Robertsons' form continues at Ashburton

By Mike Love 

Irwell father/son training combo Peter and Mitchell Robertson continued their astonishing run of form at Ashburton yesterday with a winning double on the seven-race card. 

Okiwi Bay took out the Hinds Mechanical 1Equine AYDC (Heat 6) in powerful fashion with Crystal Hackett, while Heaven Forbid made it two-wins from two starts for the Robertsons, with Carter Dalgety, in the Des Kruger Tree Services 1Equine AYDC (Heat 9).

The combo have already outdone themselves with 20 winners so far this season, surpassing their previous best of eight winners back in 2020. 

In October, the father/son training combo lined up in 13 races, winning six of them. 

“It was a good month,” reflected Mitch Robertson.

“I’d be happy if it was like that every month.” 

Focus is now on Cup Day at Addington tomorrow, where Ward Lamon ($4.80FF) will take his place in Race 2, the 1Equine Australasian Young Driver Champs (Heat 10) (12.20pm), with driver Jordan Leedham, over 2600m. 

Ward Lamon has now won four from four since joining the Robertson barn just over a month ago, after being purchased out of the Kirk Larsen barn. His most recent victory was in the $25,000 Mainland Wool Canty Plains Spring Series Final at Ashburton on Labour Monday.

“That was the race we were targeting. It’s always good when a plan comes off.”

“He’s a lovely horse. He’s versatile, he has speed and can do a bit of work if he has to.” 

“The racing hasn’t really bothered him at all. He’s still in terrific order. He’s a good doer.”

Royal Belle is another who is winning them in a row, currently four from four with the Robertsons after being purchased out of the Kerry Hadfield barn. 

“She’s doing a great job. She won a heat of the ‘Tiara’ and will head to the final on Show Day.” 

That is the $40,000 ‘Wai Eyre Farm’ Metropolitan Tiara Mares Series (Final) over 1980m for rating 35-45 horses. 

The Robertsons are currently working “around 13-14 horses, including a few yearlings” in a family affair. 

“My brother (Bradley) is free in the morning and helps, and apart from that it's just me and dad, and mum, when she’s not working.” 

Robertson puts his hand up as being the eyes for the new recruits, and so far so good.

“I’ve picked these ones out. The ones running on in the back half of the field are the ones in my budget,” laughed Robertson. “At least you know there’s something under the bonnet to work with.” 

Meanwhile, Wilson House and Jett Turnbull have made strong late charges in the AYDC, now first and second on the table. Current leader House will drive My Wingman in the final heat, while Turnbull steers Dave Duley. Jordan Leedham who was leading at the beginning of yesterday’s proceedings now sits in third, and drives Ward Lamon.

The standings going into the final heat tomorrow are :  

Wilson House 75
Jett Turnbull 72
Jordan Leedham 68
Layne Dwyer 58
Crystal Hackett 57
Jordy Chibnall 56
Carter Dalgety 53
Abbey Vidovich 49
Ryan Sanderson 48
Jason Kittel 47