After an apprenticeship on short circuits, Robert made his road race debut at the 1979 Temple 100. His first appearance at the Cookstown 100 came in 1980, riding a 347cc Yamaha. His first professional race, where he was fully sponsored was at Aghadowey in 1981,
Robert then began a record breaking run at the Cookstown 100, where his first win came in the 1985 250cc race. Riding an ECM, he averaged 88.57mph to take the chequered flag ahead of Gary Cowan (EMC) and Noel Hudson (Rotax). His most successful year was 1987 when he scooped the prestigious "Man of the Meeting", wining 125cc, 350cc and 1000cc races. Four more 125cc victories followed in 1988, 1989, 1991 and 1993; a total of eight victories in the event.
