Glen Thompson’s path to Flemington began long before he ever set foot in the famed stables. The Sydney horseman, now 42, comes from one of Australian racing’s most respected families. His grandfather, Vic Thompson Sr, and father, Vic Jr, were both accomplished horsemen, while his brother John served as Bart Cummings’ foreman before training in his own right.
But Thompson’s entry into the game wasn’t automatic, being told by his father that he must finish Year 12 before working in racing. “That was the clear stipulation from Dad, and I respected that,” he said. “But I also was working before and after school at the stables because it was in my blood.”
Thompson formally began his career at 17, and his early education in the Sydney yards was later complemented by a pivotal experience overseas.
“I think the turning point of my career came when I went over to Singapore as Michael Freedman’s stable foreman,” he said.
“It was a fantastic insight into racing in another country, and I really thrived. It was one of those opportunities that rarely come along, and I learnt so much from Michael during our time there; we were very successful.
“It was probably in one way less high pressure, but at the same time, you managed to learn things about working horses in the climate of Singapore and many other learning curves that came along.”
After four years in Singapore, Thompson returned home following a call from his mother. His father had suffered a severe heart attack and could rarely leave a wheelchair.
“Mum called me and sounded very keen for me to come home, and I thought I should lift my weight around the house,” he said. Thompson stayed in Sydney for two years before a fresh opportunity came knocking – this time from the late Mike Moroney.
It was during the 2019 Easter Yearling Sales in Sydney that Moroney gathered a group of close owners to share a new vision. He’d long believed in partnerships and had been keeping an eye on Thompson for some time.
“I’m flying him into Melbourne next week to see what he thinks,” Moroney told the group. “He’s got all the makings of an excellent future partner.”
He invited Thompson down to Melbourne, and the two quickly clicked.
