MEDIA RELEASE
The Robinson family have been successful harness racing participants for more than 60 years. Reg Robinson started off in the 1950s, his son Rex continued, and now it is Anthony Robinson who is keeping the name in the form guides.
Robinson, 59, started driving in 1976 and was successful at his first drive. “I actually upped my age to get my licence – you didn’t have to produce a birth certificate in those days,” Robinson said.
“I passed my trial at Globe Derby Park on the Wednesday, then drove a horse called Toby for my family at Whyalla on the Saturday and he won.” Robinson said he didn’t keep records in the early days but since results were combined in the 1984/85 season, he has driven 891 winners for stakes of $2,548,000.
In the 10 years prior, it is estimated Robinson drove close to 150 winners so his winning tally would be in excess of 1000. One horse on which he had success in those years was Lucky Harbour on which he had more than 20 wins.
Robinson is looking forward to taking part in the return to Wayville on Friday 27 October. “I actually have driven a Wayville winner,” Robinson said. In 1996 at the Royal Show a race was run called Down Memory Lane and I was on Yankee Fella which was trained by Lance Holberton”.
“I’ve also driven at Kadina and Port Augusta which were small tracks so I don’t think there will be an issue. It will be good to have some atmosphere at the meeting.”
Robinson is fortunate to have driven two of South Australia’s most famous pacers – 1978 Inter Dominion winner Markovina and Glamour Chief which won a heat of the 1973 Inter Dominion then ran third to Hondo Grattan in the final.
“Markovina was trained by Lona Paddon and worked at Days Road and I had the chance to drive him work. He had explosive speed”.
“As a 16-year-old I drove Glamour Chief in a heat of the Melbourne Pacing Cup at the Showgrounds. He got knocked down in the heat then ran fourth in the consolation.
“I was lucky to train and drive Keep It Up late in his career and he was Horse of The Year for me. He was at the end of his career but another very good horse.
“I also won races on From The Downs at Moonee Valley and Gloucester Park.” As a 19-year-old, Robinson also ran second in the Australian Junior Drivers Championship at Globe Derby Park.
