Thompson marks seventh Brisbane Cup win

By Brennan Ryan 

Champion trainer Jason Thompson etched his name in history again, claiming his seventh Group 1 Brisbane Cup as Consigliere stormed home under the lights of Q2 Parklands on Saturday night to snag the $650,000 prize. 

The son of Bernardo and Bandit Jane completed a stunning double, adding the Cup to his Flying Amy Classic victory.

Jumping from box four, Consigliere led from the start and held off Cumbria Jack in a tense 29.69 second finish, with Back Tomorrow third.

The combination of Clover Park Racing Group, led by Andy and Jodie Lord; Awesome Lodge of 'Team Thompson'; and the expertise of Queensland-based Hall of Fame caretaker trainer Tony Brett is a winning formula. 

"He's just an amazing dog," Jason's son, Luke Thompson, said after the race.

"Always consistent, he gives his all every single time. 

"Consigliere is definitely one of the fastest dogs around, but full respect to Cumbria Jack – our dog hit the front at just the right moment and we knew it was going to be a race for young and old." 

The Thompson kennel's record in the Brisbane Cup now stands at seven wins, with Consigliere joining the ranks of Uno Joel, El Galo, Got A Moment, Black Opium, Equalizer and the earlier triumph with Flying Zulu.

"Having every dog behind you, but Cumbria Jack three spots back, was daunting," Luke Thompson said. 

"Everyone would have loved a fairytale ending for that dog, but we’re so proud of Consigliere’s effort." 

Consigliere boosts his career record to 15 wins in 32 starts, with total earnings of $997,735. 

Meanwhile, the sensational Western Australian chaser Miss Envy made her mark in the sport’s history by winning the Group 1 Queensland Cup for Krystal and Steve Shinners.

She became only the second greyhound in modern history, after Fanta Bale, to win a Group 1 race over 500, 600 and 700 metres and she also surpassed the $1 million mark in prizemoney earnings. 

The daughter of Aston Dee Bee and Miss America dominated from start to finish for a decisive victory. 

"Unbelievable, just an absolute star," Steve Shinners said of Miss Envy. 

"When she’s leading, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her slow down. I figured it would take an exceptional dog to get close to her." 

Starting from box four, Miss Envy kept up the pace throughout the staying trip, fending off top stayers Magpie Hector and Without A Trace to win by nearly two lengths with a time of 41.43 seconds. 

The win sits alongside her other Group 1 titles in the National Sprint Championship, Golden Sands and Rookie Rebel.

She claimed the $175,000 winner's prize, boosting Miss Envy's record to 37 wins from 61 starts and $1,113,977 in prize money, making her the 24th $1 million earner in greyhound racing history.

"Having her prepared to step up for 700 metres has been a long-range plan," Steve Shinners said. 

The renowned Queensland Winter Greyhound Racing Carnival concluded successfully, with She's Mayhem winning the Listed Mick Byrne Memorial and Aliir, trained by Leith McHugh, won the Group 3 Carnival Masters.

Mepunga Reward claimed the Cup Consolation B in the Group 3 $30,000-to-the-winner event for Jeff Britton, while Ross The Boss secured the Cup Consolation A, the Group 2 $75,000-to-the-winner race for Michelle Sultana.