VIC COUNTRY LINK: A match made in English folklore leads to Ballarat race debut

Robin Hood and Maid Marian are one of the best known couples in English folklore.

So it was only natural that in the standardbred world a mare named OUR MAID MARIANNE link up with a stallion by the name of ROBIN HOOD.

And this is exactly what happened – made all the easier given that each of the group 1 winners had been trained by Peter Tonkin in Ballarat and raced in similar interests.

Victoria Cup and Ballarat pacing Cup winner Robin Hood was her first destination at stud.

The result was the well-named 2009 colt WILL SCARLETT.

He managed four minor placings in just seven race starts.

Our Maid Marianne returned to Robin Hood for another colt in 2011.

Now a 6yo gelding, MAJOR MAYHEM makes his race debut in the FLYING HORSE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE C0 PACE, 1710m, for Burrumbeet trainer-driver GERARD STEENHUIS on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7.

He comes out of gate two as only the second progeny of Our Maid Marianne to get to the races.

She won 10 of 34 races – her biggest success being the 2007 VICBRED SUPER SERIES final for 2yo fillies.VIC COUNTRY