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By Ray Hickson

Trainer Terry Robinson is keen to set his sights on country racing’s biggest prize – October’s $1.3m The Kosciuszko – with his Newhaven Park Country Championships Final hero Art Cadeau.

Trainer Terry Robinson (Pic: Bradley Photos).

The popular horseman admitted it was a nervous week heading into the $500,000 feature at Royal Randwick but once jockey Tommy Berry took control of the race on the consistent four-year-old a large part of the 1400m was an easy watch.

Art Cadeau, winner of the South East Qualifier at Goulburn back on February 16, made it five wins from 11 starts as he held off a gallant Another One, who sat wide, and the fast finishing Charmmebaby who claimed third just ahead of Wild Rocket.

“Tommy had no option but to lead because there was no easier but that’s why Tommy’s the best,’’ Robinson said.

“Hopefully he might be the horse that can come back (for a Kosciuszko). I think that’s probably worth a go.

“I really think once he gets over a mile he’ll be a better horse. He seems to have gotten stronger every prep and I’m looking forward to what he does in the future.”

The gelding was bred by his 81-year-old owner Mick Lill, who is based at Berry and raced Art Cadeau’s dam and grand dam.

Robinson said the over seven weeks since the qualifier at Goulburn hadn’t been completely smooth sailing and in the end the extra week, due to the carnival being delayed after the original Golden Slipper day was washed out, worked in his favour.

“I think all us trainers had a bit of trouble with the wet, I think it affected everyone and nearly an eight week break, it was a big effort by the horse.

“I think there were a few concerns with him this prep I must say. Things haven’t gone exactly to plan. Full credit to the horse, he’s just a lovely horse.”

It was Berry’s second Country Championships Final win, following Clearly Innocent in 2016, and he said to partner the horse for the Robinson family made it a special moment.

Robinson showed faith in the jockey when he was suspended on Golden Slipper Day by waiting until his appeal was heard, in which he ultimately won a few days reduction allowing him to ride, and not replacing him until it was heard.

“It is like riding a Group 1 winner. There are so many good people in this horse,’’ Berry said.

“Him (Terry Robinson) and his whole family are here today. They’re a big part of the team. It is awesome.

“These guys don’t get this opportunity very often.

“I get it a lot but to do it for people like this, I come from a family, my father raced horses around the country and provincial area for most of his career, these are the guys I was brought up with, this is what it’s all about.”

Art Cadeau wins the Country Championships Final

Berry admitted it wasn’t his intention to lead but when it was gifted to him he felt he was never going to be beaten, despite Another One closing the margin late.

“Terry gave me no instructions but there was a real lack of speed in the race,’’ he said.

“Once I got him into a nice rhythm and he found the front, he pricked his ears and I got a couple of easy sectionals. From the top of the straight it was all about building him up and he was way too good for them.”

All the results and replays for Day 1 of The Star Championships at Royal Randwick