Modest Robertson Takes Centre Stage After Crawford Triumph
Tiarnna Robertson is someone who shuns the spotlight. She is no braggart. She prefers to focus on her work training thoroughbreds.
Robertson would rather take a step back from the media glare and allow her horses to do the talking for her.
But despite her modesty and humbleness there was nowhere to hide for Robertson at Ascot on Saturday. Consideration was inevitable.
As certain as she would love to deflect all praise to Fabergino after the five-year-olds spectacular return, she deserves her share of accolades.
She plotted Fabergino’s stunning Crawford Stakes victory, targeting the $100,000 Listed event since the mares last run in May.
Robertson played to Fabergino’s strengths, keeping her fresh, racing first-up with no trial and launching her come back at her pet distance: 1000 metres.
Robertson played her part with expert planning, preparation and placement. Fabergino resonded in kind and performed his role brilliantly.
Swiftly out of barrier four for Peter Knuckey, Fabergino rolled to the front soon after the start, controlled the race and dug in for the fight when Stageman and Flirtini issued their respective challenges.
But capping a fairy-tale return and extending her first-up record to five wins from as many starts, the daughter of Maschino defeated Stageman by a long-head with another short-head separating third placegetter, Flirtini.
For the reserved Robertson, it was her time to take centre stage.
“It’s fantastic,” Robertson said post-race.
“It’s been a long time in the making and we have gone really slowly with her.
“It’s fantastic to get this win for her and the owners and for her breeding.
“We won’t be making any plans and will give her a week or two to freshen up in the paddock.
“We will then make plans from there.”
Fabergino boosted her record to six wins and two placings from nine starts for $269,500 in prizemoney.
The only occasion she has missed a top three finish was in the Marjorie Charleson Classic (1200m) in April.
Knuckey, a winner of his first Crawford Stakes, has partnered Fabergino to four of her career victories.
The experienced hoop had nothing but praise for Robertson’s training performance.
“To me it’s all about Tiarnna with this horse,” Knuckey said.
“She has managed her so well.
“She (Fabergino) has so many problems but she (Robertson) doesn’t tell me about all of them.”
Knuckey believes Fabergino should be restricted to the short-course sprints, effectively ruling out a late bid for the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) on November 30.
“She is not going to run further than a 1000m,” Knuckey said.
“She is a 1000m out and out runner.
“She’s gotta be fresh, buzzing and that’s her go.”
Julio Santarelli