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Thompson to start anew as a trainer

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DISCARDED jockey Robert Thompson says he will quit riding at the end of the season to pursue a training career in his native Australia.

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Thompson has become a victim of a switch of stables by fellow rider and compatriot, Darren Beadman, currently with defending champion trainer John Moore.

Beadman will ride for Thompson's retainer, trainer Neville Begg next season in a deal formalised earlier in the week leaving Thompson nowhere to go.

Thompson, 35 next week, is to return to his family training establishment at Cessnock, 200 kilometres north-west of Sydney.

Before riding in last night's first floodlit barrier trials at Sha Tin Thompson said: ''I've enjoyed my time here and learned a lot but I'm definitely going back to Australia when the season is over and it's very much on the cards that I will start training.

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''I could take over from my father or we could do it together when I first go back. Dad has over 20 horses in work.'' Begg added: ''I have no doubt Robert will make it as a trainer. He's very patient and has just the right attitude for the job.'' Meanwhile, Alex Wong Siu-tan last night hit out at the Jockey Club's licensing committee's decision to refuse him a stable jockey for next season.

The long-serving handler had employed Nigel Tiley for the past two seasons and has 37 horses in his care - seven above the minimum number required to retain a stable rider.

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