Latest news with #PeterRobl
Daily Telegraph
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Telegraph
Hadouken too good again in ‘special' Darwin Cup triumph
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Trainer Peter Robl summed it up succinctly after tenacious stayer Hadouken made it back-to-back Darwin Cup wins. 'What a race, what a ride, what a horse.' Hadouken ($3.30 favourite) needed every ounce of his toughness to defend his Darwin Cup crown, holding off a spirited challenge from grey Prince Jofra ($19) to prevail by a half-length. Motorace ($3.50), who was involved in a fascinating pre-race battle for favouritism with Hadouken, was a quarter of a length away in third but had too much ground to make up on a track that favoured on-pace runners. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! In a repeat of last year's race, Hadouken went toe-to-toe with leader Wolfburn but this time was able to shake off his rival much earlier when he hit the front turning into the home straight. Prince Jofra loomed late but Hadouken refused to surrender under the urgings of jockey Blake Shinn. Robl said the race worked out perfectly for Hadouken. 'He's just gritty, he's tough and that's what we've been saying all week, it will come down to that grind from the 500m,' Robl said. 'The Blake Shinn factor is a big factor, particularly in that last 100m. 'Mind you, Hadouken had to keep putting his head out but you get a horse like him and B. Shinn on top, it makes things a hell of a lot easier. 'He's a tradesman-like horse, he'll get there, he'll just grind, he won't really quicken. 'He's one tough horse to get past.' Shinn said it was a 'very special' moment to win the Darwin Cup for his best mate Robl. 'He had the horse spot on,' Shinn said. 'This is a really big race up here, it feels like a Group 1 race, I'm just proud to be able to do it for him. Peter Robl and Blake Shinn celebrate the win. Picture: Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin 'He fought like a caged lion, he presented so well in the yard he cantered to the gates perfectly. 'But that's his best asset, he's really tough. He can absorb pressure and keep fighting in to the end. 'This is a testament to Peter and his training ability and I'm just really delighted for him.' Hadouken has won five times in the Top End and took his prizemoney earnings to more than $530,000. Robl said he was keen to return next year to attempt a three-peat. 'Twelve months is a long time in horse racing but if the horse is good and well he'll certainly be back. Originally published as Hadouken proves too good again in thrilling Darwin Cup victory
The Australian
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Australian
Hadouken too good again in ‘special' Darwin Cup triumph
Trainer Peter Robl summed it up succinctly after tenacious stayer Hadouken made it back-to-back Darwin Cup wins. 'What a race, what a ride, what a horse.' Hadouken ($3.30 favourite) needed every ounce of his toughness to defend his Darwin Cup crown, holding off a spirited challenge from grey Prince Jofra ($19) to prevail by a half-length. Motorace ($3.50), who was involved in a fascinating pre-race battle for favouritism with Hadouken, was a quarter of a length away in third but had too much ground to make up on a track that favoured on-pace runners. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! In a repeat of last year's race, Hadouken went toe-to-toe with leader Wolfburn but this time was able to shake off his rival much earlier when he hit the front turning into the home straight. Prince Jofra loomed late but Hadouken refused to surrender under the urgings of jockey Blake Shinn. Robl said the race worked out perfectly for Hadouken. 'He's just gritty, he's tough and that's what we've been saying all week, it will come down to that grind from the 500m,' Robl said. 'The Blake Shinn factor is a big factor, particularly in that last 100m. 'Mind you, Hadouken had to keep putting his head out but you get a horse like him and B. Shinn on top, it makes things a hell of a lot easier. 'He's a tradesman-like horse, he'll get there, he'll just grind, he won't really quicken. 'He's one tough horse to get past.' Shinn said it was a 'very special' moment to win the Darwin Cup for his best mate Robl. 'He had the horse spot on,' Shinn said. 'This is a really big race up here, it feels like a Group 1 race, I'm just proud to be able to do it for him. Peter Robl and Blake Shinn celebrate the win. Picture: Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin 'He fought like a caged lion, he presented so well in the yard he cantered to the gates perfectly. 'But that's his best asset, he's really tough. He can absorb pressure and keep fighting in to the end. 'This is a testament to Peter and his training ability and I'm just really delighted for him.' Hadouken has won five times in the Top End and took his prizemoney earnings to more than $530,000. Robl said he was keen to return next year to attempt a three-peat. 'Twelve months is a long time in horse racing but if the horse is good and well he'll certainly be back.
The Australian
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Australian
Forged friendship has Hadouken on course for Cup defence
The second call from trainer Peter Robl to champion jockey and good mate Blake Shinn was the Darwin Cup trigger. Gold Coast-based trainer Robl sounded out Shinn eight weeks' ago, on a proviso he would call again should the reigning Darwin Cup-winner Hadouken remain on track in a bid for back-to-back 2050m Fannie Bay features. Robl tried to call on Shinn last year but the now Northern Territory specialist Hadouken received only 54kg in the Darwin Cup – a shade light for the Melbourne Cup jockey. Sydney-based Group 1 rising star hoop Tyler Schiller benefited and duly nailed the ride on Hadouken. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! With a higher weight assured this year (58.5kg), Robl reverted to plan - B. Shinn. He sounded out Shinn in early June – the answer always going to be 'yes' – and confirmed last month. 'To Blake's credit, he said 'yes' straight away,' Robl said. READ: 'She is so humble': Proud Mum revels in daughter's premiership feat 'I had him booked before the 1300m (two starts back), I said he was going really good … then I said he'll go to the Chief Minister's, which he'll win, I didn't know if he would. 'I just said that, as you do!' Hadouken resented kickback in the 1300m contest and finished last, beaten 10 lengths, but Robl half expected such a result over the shorter trip. Hadouken enjoyed a cleaner run in the Chief Minister's Cup, appreciated the 1600m distance and saluted at $51. FIELDS AND FORM DARWIN CUP DAY MONDAY 'He should never have been that price, I don't know how he got out to that price,' Robl said. 'He's going terrific, certainly no worries with him whatsoever. 'He's peaking at the right time and it certainly looks a winnable race for him.' Motorace is a $2.90 favourite for the Darwin Cup from Hadouken ($3.10) and Wolfburn ($5.50). Robl first met Shinn about 20 years ago as a competitor in the Sydney jockeys' room. Despite being polar opposites personality wise, they forged a strong friendship — which has endured time and distance. The laid back nature of Robl, now 53, back then melded neatly with fierce and fastidious Shinn. READ: Big bets review: Pereille delivers for punters 'He's got a bit of ADHD about the racing game,' Robl laughed. 'I think that's why we got on … I was so laid back and he was so full on, so we clicked. 'He was so intense about racing and I didn't worry too much.' The Darwin Cup on Monday would be the biggest official winner to date for Shinn and Robl combined. Shinn won the 2015 Listed Bernborough Stakes at Doomben technically for Robl but the horse, Centre Pivot, was at the time still registered to trainer John Sargent. A delay in the trainer registration denied Robl the first starter Listed winner. Shinn ultimately rode a bit for Robl in Sydney early doors, but eventually moved to Hong Kong. Shinn returned to Australia post-Covid and resettled in Melbourne, while Robl, in the meantime, moved to the Gold Coast. Shinn would love to get results for Robl on Monday, most notably in the Cup. 'This is an important meeting for him and Hadouken to go back-to-back,' Shinn said. 'When he asked I was definitely more than happy to (go to Darwin) for him. 'I haven't ridden a winner (for Robl) since he's been up there (Gold Coast) but watched his stable closely and he's going terrific. 'He's a great horseman and understands what sort of horse you need to take up there (Darwin).' Shinn rode three winners on Darwin Cup day in 2017 but missed the feature. Hadouken has been set for the Cup ... and Shinn. 'It was no surprise to see him win last start, even though he was big odds,' Shinn said. 'It just verified where the horse is at and he'll be ready to go in the Cup. 'He'll be spot on … I've got full confidence in him (Robl) and Hadouken.' Robl has three runners on Monday – all with Shinn in the saddle – including Zourata (race 4), Stormfront (R6) and Hadouken (R10). Robl has one job before the cup – to leg up Shinn. 'He's over the top about it all (form and tactics),' Robl said. 'He would've been doing his form on Darwin (last Thursday and Friday), most other riders, majority of them up here, probably wouldn't do it until Sunday. 'He'll know most of the other horses better than the jockeys riding them. 'I won't worry about giving him instructions, come Cup time, he'll have it down pat, know exactly what he's doing and how he's going to do it.' Horse Racing The achievements of women jockeys Angela Jones and Emily Lang have inspired the next generation of kids trying to emulate their heroines. Horse Racing Daily Telegraph racing writer Mitch Cohen has run the rule over all the action from Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Hadouken proves too good again in thrilling Darwin Cup
Trainer Peter Robl summed it up succinctly after tenacious stayer Hadouken made it back-to-back Darwin Cup wins. 'What a race, what a ride, what a horse.' Hadouken ($3.30 favourite) needed every ounce of his toughness to defend his Darwin Cup crown, holding off a spirited challenge from grey Prince Jofra ($19) to prevail by a half-length. Motorace ($3.50), who was involved in a fascinating pre-race battle for favouritism with Hadouken, was a quarter of a length away in third but had too much ground to make up on a track that favoured on-pace runners. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! In a repeat of last year's race, Hadouken went toe-to-toe with leader Wolfburn but this time was able to shake off his rival much earlier when he hit the front turning into the home straight. Prince Jofra made a late charge out wide but Hadouken rallied under the urgings of jockey Blake Shinn. Robl said the race worked out perfectly for Hadouken. 'He's just gritty, he's tough and that's what we've been saying all week, it will come down to that grind from the 500m,' Robl said. Hadouken goes back-to-back in the Darwin Cup! ðŸ�† ðŸ'� â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 4, 2025 'The Blake Shinn factor is a big factor, particularly in that last 100m. 'Mind you, Hadouken had to keep putting his head out but you get a horse like him and B. Shinn on top, it makes things a hell of a lot easier. 'He's a tradesman-like horse, he'll get there, he'll just grinding, he won't really quicken. 'He's one tough horse to get past.' Shinn said it was a 'very special' moment to win the Darwin Cup for his best mate Robl. 'He had the horse spot on,' Shinn said. 'This is a really big race up here, it feels like a Group 1 race, I'm just proud to be able to do it for him. 'He fought like a caged lion, he presented so well in the yard he cantered to the gates perfectly. 'But that's his best asset, he's really tough. He can absorb pressure and keep fighting in to the end. 'This is a testament to Peter and his training ability and I'm just really delighted for him.' Hadouken has won five times in the Top End and took his prizemoney earnings to more than $530,000. Robl said he was keen to return next year to attempt a three-peat. 'Twelve months is a long time in horse racing but if the horse is good and well he'll certainly be back.
News.com.au
5 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Champion jockey Blake Shinn eyes Darwin Cup glory for mate and trainer Peter Robl
The second call from trainer Peter Robl to champion jockey and good mate Blake Shinn was the Darwin Cup trigger. Gold Coast-based trainer Robl sounded out Shinn eight weeks' ago, on a proviso he would call again should the reigning Darwin Cup-winner Hadouken remain on track in a bid for back-to-back 2050m Fanny Bay features. Robl tried to call on Shinn last year but the now Northern Territory specialist Hadouken received only 54kg in the Darwin Cup – a shade light for the Melbourne Cup jockey. Sydney-based Group 1 rising star hoop Tyler Schiller benefited and duly nailed the ride on Hadouken. With a higher weight assured this year (58.5kg), Robl reverted to plan - B. Shinn. He sounded out Shinn in early June – the answer always going to be 'yes' – and confirmed last month. 'To Blake's credit, he said 'yes' straight away,' Robl said. 'I had him booked before the 1300m (two starts back), I said he was going really good … then I said he'll go to the Chief Minister's, which he'll win, I didn't know if he would. 'I just said that, as you do!' Hadouken resented kickback in the 1300m contest and finished last, beaten 10 lengths, but Robl half expected such a result over the shorter trip. Hadouken enjoyed a cleaner run in the Chief Minister's Cup, appreciated the 1600m distance and saluted at $51. 'He should never have been that price, I don't know how he got out to that price,' Robl said. 'He's going terrific, certainly no worries with him whatsoever. 'He's peaking at the right time and it certainly looks a winnable race for him.' Motorace is a $2.90 favourite for the Darwin Cup from Hadouken ($3.10) and Wolfburn ($5.50). Robl first met Shinn about 20 years ago as a competitor in the Sydney jockeys' room. Despite being polar opposites personality wise, they forged a strong friendship — which has endured time and distance. The laid back nature of Robl, now 53, back then melded neatly with fierce and fastidious Shinn. 'He's got a bit of ADHD about the racing game,' Robl laughed. 'I think that's why we got on … I was so laid back and he was so full on, so we clicked. 'He was so intense about racing and I didn't worry too much.' The Darwin Cup on Monday would be the biggest official winner to date for Shinn and Robl combined. Shinn won the 2015 Listed Bernborough Stakes at Doomben technically for Robl but the horse, Centre Pivot, was at the time still registered to trainer John Sargent. A delay in the trainer registration denied Robl the first starter Listed winner. Shinn ultimately rode a bit for Robl in Sydney early doors, but eventually moved to Hong Kong. Shinn returned to Australia post-Covid and resettled in Melbourne, while Robl, in the meantime, moved to the Gold Coast. Shinn would love to get results for Robl on Monday, most notably in the Cup. 'This is an important meeting for him and Hadouken to go back-to-back,' Shinn said. 'When he asked I was definitely more than happy to (go to Darwin) for him. 'I haven't ridden a winner (for Robl) since he's been up there (Gold Coast) but watched his stable closely and he's going terrific. 'He's a great horseman and understands what sort of horse you need to take up there (Darwin).' Shinn rode three winners on Darwin Cup Day in 2017 but missed the feature. Hadouken has been set for the Cup ... and Shinn. 'It was no surprise to see him win last start, even though he was big odds,' Shinn said. 'It just verified where the horse is at and he'll be ready to go in the Cup. 'He'll be spot on … I've got full confidence in him (Robl) and Hadouken.' Robl has three runners on Monday – all with Shinn in the saddle – including Zourata (Race 4), Stormfront (R6) and Hadouken (R10). Robl has one job before the cup – to leg up Shinn. 'He's over the top about it all (form and tactics),' Robl said. 'He would've been doing his form on Darwin (last Thursday and Friday), most other riders, majority of them up here, probably wouldn't do it until Sunday. 'He'll know most of the other horses better than the jockeys riding them. 'I won't worry about giving him instructions, come Cup time, he'll have it down pat, know exactly what he's doing and how he's going to do it.'
