Terry Robinson's strong returns from the TAB Highway races continued on Saturday, as Lord Desanimaux claimed line honours.
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The Regal Lodge trainer, who has previously won the prestigious country race on 17 occasions, took out the 1600-metre Royal Randwick event by 1.75 lengths.
Jockey Tommy Berry helped the six-year-old gelding edge Daiki Chujo's Bahamut and Michael Mulholland Athena's Lad for the victory - with Robinson's So Say You finishing fourth.
"I'm very pleased for his [Lord Desanimaux] owners and hopefully it's a good omen for next week," Shoalhaven Heads-based trainer Robinson said to Sky Racing.
"He's got the same owners and is a half brother to Art Cadeau - who we actually brought up here as he travelling companion and to have a day out, as he was a bit nervous at Hawkesbury the other day.
"To be honest, it's just great to have Lord Desanimaux back in the winners' circle, as he's always had the ability.
"Admittedly, he can be frustrating at times but it was unreal to see him jump today, with the help of Tommy Berry - who I thought was fantastic once again."
As Robinson alludes to, his and Berry's focus will now shift to this Saturday's The Kosciuszko with Lord Desanimaux's half brother Art Cadeau.
"We couldn't be happier with Art Cadeau's preparation thus far, as he's had a trouble-free couple of months," Robinson said.
"He had a really nice trial at Hawkesbury a couple of weeks ago, pulling up fantastically.
"It's all working well at this stage, especially as Tommy said he was really happy with how he performed at Hawkesbury - saying it was the best he ever felt, which he needs to be
"He's the most honest horse I've ever trained and despite not ever winning a race by a big space, you always know he's going to put himself in the contest and never gives up."
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