DARREN Weir's $1 million on-course training stables at the Warrnambool racecourse have been sold but the north-east Victorian who purchased them has a few hurdles to jump.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Warrnambool Racing Club CEO Peter Downs confirmed to The Standard contracts had been signed for the 43 box stables and the new owner was having discussions with top Western Australian trainer Lindsey Smith about training from the facility.
"The stables have been sold," Mr Downs said.
"For privacy reasons we will not disclose the buyer but he's not a local.
"The buyer wants to sub-let the facility. It's fair to say he's involved in the racing industry.
"He's had discussions with Lindsey Smith about taking over the stables.
"Darren Weir owned all the infrastructure at the facility while the racing club owned the land which the stables are on."
Smith, who has trained 11 group 1 winners including the 2002 Australian Cup winner Old Comrade and Plastered in the 2004 VRC Derby told The Standard he's hopeful of taking over the facility but understands it will take time before he ticks all the boxes.
"In my case it's a step-by-step process," the 59-year-old trainer said.
READ more:
"I've got to get a permit from the Warrnambool City Council about having horses on the beach. I've had positive discussions with the council and I've also had good talks with the Warrnambool Racing Club and once I've got those things in place I've got to apply to Racing Victoria stewards about getting a licence to train from there.
"It's all about everyone doing due diligence and that's the right way for it to be done. I'm confident with time I will have everything in place."
Mr Downs gave the thumbs up for the group one winning trainer to take over Warrnambool's premier on-course training complex.
"Lindsey is a top trainer," he said. "He's one of the best trainers in Western Australia and now wants to set up stables in Warrnambool. It would be a great boost for racing in Warrnambool if Lindsey could train from here."
Racing Victoria's licensing board will review training applications in May.
He's one of the best trainers in Western Australia and now wants to set up stables in Warrnambool. It would be a great boost for racing in Warrnambool if Lindsey could train from here.
- Warrnambool Racing Club CEO Peter Downs
Late last month, embattled Yangery trainer Jarrod McLean's application to take over disgraced trainer Darren Weir's $1 million on-course training stables at the Warrnambool racecourse was refused by Racing Victoria.
McLean, who is fighting four charges including the possession of an electronic or electric apparatus capable of affecting the performance of a horse laid after police raids at Warrnambool and Ballarat in January, made an application to take over 43 boxes which were used by Weir.
In a statement, the Racing Victoria Board said that "acting in the interests and image of Victorian racing", McLean's application "cannot be approved while serious charges laid by RV Stewards are pending hearing and determination by the RAD Board and while the current Victoria Police investigation remains ongoing".
The group one winning trainer also faces charges relating to failing to give evidence at a stewards' inquiry, failing to comply with a direction from stewards and conduct prejudicial to the image of racing. Racing Victoria's Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board will hear the four charges on May 22.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.
