Lindsey Smith, one of Australia’s most accomplished horse trainers, has announced the closure of his Warrnambool stables, marking the end of a six-year tenure. The trainer will relocate to Barwon Heads, where he will work out of Danny O’Brien’s state-of-the-art facilities.
Smith, a former Western Australian horseman with a remarkable career, has a history of success in the region. Notably, he prepared Old Comrade to win the 2002 Australian Cup and Plastered to claim victory in the 2004 Victoria Derby from Don Campbell’s stables at 13th Beach.
Smith had previously signaled his intention to move closer to Geelong and officially confirmed the relocation on Thursday. Speaking on RSN927, Smith revealed that O’Brien approached him with an offer to share training resources and collaborate at his Barwon Heads facility.
“I’ve been here in the past and had a lot of luck. It was quite an easy decision for me as I like being creative and he has every tool here,” Smith said. “He has heavy sand, he has his own grass track, he has the beach and he’s up to date with new technology with things like the treadmill; so hopefully he can bring me out of the dark ages.”
Smith, who boasts 11 Group 1 victories, believes the partnership will be mutually beneficial.
“Hopefully I can help him and he can help me and if we can find 5-10 per cent between us, that will take the horses back up to the better races,” he said.
One of the key factors influencing Smith’s decision was the strain of traveling between Warrnambool and Melbourne for races. The logistical challenges, coupled with limited interaction with horse owners, led Smith to reassess his operations.
“The travelling was getting the better of me and not being able to connect with the owners. I was disconnecting from the owners and losing touch with them,” he said.
At O’Brien’s property, Smith will have access to up to 40 horse boxes, though he plans to begin with a team of 20. He praised the heavy sand track at the facility, noting that it reminded him of his earlier days in Western Australia.
“I felt it was time to reinvent myself. The creative environment at Barwon Heads suits me perfectly,” Smith said.
In addition to the improved facilities, the move will also provide better access to staff and workers, which has been another critical factor in Smith’s decision to relocate.
