Jem Robinson was apprenticed at the stable of Robert Robson at Newmarket where he remained for thirteen years and he was trained in race riding by Frank Buckle.

This was closer to the modern style introduced to England by American riders such as Tod Sloan at the end of the century and in contrast to most jockeys of the time who tended to sit "bolt upright".

One horse named Ardrossan was so affected that he later attacked Robinson on the training gallops and the jockey narrowly escaped serious injury.

[6] Robinson recorded his first major win when he won the 1817 Derby on Azor, a horse who had been entered in the race to make the pace for a more fancied stable companion.

[4] Robinson rode his last Derby winner in 1836, when he partnered Bay Middleton to a two length win over Bill Scott on Gladiator.