'Snake' Thompson Continues to Improve From Stroke

Mark "Snake" Thompson, a fixture at North American racetracks and sales for several decades, continues to improve from the effects of a stroke as his friends and colleagues continue to help raise funds for his care.

Thompson, a native of the Bahamas who turns 57 April 23, was formerly a jockeys' valet at tracks including Gulfstream Park and Monmouth Park but most recently had been a lead show man at Thoroughbred sales. Not only was he a diligent worker with a great attitude, but he has a unique skill set and has been a mentor to others.

"He mentored a lot of these people who work the sales now on how to do things the right way," said Jack Brothers, a long-time consultant to Frank Stronach's Adena Springs and a partner in Hidden Brook Farm, one of the consignments where Thompson has worked. Thompson also worked for the McMahon family, Gerry Dilger, and Indian Creek, among others.

Thompson suffered a debilitating stroke just prior to last year's Keeneland November breeding stock sale and underwent rehabilitation at the Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson Stroke Recovery Center at Cardinal Hill Hospital near Lexington. He was subsequently relocated to Morning Pointe Senior Living residence in Lexington and continues on the road to recovery.

Brothers and a group of other horsemen that includes Doug and Katie Cauthen, Mike Recio, and Jak Knelman, have established a Go Fund Me account to help raise funds for Thompson's care and other living expenses. Accessible here, the account has received contributions from more than 200 people since being established in November.

Veteran jockey Joe Bravo, who has known Thompson for about 20 years, said his friend is a special person whose positive attitude is infectious.

"He just loves life," Bravo said between mounts at Keeneland this past weekend. "You never see a sad face on the man. That's what makes him special. He makes everyone around him feel good. No matter how hard his day is, he picks up their spirits."

Bravo and others who have visited Thompson recently said he is making progress toward returning to the work he loves.

"He is able to stand up," Bravo said, adding that Thompson's speech and mind were unaffected by the stroke. "He is battling. He is going to fight this so he can get back. His main goal is to get back on his feet and back to working with horses."

Bravo said he was concerned that the stroke would dampen Thompson's normally upbeat personality, but any effects were minimal. "He is a larger than life personality, and he had a smile on his face," the rider said of his recent visit. "I felt much better after seeing him."

Consultant Doug Cauthen, who also recently visited Thompson, said the show man "is really proud about his progress and within the next six months we are going to see a lot more progress."

Cauthen said the large number of contributions to the Go Fund Me account are a testament to Thompson's popularity.

"He is the friendliest guy who will ever show you a horse, and I think that is one reason the breadth of support is so good," Cauthen said. "He has such a work ethic and always has a friendly word to say."

Despite the strong support Thompson has received financially, those involved in the fund-raising effort say it is an ongoing effort and more is needed.

"It's going to be a long haul and we are going to need to keep building more funds, unfortunately," Cauthen said.