Jason Thompson’s Magical Touch
Champion Victorian trainer Jason Thompson secured his second consecutive Group One Melbourne Cup victory on Thursday night with racing's newest superstar; Black Magic Opal.
Beginning brilliantly from box two, the $2.00 favourite shot clear at the first turn over Dyna Beth, who chased gallantly the entire 515m trip, in a stunning time of 29.37. This was the exact time that Thompson's champion Got A Moment clocked 12-months prior in her magnificent victory.
Thompson was relieved to see his sensational chaser begin the way he wanted and secure the win.
‘When he won the race I was very relieved. I did have a touch of nerves before the race because I just wanted him to perform like he had been'
‘I wanted him to come out and have every chance of winning and that's what he did'
‘At Sandown a while back he bombed the start and that's always in the back of your mind that it can happen and he didn't come out brilliant but burnt them off once he hit the ground'
Thursday's win was victory number 26 from just 33 starts for the son of Magic Sprite and Awesome Opal and added a sentimental touch for the greyhound's breeders; Les and Carol Hudson, who made the prolonged journey from Budgewoi to Victoria.
‘I met Les and Carol for the first time on Thursday night and it was really special to have them there'
‘They always ring Seona after every race to congratulate us and make sure he is ok which is really lovely of them to care so much, even though they don't own him anymore'
‘I can't give them enough credit. They did all the hard work and without them we wouldn't have him'
Black Magic Opal also recorded his 7th consecutive victory on Thursday and with his $350,000 first prize, taking his career earnings to a staggering $495,185, placing him currently 11th on Australia's all-time highest prizemoney earners.
A much anticipated stud career now beckons for this champion, with the biggest race in Australia securing his future in the breeding barn.
‘Their was a bit of added pressure for him to win to help his stud career, but winning a race like that will only elevate him higher now once he retires'
Thompson now plans to tackle the $75,000 Group One Hobart Thousand in Tasmania mid-December.
‘He pulled up super after the run and we will be targeting the Hobart Thousand next and will give him some lead up races for preparation'
Thompson achieved a significant milestone on Thursday, being only the third trainer in the Cup's 57-year history, to secure back-to-back victories and his third Melbourne Cup overall.
‘It's unbelievable to think I have won this race two years in a row'
‘You have to have the dogs to do it and I'm very fortunate I've had dogs to win a race like this'
Black Magic Opal has certainly captured the hearts of a nation, as his electrifying racing style will continue to keep us in awe, as the Jason Thompson Group race domination continues; Australia-wide.
Simply too good, can anyone beat him in Hobart???
Simply too good, can anyone beat him in Hobart???