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MAX THOMPSON: Owner/Trainer of Wee Win

MAX THOMPSON

Popular trainer Max Thompson died in Christchurch last week. The holder of an amateur trainer's licence for the last 21 years, he was probably best known for his association with the tough open-class performer Wee Win, now at stud. Wee Win won nineteen races and was placed 26 times for stakes of over $110,000 for Thompson. Included in his wins were an Easter Cup and three heats of the 1979 Inter-Dominions at Addington.

Thompson a bushman and then a self-employed contractor in his early years as a licence holder, bred the horses he raced himself. Most of them stem from the fine trotting mare Foam from whom Thompson bred such winners as Foaming Lass, Pacific Star, Coral View, Gourmet's Pride and Foaming Waters. He bred from Foaming Lass with a lot of success. As well as Wee Win, she left speedy mare Winning Lass, and Winning Queen and Jaymax, both $25,000 yearlings bought at the national sale by Sydney owner Jack Honan. This season Thompson raced the successful Wee Junior (by Wee Win) who was trained by his son Gavin.

Max Thompson, who had been in poor health for some time, was 62 when he died. He is survived by his wife June, sons Gavin, Dennis and Mark and daughter Merilyn.

Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 22Jun82