Robinson out to make his mark with Teaz pair

John Robinson arrives at Cambridge Raceway tonight with two strong opportunities to remind racegoers he’s still very much got the touch.

With a driving career that stretches back to 1979 and a lifetime spent working with horses around his goat-farming day job, Robinson brings both experience and calm to a pair of promising Jason Teaz-trained trotters.

Robinson first hopped in the sulky on race day more than four decades ago, getting involved in the game through his father. Although horses have always been part of his life, he ultimately made his living elsewhere.

“For the last 31 years I’ve been a goat farmer and just worked the horses as a hobby,” he said. “As far as driving goes, I haven’t pursued a driving career for quite some time.”

Normally, Robinson sticks to driving the small team he prepares himself. But his link with Teaz began when the Ohaupo trainer sought a steady hand for one of his trickier trotters.

“He rang me one day to say that they were having some trouble with Veronica Jane and he wanted a regular driver for her.”

Robinson’s first assignment tonight is Wynberg Janie in the Christmas Movie Series, Dec 7, 14 and 21 Trot. The five-year-old daughter of Majestic Son has had just two starts, but her last run at Cambridge turned heads. After getting things wrong on debut at Alexandra Park, she returned to Cambridge and delivered a faultless performance to score her maiden win.

“At Auckland she looked like she panicked a little bit at the tapes, but the other night she got a nice trip and I know Jason thinks a bit of her,” Robinson said. “I’ve never driven her before so I’ll just have to take it as it comes, she’s up a grade so it will be a little bit tougher for her.”

Later on the card, Robinson reunites with a mare he knows inside out — Veronica Jane in the Happy Hire Handicap Trot. She was impressive last start, clearing out to win by six lengths. Although she steps up in class and distance tonight and must contend with a 20m handicap, Robinson remains optimistic.

“Her best races have been over 2200m, and this is 2-7, I don’t think the distance will worry her though,” he said. “The two wins she’s had, she’s gotten to the front, and she seems a lot happier when she’s there. Whether she can find the front from the 20m could be a bit of an ask.”

Still, he’s confident she’s right in the mix with the right trip. “She likes the speed to be on, so long as we get that and a nice trip, she should be a good chance.”

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by Jordyn Bublitz for Harness Racing New Zealand