FORMER Hong Kong-based jockey Brent Thomson, who has ridden successfully in more than 20 countries, is considering another career move, writes Graeme Kelly. Thomson, who earlier this week celebrated his 38th birthday and has been riding for exactly 23 years, is considering settling in Brisbane. He says he is giving himself 'another week or two' to decide whether he will remain in Queensland, where he has business interests, or return to England to ride for Robert Sangster. 'At the moment I'm working on my fitness,' says Thomson, who has ridden a series of winners since resuming race riding in February after five months on the sidelines with an ankle injury. 'Everything has gone smoothly and I feel I've been riding well since I've comeback. That started me to thinking about staying in Queensland and I've since received a number of offers from trainers.

'Although the English season starts this week the racing over there doesn't start to hot-up until next month. 'That gives me a couple of weeks to reach a decision and also allows me more time to improve my fitness.' Thomson, who will be based at Newmarket if he returns to England, says that at this stage he does not have a leaning either way. 'I enjoy riding in England and Robert Sangster is a great person to ride for,' he said.

'On the other hand my career is going well at the moment and I've already been engaged for rides in the feature races at Randwick over Easter. 'It's a difficult choice.' Thomson won three Melbourne jockeys' premierships and a host of feature events - including four W. S. Cox Plates - before deciding to test himself against the world's best jockeys.