Leaping across codes

ONLY the real greats of harness racing can transcend the sport.

Blacks A Fake did it almost 20 years ago and now Leap To Fame’s amazing deeds are cutting into mainstream, too.

Queensland racing’s glamour couple Ben and Stephanie Thompson have joined the huge following Leap To Fame, or just “Larry” to his fans, has drawn outside the bubble of his own sport.

Hall of Fame trainer John Hawkes, top Victorian trainer Mick Price and star jockeys like Blake Shinn, Tommy Berry and Tyler Schiller all marvel at and follow Leap To Fame’s deeds closely.

“I think if you’re a lover of sport, you’re in awe of greats of any type,” Ben Thompson said. “To think one person, horse or greyhound can be so much better than the rest is pretty amazing.”

The Thompsons took time out from their busy thoroughbred commitments and two young kids to visit Leap To Fame and meet his trainers Grant and Trista Dixon this week, as Australasia’s all-time richest earner prepared for a racetrack return.

Leap To Fame, who hasn’t raced since winning his second Brisbane Inter Dominion final on July 19, will trial at Albion Park tomorrow (Thursday) as he targets more Group 1 glory in Victoria and then New Zealand.

“Steph and I first got into the trots watching King Of Swing a few years back and then along came Leap To Fame,” Ben Thompson said. “We’ve got a family chat group going now and it’s all about Leap To Fame whenever he’s racing.

“It was great to see him in the flesh and in his own surroundings. He’s not an imposing horse, but as Steph said, we saw a few other horses before him and you immediately notice his presence and aura, like he knows he’s good.

“It was a privilege to see him and spend some time talking about all things racing with Grant and Trista, who seem great people.”

Ben Thompson grew up knowing other racing codes, with his father and mother, Jason and Seona Thompson, being at the top of the tree as greyhound trainers.

“Yes, I’ve handled plenty of dogs in my time and love watching the trots. I’m across all three codes,” he laughed. “I might have to drive a pacer next to really cap it off.”

Thompson returned to Queensland in July after a successful and hard-working 18-month stint in Hong Kong and has made an immediate impact.

“It was terrific in HK, but it’s so good being back home, especially with two young kids,” he said.

Like Leap To Fame, Thompson will fly the Queensland flag interstate in coming weeks.

“I’ve got the ride on Travolta in the Metropolitan on Saturday week for Chris Waller,” he said. “It’s a race I rode Land Legend in last year and it led to a Caulfield Cup ride, so here’s hoping it opens doors for some big Melbourne rides again, too.”

After tomorrow’s (Thursday) trial, Leap To Fame will have a lead-up race at Albion Park before heading south for the $250,000 Group 1 Victoria Cup at Melton on October 18.

Then he heads even further afield for the iconic $NZ1 million NZ Cup at Addington in Christchurch on November 11.

by Adam Hamilton for Harness Racing Australia