3 minute read

Veterinarian Michael Robinson fills many roles for the David Vandyke stable.

The distinguished vet also acts as raceday foreman for Vandyke, especially when the trainer cannot attend a race meeting with his runners.

His talents were on display at Wyong on June 12 after he saddled the Vandyke-trained winner Sansui Drawing.

Only minutes after the horse had been unsaddled and while still in the parade yard Robinson was checking the horse’s heart beat to plot his recovery rate.

Robinson, who worked for the Freedman stable in Victoria before joining Vandyke, praised Vandyke for having Sansui Drawing ready to win his first start since December.

“David puts his heart and soul into his horses which makes for a happy work environment and all the staff appreciate it,” he said.

This race which fought out by two horses that were reasonably highly priced yearlings.

Sansui Drawing, owned by Tony Bott and Evergreen Stud, cost $280,000 at the 2011 Easter sale while Fields Of Tuscany was passed in for $170,000 at the corresponding sale in 2012.

• WYONG trainer Les Tilley is keen to head to the Grafton carnival with Albessy after the mare’s win on June 12.

Tilley admitted he partially had the Evan Holland trained Al Cavan and her rider, Alex Stokes, to thank for the win.

Tilley is a regular at the Grafton carnival in July although he missed last year through illness.

“I don’t mind getting to Grafton and there is a 1400 metre race up there that should suit the mare,” he said.

• WARWICK Farm trainer Greg Hickman won his first race for new stable client Kevin Hill when Bayview Emperor gave him the first leg of a winning double at Wyong on June 12.

“I got two horses from Mr King six months ago so this is a good start,” Hickman said.

“This horse showed promise at his first start at Canterbury but then started to get nervous so we had to teach him to overcome that. This win will do him the world of good.”

Hickman made it a double with apprentice Sam Clipperton to win another maiden on the program with Bring Me Love.

• THE former Darren Smith trained Far Out was quick off the mark for his new trainer Anthony Cumings after arriving at his Randwick stable only 10 days ago.

Smith was forced to clear out his stable two weeks ago while stewards investigate his alleged use of cobalt.

Far Out, part owned by Peter Hortwitz, is by Zabeel out of a Carnegie mare and cost $120,000 at the New Zealand Premier Yearling sale in 2012.

• THE Paul Perry trained Slippery Moss may have saved himself from the sale ring when he led all the way to win a Class 2 over 1350m.

Part owner Bruce McGilvrary said another partner wanted to sell the horse.

“I wasn’t keen but this is his first win since October last year,” he said.

Foreman, Shannon Perry, said the fact that Slippery Moss was by Mossman was a big factor in his favour.

“The breed love wet tracks,” he said.

“It is good to see him back in the winner’s circle and hopefully he will be back there again.”