TOP Warrnambool trainer Lindsey Smith took the first steps to reinventing his stable model when he paid $600,000 for a potential group one two-year-old colt by the boom sire, Capitalist.
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It was at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sales in Melbourne on Monday.
The six-figure sum is the most Smith has parted with for a horse in his 27-year training career, eclipsing $200,000 he had paid previously.
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Smith, who has stables in Warrnambool and Perth is renowned for his success with staying types of horses including Plastered, Trap For Fools and Too Close The Sun.
But the astute trainer said he needed to change his training model since arriving in Victoria.
"I've been in Warrnambool for nearly two years and we've had a bit of success but I've realised you've got to have young horses in the stable," Smith told The Standard.
"The $600,000 is the most expensive horse I've ever purchased. I put in an opening bid of $300,000 to try and scare the rivals off but that never worked.
"I came to Melbourne on Friday and I kept on inspecting the Capitalist colt who is out of Asheerah.
"He was the best colt in the sale in my opinion.
"He's a beautiful walker and is impeccably bred. I'm sure he'll be ready for the early two-year-old races.
"Owners are often looking for a quick return on their money and I reckon this bloke offers that. There's still shares available in him."
Fellow Warrnambool trainers Symon Wilde, Patrick Ryan, Peter Chow, Daniel Bowman, Maddi Raymond and Matthew Williams also purchased yearlings at the three-day sale which ended on Tuesday.
Ciaron Maher, who trains in partnership with David Eustace made numerous purchases at the sales.
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