Lindsey Smith will continue to maintain a satellite stable in Perth, hosing down speculation he would be exiting Western Australian racing.
A prominent figure in WA racing circles for more than 25 years, the multiple G1 trainer moved to Victoria three years ago.
The affable horseman took over Darren Weir’s stables in Warrnambool after the Melbourne Cup-winning trainer was disqualified for four years in 2019.
In a major personal move that included relocating his family, Smith made the switch after admitting he was bored and felt he needed something new.
Last Saturday in Perth, Smith won his second G3 Belmont Sprint (1400m) after God Has Chosen produced a stunning victory from near last.
The Playing God four-year-old commenced his racing career under Neil Lee in Albany before transferring to Smith’s Casuarina base, south of Perth.
At his first attempt in weight-for-age company, God Has Chosen boosted his record to eight wins and three seconds from 12 starts.
Smith says with the assistance of stable foreman Donna Riordan overlooking his small Perth team, it’s his intention to maintain a WA presence.
“Donna and the staff do a wonderful job with all the horses,” Smith told Tabradio.
“We are all happy with the way things are going, if the staff are happy I’m happy to keep it going.
“I’m not going to sell the place; it washes its face and I think it will keep going.
“The staff have been extra good to me and until they leave it can keep going.
“With the technology of the world it helps.
“I saw God Has Chosen gallop on zoom and I thought it was his best gallop this time in.
“We still get horses here and there, not a lot, but as long as the staff are happy, they tell me what to do.”
Smith said God Has Chosen will next run in the Hyperion Stakes (1600m) and Strickland Stakes (2000m), both run at G3 on June 11 and 25, respectively.
