Mad Robber | Save Us a Sip of the Chardonnay, Robbie

Born in 2010, Mad Robber is a New South Wales bred gelding who went on to have a long, positive racing career. Mad Robber, bred by the successful Queensland based stud Robin Hood, had 63 starts during his seven-year career. Beginning in 2013, Mad Robber raced across the eastern states until 2019 when he moved to Western Australia and was further trained by Gary Hall Senior. Throughout his career, Mad Robber earnt connections $135,000; with 15 wins and 18 placings before retiring in 2020.

After retirement, Kim Lindsay brought on the gelding to retrain and rehome. While with Kim, Lauren Heerey enquired about the gelding after spotting his ad on the Off the Track WA website’s buy/sell section.

Lauren was returning from an extended riding hiatus and was looking for a horse that would allow her to ease back into the saddle. After test riding several other standardbreds, Lauren rode Mad Robber twice before determining that he was the one.

Mad Robber and Lauren have tried their hands at many disciplines, including endurance riding, jumping and adult riders. Mad Robber has been ridden out on several 20–25-kilometre endurance rides and is aiming to increase to 40 kilometers. Robber has also shown interest in jumping, competing in the 60cm class at Gidgegannup Pony Club and flying around Oakford Jump Cross. Despite all these accomplishments, Lauren said that her favourite memory with Robber would have to be when he finally discovered he could canter out on the trails.

“I felt his utter joy when he figured out it was OK for him to break into canter with a rider on him. It was a big accomplishment for us both and now he loves a refreshing gallop too.” recalled Lauren.

Lauren and Robber have their sights set on the 40km Greenhill’s Endurance ride in August, as well as establishing their flatwork at adult riders. Lauren has also recently welcomed another off the track standardbred into her family, who has become great friends with Mad Robber at home. Lauren hopes to begin taking both horses to OTTWA clinics. Lauren spoke highly of her experience owning an off the track horse, with Mad Robber setting a wonderful example.

“I am having the time of my life with my off the track horses, and we have plenty of years ahead of us to enjoy and share a wine (Mad Robber enjoys a Chardonnay).” Said Lauren fondly.

We wish Mad Robber and Lauren all the best from Off the Track WA.