“I’VE ridden in India and Bahrain, but it was bloody hot there,” said the 26-year-old Kilcock-born Robbie Downey after having ridden his first race in Australia at Geelong on 27th January earlier this year.

In March, Downey progressed to winning his first city race on Look Sharpish under the Moonee Valley lights for his primary supporters, the stable of Troy and Leon Cortsens.