William Robinson

William Robinson (1946 – December 11, 2020) was a Canadian harness racing trainer, who won multiple Trainer of the Year awards.

Information

Robinson did not come from a horse racing background. He got involved with racing after a group of friends from a local factory pitched in to claim a $1,500 horse. One of his horses was suspended before 1992 for a positive Robaxin test. Accusations and suspicions arose about his success in 1993 and 1994 after the top five money winners were horses he had trained. In 1993, his stable was the first in history to earn over $10 million in a single season.

In 2002, he earned more than $11 million in earnings and in 2003, his stable earned over $10.8 million. He was banned in November 2003 after an unusual drug test result on his horse, Flight Plan. He claimed innocence in both situations.

Legacy

As a trainer, Robinson earned over $54.8 million.

He trained multiple Hall of Fame horses including, Mach Three and Precious Bunny. 1994, 2002, and 2003 and won the USHWA Trainer of the Year Award in 1993. Robinson's Precious Bunny and Cams Card Shark also won O'Brien Awards for Horse of the Year.

Technique

Robinson trained horses at his farm in a more relaxed atmosphere. He gave them light exercise regimens' and focused on proper shoeing. He became known for turning failed horses into champions.