Mining magnate and head of the famous Patinack Farm racing operation, Nathan Tinkler has been left in the lurch now on the search to find a replacement Queensland foreman after Mark Thompson made a shock resignation.

After the dismissal of Patinack’s previous sunshine state foreman Toby Edmonds earlier in the year Thompson, a brother of Patinack Farm’s top trainer John P Thompson, was awarded the position.

The move from Sydney to Queensland, however, proved an unsuitable one for Mark who was reportedly unhappy with the lifestyle change his recent appointment brought with it.

“Mark resigned because he didn’t like the change of lifestyle,” John Thompson said.

“He used to live in Darling Harbour in Sydney and missed the lifestyle there.

“I had to talk him into going to Queensland when he was first appointed.”

Leading Warwick Farm-based trainer John Thompson has established a temporary base in Queensland for the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival.

A number of the Thompson-trained winter hopefuls will race at the Gold Coast this weekend including BTC Cup nominee Marquardt who is entered for the $150,000 Listed Silk Stocking (1200m).

It is sure to be a busy Saturday at the track for Thompson following his brother’s upset exit from the venture.

Other horses Thompson will saddle up at the Gold Coast this weekend include Redoute’s Choice gelding Metallurgical in the $175,000 Listed Prime Minister’s Cup (1300m) who comes off a Class 6 win at Eagle Farm, and Caulfield Guineas runner-up Run For Levi along with improving filly Wonderful Lass in the $125,000 Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas (1200m).

A defector for Thompson from Saturday’s meet is Tagus, last start third placegetter in the Hall Mark Stakes, who will not be accepted for the Prime Minister’s Cup.

“I’m not bringing Tagus up and he’ll probably run next in the Scone Cup on Friday week,” Thompson said.

“I think Wonderful Lass is our best hope in the Guineas.

“She’s fit and is ready to win.”

Meanwhile, Run For Levi will have his first run since finishing 15^th in the 16-horse Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) showdown won by Shamrocker at Flemington on March 5.

“He’s first-up and normally takes a couple of runs to find his best form,” Thompson said of Hussonet colt Run For Levi.

“He’s headed to the Queensland Guineas and I’d like to see him on a firmer track.

“I’m not sure why but he didn’t come up for his Australian Guineas prep.”

The $250,000 Group 2 Queensland Guineas (1600m) will run at Eagle Farm’s Stradbroke Handicap Day on June 11.

Thompson has a strong number of nominees for the major Group 1 features at the Brisbane Carnival this year including nine for the $500,000 Doomben Cup (2020m) on May 21.

The best supported of Thompson’s Doomben Cup entries are stakes winning Galileo mare Galizani ($11) and Encosta De Lago four-year-old Count Encosta ($31).