John Thompson wins race named for mentor

Saturday 28 February 2015, 6:12pm

After waxing lyrical about the quality of First Seal's Surround Stakes win at Warwick Farm, trainer John Thompson was almost lost for words when Danesiri won the Guy Walter Stakes.

Saturday's Group Three race was named for the popular local trainer who died suddenly in May last year.

Thompson virtually grew up on the racecourse as the son of former trainer Vic Thompson and Walter was one of his mentors who encouraged him in his own career.

"Guy was a massive supporter of mine through the good times and the bad," Thompson said.

"I got a lot of horses from him after his passing. He was an absolute champion of a man and it's an honour to win his race."

Thompson, who used to train for Nathan Tinkler's former racing concern Patinack Farm, got Danesiri from Port Macquarie trainer Wayne Wilkes, another ex-Patinack trainer.

Despite her second to Thump in the Triscay Stakes, Danesiri was a $21 chance in the Guy Walter (1400m).

She belied that price when she overhauled the favourite Cosmic Endeavour ($4.40) to win by three-quarters of a length.

"She came in fantastic order and a lot of this win goes to Wayne," Thompson said.

"He is a good trainer but being in town and not having to travel so far makes a big difference for mares."

Walter's wife Wendy was on hand to present the trophy and also donated the plaques from the trainer's Group One wins.

They have been made into a collage adorning the wall of the Tie The Knot bar which celebrates the Walter-trained 14-time Group One winner.

– AAP

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