Episode 377: Lindsey Smith

An overdue chat with an astute horse trainer and one of racing’s true characters. Lindsey took a giant step in 2019 when he opened a business at Warrnambool, but left his WA stables operating under the supervision of a trusted lieutenant. He talks of his delight in being able to combine the two operations to win more than 100 races in each of the last three seasons. Lindsey talks of his use of heavy sand in the preparation of horses. He expresses his opinion on the theory that too much sand work can diminish a horse’s natural speed. He describes the idyllic surroundings in which his horses train at Narrawong Beach near Port Fairy. Lindsey brings us up to date on the progress of recent winners God Has Chosen,Triple Missile, Tuvalu, In The Boat and Corner Pocket. He takes us back to his apprenticeship to Colin France at Rockingham (WA) and his brief riding career. The trainer looks back on his move to Victoria and a job with successful trainer Tom Hughes Snr. He talks of his time on the Gold Coast with Henry Davis, universally recognized as one of Australia’s best ever horse trainers. He remembers his connection with Getting Closer, one of racing’s most talked about “plunge” horses. Lindsey piled on weight during his time in Queensland. He looks back on the gym sessions he attended on his return to Perth and his friendship with ace harness trainer Justin Warwick.   He still marvels at his good fortune in being able to purchase a tried horse who would kick start his training career. His success with Old Cobber brought him a number of horses from leviathan owner/breeder Bob Peters. Lindsey pays tribute to the horses who’ve shaped his destiny. Old Money, Old Comrade, Plastered, Black Heart Bart, and Scales Of Justice get special mentions. He talks of his five children whose ages range from 13 to 30. Lindsey says his wife Rebecca isn’t hands on with the horses, but loves a day at the races. All the way through this interview Lindsey’s laconic manner and sense of humour are never far away. It’s a good yarn with a horse trainer who thinks outside the square.