Glen Thompson lands first G1 in the 2025 Australasian Oaks

Benagil delivered a richly deserved reward for trainer Glen Thompson on Saturday, securing his first Group 1 victory in the Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville.

With a perfect ride from Group 1 maestro Mark Zahra, Benagil proved far too strong, providing Thompson with a highlight in what has been a season filled with upheaval and change.

Thompson initially partnered with Mike Moroney for the 2024-25 season before Moroney’s sudden passing saw him take sole charge at Ballymore Stables, quickly tasting success including a win by Benagil in the lucrative VOBIS Guineas at Caulfield.

He faced further disruption recently when Ballymore was absorbed into the Lindsay Park system, but managed to secure 20 stables at Flemington to continue training independently.

“It’s been a tough few weeks, but I’ve just been trying to focus on today,” Thompson said.

“We got her here in as good an order as we could, and I thought she was spot on today and she raced like it.”

Sent out a $3.10 favourite with betting sites, Benagil stormed home to defeat longshot Sweltering ($201) by 1-¼ lengths, while Polymnia ($4.60) filled third just behind them.

Thompson said Benagil had always shown promise, but credited this campaign for her continued improvement.

Last spring, she was unlucky when fifth in the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield and confirmed her Group 1 credentials chasing Treasurethe Moment home in the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill earlier this preparation.

“She came back as a three-year-old in the spring and was very unlucky in the Thousand Guineas and those sort of races, and she’s just gone to another level this time,” Thompson said.

“There was a little bit of pressure there to stay in Sydney and run in the Oaks, but this was a much better option for her, and she proved us right today.

“It’s good to get Mark on, he’s one of the best in the land, so I was very lucky to get him on board.”

Thompson indicated that Queensland could be next for the talented filly depending on her recovery from Saturday’s effort.

Zahra was full of admiration for Thompson’s training effort, noting how well Benagil has been managed throughout a tough preparation.

“He’s a great trainer, Glen,” Zahra said.

“He’s had times on his own before and is training by himself now.

“He needs the support, but he’s just done a great job with his filly, and she looked fantastic.

“She’s gone from Melbourne then to Sydney, then back to here.

“It’s a long prep, and you’ve got to be a good trainer to be able to peak every time.

“She looked great today, and she flogged them.”