Episode 311: Tappy chats with Peter Robl

Peter no longer dons the silks but still rides plenty of trackwork - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

Peter no longer dons the silks but still rides plenty of trackwork - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

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 his old 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 Randwick 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.

(Banner image - Peter Robl wins the 2013 Villiers on Ninth Legion - courtesy Bradley Photographers.)

Another Gr. 1 for jockey Robl - Onemorenomore in the 2009 Champagne Stakes for Patinack and trainer Jason Coyle - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

Another Gr. 1 for jockey Robl - Onemorenomore in the 2009 Champagne Stakes for Patinack and trainer Jason Coyle - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

Anthony Cummings provided Peter’s first Gr. 1 winner as a jockey - the 2008 Rosehill Guineas on Dealer Principal - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

Anthony Cummings provided Peter’s first Gr. 1 winner as a jockey - the 2008 Rosehill Guineas on Dealer Principal - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

Peter acknowledges the plaudits of the crowd as he returns on Onemorenomore - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

Peter acknowledges the plaudits of the crowd as he returns on Onemorenomore - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

Peter in the famous Bart Cummings colours 2011 - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

Peter in the famous Bart Cummings colours 2011 - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

Peter has trained Alison Of Tuffy to 5 wins including this one on the Kenso track with Nash Rawiller 20/09/2020 - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

Peter has trained Alison Of Tuffy to 5 wins including this one on the Kenso track with Nash Rawiller 20/09/2020 - courtesy Bradley Photographers.