The Team
Nick Robinson, is chairman of Kennet Valley Farms Ltd., and a hands-on manager of Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds.
Zani Robinson is in charge of the social events that are a big part of the Kennet Valley experience.
Carol Phillips, who has extensive experience of the bloodstock industry, is Racing Secretary.
(Pictured: Nick Robinson and Carol Phillips at the 2009 Doncaster St Leger Sales)
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A profile on Nick which appeared in The Kingsclere Quarter – (trainer Andrew Balding’s quarterly newsletter) summer 2009...
How did you get an interest in racing?
Through my grandfather Sir Foster Robinson, who had a small stud in Wicken, Buckinghamshire. From just six mares, he bred and owned the winner of the 1964 Oaks, Homeward Bound, and Merchant Venturer, second to Relko in the 1963 Derby.
What was your first horse and was it successful?
The Tarporley-based trainer, Eric Cousins, bought me my first horse, a Tin Whistle colt yearling, at Newmarket October Sales in 1962 for 400 guineas. Named Kwela Boy, he won twice as a two-year-old, at Worcester and Beverley. Although he didn’t train on at three years, it certainly sparked my interest in racehorse ownership.
Do you have a current horse at Kingsclere and what are your hopes?
Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds currently have a Firebreak two-year-old named Fireback at Kingsclere. We owned his dad, who was trained by Andrew, under his father’s license , to be one of the leading two-year-olds of 2001. He won four of his six races including the Mill Reef Stakes (GR2) and was narrowly and unluckily second in a controversial Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. Fireback is a later foal than Firebreak, and lengthier. He had his first start at Ascot in early July, fell out of the starting stalls, but passed half the field in the last furlong.
Racing highlight
Selling Firebreak for 525,000 guineas to Godolphin at the Newmarket October Horses-in-Training Sales – a record. He had been bought as a yearling by Charlie Gordon-Watson for just 27,000 guineas.
Racing lowlight
The Oaks in 1974 when my filly Dibidale’s saddle slipped, just as she had taken the lead two furlongs out and full of running. Willie Carson rode her bareback in the last furlong to finish third, but the weight cloth had also come off and she was disqualified. She then went to the Curragh and won the Irish Oaks by five lengths beating the Epsom Oaks winner, Polygamy – so that was some compensation!
What is your favourite racecourse?
Keeneland in Kentucky. We took Gateman over there in the autumn of 1999 to win the Hopemont Stakes. A number of our Partners came over. We were given a courtesy box, lunch and drinks. The horse came from last to first, ridden by the legendry American jockey Pat Day. What a day!
Least favourite
Up to this year I would have to say the newly built Ascot. However under Charlie Barnett it has made huge strides and I actually enjoyed Royal Ascot this year for the first time since 2005. Keep it up Charlie!