Robert Thompson's remarkable year got even better on Thursday when he combined with trainer Ross Stitt to win the Coffs Harbour Cup aboard Southern Shimmer.

In the past few months Thompson has passed a milestone 4000 career-winners, won the Jungle Juice Cup for a record 10th time and claimed his fourth Ramornie Handicap at Grafton.

The riding icon from Cessnock had Southern Shimmer in a midfield position on he rail and brought him with a strong run between horses to outgun the Chris Waller-trained Disciple and stablemate Single Spirit in a three-way finish.

It was a superb training effort from Stitt.

Southern Shimmer was racing for just the second time in almost two years after being sidelined because of a leg injury at the end of 2012.

"If he stood up I knew he was capable of winning anything, in the country anyway," Stitt said.

Thompson and Stitt have enjoyed a successful combination over many years, notably with Precise Timing and Youthful Jack, an unplaced runner in Thursday's Cup.