Robalan was a champion
New Zealand
New Zealand () is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island () and the South Island ()—and List of islands of New Zealand, over 600 smaller islands. It is the List of isla ...
pacer
Standardbred
The Standardbred is an American horse breed best known for its ability in harness racing where they compete at either a trot or pace. Developed in North America, the Standardbred is recognized worldwide, and the breed can trace its bloodline ...
horse, known as "Robby". He is notable in that he won the 1974 NZ Trotting Cup, the richest harness race in New Zealand, and for his epic contests with champion pacer
Young Quinn
Young Quinn, a New Zealand standardbred racehorse, was successful in period where his competition in the sport of trotting was particularly strong. Foaled in 1969, he was by Young Charles out of Loyal Trick by Hal Tryax (USA). Named after Brian ...
who he more than often beat and is particularly well remembered for being a free legged pacer.
He won the
New Zealand Cup in 1974 over 3200 meters beating the hot favorite
Young Quinn
Young Quinn, a New Zealand standardbred racehorse, was successful in period where his competition in the sport of trotting was particularly strong. Foaled in 1969, he was by Young Charles out of Loyal Trick by Hal Tryax (USA). Named after Brian ...
. He had the distinction of racing without hopples (free legged pacer) and was known for his phenomenal turn of speed.
Robalan - the free legged pacer
/ref>
He also won the prestigious sprint, the New Zealand Free For All three years in a row, breaking the world record in 1974 with a time of 2:26.6 for the 2000m mobile.
At the age of eight, in 1974, he was in a purple patch of form, winning six in a row. These efforts propelled him into being named Horse of the Year.
Notable performances
* 2nd in the 1972 Kaikoura Cup behind Royal Belmer with Lightsey 3rd
* 3rd in the 1972 New Zealand Trotting Cup
The New Zealand Cup for standardbred horses, also known as either the New Zealand Trotting Cup or the New Zealand Pacing Cup is a Group One (G1) harness race held annually by the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club at Addington Raceway in C ...
behind Globe Bay and Scottish Charm
* 1st in the 1972 New Zealand Free For All beating Globe Bay and Scottish Charm
* 2nd in the 1973 Kaikoura Cup behind Royal Ascot with Hi Foyle 3rd
* 4th in the 1973 New Zealand Trotting Cup
The New Zealand Cup for standardbred horses, also known as either the New Zealand Trotting Cup or the New Zealand Pacing Cup is a Group One (G1) harness race held annually by the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club at Addington Raceway in C ...
behind Arapaho, Globe Bay and Young Quinn
Young Quinn, a New Zealand standardbred racehorse, was successful in period where his competition in the sport of trotting was particularly strong. Foaled in 1969, he was by Young Charles out of Loyal Trick by Hal Tryax (USA). Named after Brian ...
* 1st in the 1973 New Zealand Free For All beating Arapaho and Bomber Bill
* 1st in the 1974 Wellington Cup beating Young Quinn
Young Quinn, a New Zealand standardbred racehorse, was successful in period where his competition in the sport of trotting was particularly strong. Foaled in 1969, he was by Young Charles out of Loyal Trick by Hal Tryax (USA). Named after Brian ...
and Hi Foyle
* 1st in the 1974 New Zealand Trotting Cup
The New Zealand Cup for standardbred horses, also known as either the New Zealand Trotting Cup or the New Zealand Pacing Cup is a Group One (G1) harness race held annually by the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club at Addington Raceway in C ...
beating Kotare Legend and Young Quinn
* 1st in the 1974 New Zealand Free For All beating Hi Foyle and Young Quinn
* 2nd in the 1974 Auckland Trotting Cup behind Young Quinn
Young Quinn, a New Zealand standardbred racehorse, was successful in period where his competition in the sport of trotting was particularly strong. Foaled in 1969, he was by Young Charles out of Loyal Trick by Hal Tryax (USA). Named after Brian ...
with Hi Foyle 3rd
* 1st in the 1975 Easter Cup (off 35m) beating Lunar Chance and David Garrison
* 3rd in the 1975 New Zealand Trotting Cup
The New Zealand Cup for standardbred horses, also known as either the New Zealand Trotting Cup or the New Zealand Pacing Cup is a Group One (G1) harness race held annually by the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club at Addington Raceway in C ...
behind Lunar Chance and Final Decision
See also
* Harness racing in New Zealand
Harness racing in New Zealand is primarily a professional sport which involves pacing and trotting competitions for Standardbred racehorses. The difference is the horse's gait or running style:
* pacing is where the two legs on the same side ...
References
{{reflist
Salute to trotting - Robalan
1967 racehorse births
New Zealand standardbred racehorses
New Zealand Trotting Cup winners