BOBBY Dolan, father of Group 1-winning jockey Robbie (26) riding in Australia, was just out of a hospital appointment patching up an injured thumb acquired after being “backed into by a mare” but was only too delighted to talk to The Irish Field about his multi-talented son. Twenty-six years with Dermot Weld, Bobby still works with horses.

Son Robbie, now six years in Australia, has 228 career wins to his name including two Group 1s along with other group races, but what is hitting the headlines is the talent Robbie has shown on Channel Seven’s hit singing show The Voice Australia. Well worth checking out online for Robbie’s gorgeous rendition of Let It Go.

Training

“Robbie never had any formal training just took part in shows at school, singing in the shower and on the way to the races,” Bobby continued. “It’s amazing how good he is on the show. I’m sure he is nervous but he doesn’t show it and performed with confidence.

“He’s very happy out in Australia and now he and his partner Christine Duffy have a little girl Maisie. She was born prematurely but thank goodness all is going well and she’s passing all the tests and everything. Christine and Robbie met out there, she used to look after Redzel (twice winner of The Everest).

Weight

“Robbie is with Ciaron Maher for the last couple of years and has no problem getting bottom weight. That’s how he got the call up on Shelby Sixtysix.”

Word has it that Dolan senior isn’t short of singing talent either.

“Ah now, just a bit of karaoke, I can get up and take my turn, maybe a bit of Willie Nelson or Kenny Rogers.

“Robbie has been very good to us, flying us out to Australia. He brought Paula and myself to the coast in Australia to Noosa before Covid. It was incredible, the best holiday of my life.”

What’s happening next for Robbie and his young family? Will he go down the singing route?

“He’s just getting on with it, going step-by-step, fingers crossed all goes well, he’s a good man.”