The 35-year-old took 47 wins as a junior driver between 2011 and 2015 and now he’s back. He will rule Zeus, a Down on the coast He also trains the three-year-old gelding and is co-owner of the Murray Hamilton 75th Birthday Mobile Pace (12.55).
“I love the industry and I never thought I would be away from it forever,” says Thomas, “but I decided to focus on my career for a while.”
Thomas, a property and commercial lawyer, worked in Wellington after graduating before returning to Christchurch. He now works at Lincoln Law.
“I’m lucky that I have a lot of flexibility. Sometimes it’s an early start and I work the horses before I go to work, other times depending on when I have meetings I can come home and work them in the afternoon.”
“The horses work around my work, but we get them done.”
Thomas trains his team with Dean Taylor in Ladbrooks.
He employs three: Zeus, an American Ideal the three-year-old Majic N The Port, winner of one race, which he bought from Gavelhouse.
Zeus was driven by Gavin Smith on his race day debut. He finished seventh of eight after being three behind the fence.
“He is still quite green and he will improve as we race,” says Thomas.
Before his debut run, Thomas won a training session with him in Motukarara on September 27.
Thomas’ last race day ride was 10 years ago in 2015, with his last victory coming in 2014 with Mach’s Gladiator.
In 2013 he had his most successful season with 22 wins. He was equal sixth in the Junior Drivers’ Premiership that year, behind the likes of Matthew Williamson (113), Zachary Butcher (86) and Sam Ottley (34).
How does he feel about his upcoming return to the circuit?
“No nerves yet… more excited to get out and have some fun.”
By means of Dave Di SommaHarness News Desk
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