to a dominant three-length victory, clocking 29.72 seconds as the $3.20 bookmaker favourite.
This triumph, just weeks after his Melbourne Cup win, solidifies Explicit’s place among the legends of greyhound racing.
The race unfolded perfectly for Explicit, who broke well from box eight, avoided early trouble, and surged to the lead down the back straight.
From there, he unleashed his trademark power, pulling clear of Smooth Plane, who finished second, and outsider Daysea’s Rory, who ran a remarkable third at $91 odds with Picklebet.
2024 The Phoenix Race Replay – Explicit (20.72)
Post-race, the Thompson family shared their emotions, with Luke Thompson reflecting on the significance of the night.
“He’s just been the best,” Luke said.
“He gave me my first Group 1 handle earlier in the year, and now he’s given me three. Everyone doubted him throughout the year, but he’s done it—two Group 1s, and this is what we live for.”
Holly Thompson, visibly moved, spoke about the family’s journey with Explicit.
“It’s something that the whole family can be part of,” she said.
“When you get a special dog like this, it becomes even bigger. Nights like this are made by the work you put in last week, last month, even a year ago. I’m so proud of what he’s achieved.”
Seona Thompson, the matriarch of the family, added,
“Jason’s had many great dogs, but since Awesome Assassin, I haven’t seen him with a dog like this.
He absolutely adores him. Now he becomes mine as he heads to stud, and what he’s done for us and the Tullio family is just amazing. This is a dream come true.”
When asked about the significance of the Phoenix, Jason Thompson, one of greyhound racing’s premier trainers, offered his thoughts.
“I wasn’t sold on the concept of the race at first, but it’s turned into something special,” Jason said.
“The atmosphere, the prize money, the new people it brings into the sport—it’s incredible. Nights like this are what we work for. To win the Melbourne Cup and now the Phoenix with Explicit, it’s just unbelievable.”
Jason also acknowledged the team effort that contributed to Explicit’s success.
“We’ve been very lucky with the caliber of dogs we’ve had this year, and it’s been a sound year for them injury-wise,” he said.
“Seona, the kids, and everyone who helps us along the way—this is a win for all of them. Barry Hayward, our vet, does amazing work to keep the dogs in peak condition.”
Explicit’s career concludes with 27 wins from 37 starts and nearly $1.5 million in prize money.
Reflecting on the journey, Jason offered advice for aspiring participants.
“It doesn’t matter where you start—it’s where you end up. Work hard, use common sense, and don’t try to reinvent the wheel. If you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything in this industry.”
The Phoenix win was a deeply personal and emotional moment for the Thompson family.
Their youngest, Sophie, was seen in tears of joy after the race, capturing the profound impact Explicit has had on the family and their kennel.
As he transitions to stud, Explicit leaves a legacy that will inspire generations to come, cementing his status as one of the all-time greats in greyhound racing.
The Phoenix 2024 Results – The Meadows
2024 The Phoenix ResultsThe Meadows 525m Group 1 $1,000,000 to-the-winner Saturday, December 21, 2024
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| 1st |
8 Explicit
T: Jason ThompsonTime: 29.72Margin:
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| 2nd |
7 Smooth Plane
T: Thomas DaillyTime: 29.88Margin: 2.5 Lengths
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| 3rd |
5 Daysea’s Rory
T: Tom TzouvelisTime: 30.10Margin: 5.75 Lengths
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| 4th |
1 Schillaci
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| 5th |
4 Sunset Frazier
T: Jeffrey BrittonTime: 30.23Margin: 7.75 Lengths
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| 6th |
6 Lakeview Emily
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| 7th | |
| 8th |
3 Excavation
T: Jason ThompsonTime: 30.48Margin: 6.75
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