Experienced horseman Nelson Smyth is the latest to establish a thoroughbred training enterprise at Kyneton, close to the town’s long-established racecourse.
“We’re trying to build a Kyneton base and a successful business,” trainer and part-owner Smyth said after his seven-year-old Triple Triple scored a last stride win at Kilmore last week.
The 34-year-old Smyth runs Ellison Lodge Racing in conjunction with partner Ellie Morrison, who shot to fame as the strapper for long-shot 2024 Melbourne Cup winner Knight’s Choice, which was prepared at Macedon Lodge for the ‘Race that stops a Nation’.
Smyth Racing is keen to expand as a Kyneton area thoroughbred service provider – offering training, pre-training, freshener and education facilities through Ellison Lodge, located in Beauchamp Street. Neil Dwyer was the former occupant.
“We only arrived in town in April, and it’s been really busy,” Smyth said after Triple Triple’s win.
He hopes getting a winner so soon after becoming a Victorian trainer is a good omen.
Triple Triple was Smyth’s fourth runner. It was a fine training performance as the gelding had not raced since being fifth at Gunnedah, NSW, on January 7.
Smyth said he knew his galloper would handle the heavy 8 conditions, but it was a welcome surprise to see the 15-1 chance run on so strongly to win the 1107m race.
He praised apprentice Ruby Lamont for her ride. She bought Triple Triple down the centre of the track after favourite Got Off the Fence and seemingly had the BM56 class race sewn up, only to miss in the photo-finish.
Last week Smyth also had two runners in the Ballarat jump-outs.
RACING BACKGROUND
Asked about his background, Smyth said his father was a horse trainer at Rockhampton in Queensland and understandably he was around horses from a very young age.
“I attended the independent co-educational Rockhampton Grammar School and eventually became a qualified electrician. But I knew horses were always going to be an important part of my life.”
Riding and training show jumpers for several years was part of his ongoing development.
He spent time with some strong racing stables in Sydney and went to England for an extended period working for such well-credentialed trainers as Andrew Balding, John Godsen and Peter Chapple-Hyam.
Smyth is a strong believer in learning from others who have made their mark in the industry.
“Ellie and I bought a few tried horses, and we presently have eight in work at Kyneton.
“We are offering the opportunity for enthusiasts to become part-owners of selected gallopers with our stable.”
Smyth said he has already been warned about the cold winters around the Macedon Ranges, so is fully prepared.
“We would just like to thank all those who have made us so welcome at Kyneton already …. we are really looking forward to the future here,” Smyth added.