Episode 311: Peter Robl

Peter recalls the freakish accident in 2014 that brought his successful riding career to an end. The jockey wisely heeded the advice of neurosurgeons regarding his future. He quickly got a new career up and running. Peter confirms that he still rides regular trackwork, but closely monitors the area of his spinal injury. He talks of the handy horses who’ve helped to establish his training career. Pete looks back on the severe setback he suffered early in his training career when a major owner moved horses to other trainers. A fellow trainer came to the rescue. He speaks of the great compliment afforded him by a fellow trainer who asked him to become the regular trackwork rider of one of Australia’s most celebrated horses. Peter reviews his riding career beginning with an apprenticeship in Benalla (Vic) and the valuable tutoring he received from a senior jockey. He looks back on his very first win in a stayer’s event at Tatura. He says it wasn’t a pretty ride. Peter remembers a horse called Simple As That who gave his career a significant boost in the mid nineties. He won a string of races on the grey and was placed in a Gr 1 event. The trainer talks of his love of sedan racing and the VL Commodore he still has in storage at his parent’s home in Benalla. Pete reflects on the invitation from trainer Clarry Conners that propelled his decision to move to Sydney. He talks of an early stakes win for Clarry. The forty nine year old horseman looks back on his first career Gr 1 success- the 2008 Rosehill Guineas for Anthony Cummings. Pete looks back on three more wins at the elite level.  He’s totally honest about the major setback he suffered when convicted of betting offences in 2010. You’ll be surprised to learn how he spent the time during his disqualification. Peter talks of his teenage daughter Haley who’s showing plenty of talent in the show ring. A good yarn with a talented horseman.