Transponder delivers Thompson kennel their third Group 1 Topgun
Transponder secured victory in the 2023 Group 1 Topgun sprint at The Meadows on Saturday night.
Showcasing his speed and strength, Transponder under the guidance of trainer Jason Thompson, left his competitors behind in a raw display of ability.
Starting from box seven, Transponder burst out of the boxes to quickly establish a lead that would prove unassailable.
Priced at +1160 on greyhound betting apps Transponder left more fancied rivals in his wake with Jay Is Jay, and +110 race favourite Alpha Zulu left to do the chasing.
Transponder surged ahead crossing the finish line with 5.26 lengths ahead of 2023 Brisbane Cup winner Jay Is Jay, with kennelmate Alpha Zulu finishing behind in third.
2023 Group 1 Topgun – Transponder (29.70) T: Jason Thompson
The win gave the Thompson kennel their third Group 1 Topgun win, with previous winners coming in 2001 with No Intent, and in 2004 with Whisky Assassin.
The emotions ran high within the Thompson camp following the race, with the kennel capably and professionally represented by Thompson's daughter and son, Holly and Luke Thompson.
Holly Thompson was left speechless after the race, as she was overcome by emotion, leaving her brother Luke to handle the media immediately post-race.
“To win a big race like the Topgun is a thrill and a privilege,” Thompson said.
“When he gets clear air, that's what he can do.
“Everyone thought he was our second stringer, but the more we looked at the race, we warmed to his chances.
“It was a Topgun without a lot of speed, and when he put himself where he did early, he was always going to be hard to beat.”
“He's put himself right into contention for The Phoenix.”
Transponder is now a dual Group 1 winner, adding the 2023 Group 1 Topgun title to his 2023 Group 1 Adelaide Cup win.
The son of Deliver and Unquestionably has now won 21 of his 40 career races, with a further 12 placings.
Saturday night's Topgun win takes Transponder's career earnings to $440,270 for connections.