Tipsters didn’t give him a chance but Dubbo galloper Sizzle Minizzle put in a stunning performance to win the Country Championship Final at Royal Randwick last weekend to bring home the $500,000 prize money to trainer Brett Robb and his associates.

Pre-race, the horse was touted at "one to put a line through" and "arguably the weakest qualifier" by tipsters. After his win with jockey Sam Clipperton on board, he was described as a "$81 bolter".

Described as a "young gun trainer" by the Coonamble Jockey Club, Mr Robb was named the 2022 NSW Country Racing Trainer of the Year in only the third year of running his own stable.

For the journey to Randwick, Mr Robb was supposed to be accompanied by fellow local trainer Clint Lundholm and his horse Listen to the Band which beat Sizzle Minizzle at the 1400 metre qualifying race in Coonamble in March.

Unfortunately, Listen to the Band was scratched prior to the race, due to a leg injury. Both trainers are based at Dubbo, with Mr Lundholm originating from Coonamble and Mr Robb formerly from Nyngan.

First held in 2015, the Country Championships is limited to gallopers trained in country New South Wales. Races in the qualifying series are restricted to horses Class 5 and below that have had 20 or fewer race starts prior to the qualifier in their region.

Mr Robb admitted to horsebetting.com.au journalist, Nathan Keven, that he was surprised at how well his horse handled the heavy track conditions.

“When I was getting in the truck to come here this morning from out at Penrith they rung me and said it was pouring down rain,” Mr Robb said.

“I was getting real nervous then because I didn’t think he could handle the wet. He just showed he can. I knew I was coming here with a lot fitter horse than what I had at Coonamble he missed out on a bit of work heading into it.

“Between now and then, I’ve been able to jam more work into him, I knew I had a fitter horse. I was only telling someone this morning that I’ll be glad when this weekend is over because you’re preparing these horses for this a long time out.

“He’s just taken a little bit longer than we thought for the penny to drop. I think he’s got more improvement left in him, I think we’re going to have a lot of fun with him.”

Young trainer Brett Robb has added a Country Championships win to his portfolio.

Jockey Sam Clipperton also said he was unsure of the horse's ability to handle the track but praised Mr Robb's training ability.

“The first half he was giving me the indication that he wasn’t handling it,” said Mr Clipperton. “I thought ‘alright I’ll get you to the 600m and look after you mate.’ Well, the further the race went on he just grabbed the bridle more and more and just took the shortest way home, it all opened up on the rail. Brett Rob, (the trainer) always gives me a ride in the Highways and (is) a real good countryman, a real good bush fella and he’s a great horseman."

Mr Clipperton said he was proud of Mr Robb and his team.

"It’s a big occasion for everyone involved and it’s like the Melbourne Cup or the Everest of the bush.”