Adams Blog -
Can Can win has Tweenhills connections
When The Can Can Queen won a 2yo novice at Ripon on Sunday it was a success with Tweenhills links as she’s by Zoustar and was bred and owned by the family of Joe Robinson, who worked at Tweenhills from 2021 to 2023.
Joe’s father Ian Robinson has owned horses for many years, mainly with Mark Johnston and now his son Charlie, usually with the Robinson family’s trademark “Can Can” in the name. Joe reckons there might have been 20 or more “Can Can” horses down the years.
The dark green and beige colours of the Robinson family were carried to a 9-length Cesarewitch success by the Johnston-trained 3yo Spirit of Love in the 1998 Cesarewitch. He was owned by Joe’s grandfather Arthur Walter Robinson, who also owned The Can Can Man for six victories.
When The Can Can Man won at Goodwood in 1991, he was Mark Johnston’s first winner at the track where he became extremely successful. The “Can Can” moniker comes from Arthur's first greyhound in the 1980s, who was named The Can Can Man.
The latest “Can Can” winner, The Can Can Queen, was sharper for her debut when she made all at Ripon, overcoming a tricky draw in the hands of P. J. McDonald. She showed blistering speed and a good attitude and looks sure to give the Robinsons and Charlie Johnston plenty more fun.
Joe said: “If you asked us last year, out of our yearling crop, who would be the first runner or winner she’d have been lowest on the list! She’s a big-framed filly so we’re hoping she comes on a fair bit as she fills out.”
The Robinsons sent their winning Quality Road mare Sprinkling to Zoustar when he stood at Tweenhills in 2023, with the result being The Can Can Queen. The mare has also produced multiple winners Grand Libya and Cancan In The Rain.
Joe also enjoys pinhooking and bought and sold Kameko filly Arenite in 2024-25 through the family’s Tennyson Farm & Stud – named after Alfred, Lord Tennyson who was born near the family farm in Lincolnshire. Arenite finished 2nd of 15 at Redcar on Monday making her 2yo debut and Tweenhills is proud to have helped another good judge along their way!
