Robinsfirth Proves Stamina In Grand National Trial

Flemensfirth sired his second Graded winner in as many days when his son Robinsfirth (10g Flemensfirth - Phardester, by Phardante) landed the Grand National Trial at Haydock on Saturday.

The Grade 3 saw Colin Tizzard’s charge step up to three and a half miles for the first time and a strong gallop made for a true test. Ridden in midfield for much of the way, Sean Bowen began to ask questions approaching three from home and his mount stayed on dourly to the line, where he beat Ramses De Teillee by three parts of a length. The first three finished 28 lengths clear of the rest of the field.

Assistant trainer Joe Tizzard was delighted with the winner’s performance, commenting, “Robinsfirth deserved that. The horse has got bags of ability and he's been fragile, you can see how often we've been able to run him. There are plenty of options, we've still got four weeks to Cheltenham and he could end up in the Ultima. But today was the plan for him all season.”

Owned by Christine Knowles and Wendy Carter, Robinsfirth has run in just 13 races, but has won or been placed on nine occasions. Bred by Mrs Esther Dinneen, he is a full-brother to two winners.