Highly respected bloodstock agent Brad Spicer his full of praise for the 11 time Gr1 winning Trainer… “He is hands down the best horseman in Australia”
Lindsey Smith, one of Australia’s most accomplished horse trainers, has recently relocated to Barwon Heads, where he works out of Danny O’Brien’s state-of-the-art facilities, sharing training resources and collaborating with O’Brien.
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. In recent years he has trained Gr.1 winners Tuvalu, Scales Of Justice and Black Heart Bart to name a few.
“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.
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.
