Episode 350: David Robertson

This is a podcast for older racing enthusiasts and for younger fans who are simply curious about the deeds of previous generations. I’ve always been aware that a man called Lou Robertson was one helluva horse trainer, but I really didn’t know why history has treated him so kindly. Lou’s grandson David Robertson knows the story better than anyone and is happy to share it with us. David explains his position in the family lineage.

He talks about his upcoming book on the legend of Lou Robertson, and explains the meaning of its unusual title.

He reflects on the illness which would claim Lou Robertson’s life in 1955, and the remarkable compliment paid to the legendary trainer by the Victoria Racing Club.

David looks back on his grandfather’s early life in NZ and an involvement with harness horses which would eventually bring him great acclaim.

He talks of Lou’s relocation to Victoria in the early 1900’s with a team of trotters and pacers. The Kiwi horseman quickly made his mark as a trainer and driver. David highlights Robertson’s quick trip back to Christchurch to win the NZ Cup in 1905.

David acknowledges the influence of Andrew Robertson on his brother’s life. This astute horseman had an extraordinary knowledge of thoroughbred and standardbred pedigrees, and was instrumental in sourcing many horses locally and overseas. Under Lou’s guidance many of those horses performed with distinction.

David Robertson talks of Lou’s transition to the thoroughbred training ranks and the many wonderful gallopers whose talents he developed over four decades.

He looks at some of his grandfather’s achievements on the turf from an Adelaide Cup win with Hamburg Belle in 1914 to Lincoln’s Caulfield Cup win in 1949. In between those years Lou won many other major races with a succession of top flight horses. He also trained a frustrating number of minor placegetters in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.

David talks of Keith Voitre, the expatriate NZ jockey with whom Lou enjoyed some of his most important wins. The trainer was shattered when Voitre died in hospital following a four horse crash at Moonee Valley.

Modern day trainers will be interested to learn of the magnificent stabling complex Lou constructed at Mordialloc. He left no stone unturned.

David talks of his grandfather’s amazing knowledge of the anatomy of the horse, and his talents as a farrier. He explains that Lou could always create the right potion for cuts, scratches or minor injuries. Other trainers often sought his advice.

Lou Robertson’s love of a bet was well known in Melbourne racing circles during his glory days on the turf. He told friends late in life that gambling had robbed him of much greater wealth. David adds that the same man could be extremely generous. 

He talks of the high profile people with whom his grandfather rubbed shoulders during his years in racing.

David says Lou focused on his horses to the extent that his family was pushed into the background. His three sons had little connection with their father’s racing life.

He speaks of the quotes he’s garnered from high profile racing people over the years about the talents of Lou Robertson. A handful of racing legends were in awe of the great horseman. One of them followed him around like a faithful puppy.

David closes with a final mention of the two books he’s been working on- “The Oyster And The Wizard” and “Amounis and Phar Lap”. Both chronicle many of the events of perhaps the most romantic period in Australian racing. Both have been researched and written with great passion.

If you have even a smidgeon of interest in Australian racing history you’ll appreciate David Robertson’s recollections of the life and times of his famous grandfather. First there’s the podcast. Not too far down the track, copies of  “The Oyster And The Wizard” will appear in book stores.