Trainer Profile

Darren Smith

Like several leading trainers, Darren Smith's grounding with horses came from his involvement as a youngster with pony club and eventing. He left school and spent two years at the New South Wales Equestrian Centre working with Heath Ryan.

Upon return to his family property "Smithsfields" at Williamtown, at the age of 19 he began riding track work at Broadmeadow racetrack for a period of six months. It was this experience together with his family's involvement in racing that started Darren's journey in working with racehorses.

At 20 years of age Darren was ambitious and knew he had what it took to become a racehorse trainer. He was granted a trainers license and started work training with a few horses. He kick started his racing career with a horse called Varikos, which he purchased as a yearling and just a year into his training career the horse ran second in the Galaxy Group One race. From there, Darren's stable grew with better quality horses and several loyal owners who have been with him from his beginning.

Darren manages no more than 50 horses in work at any one time to ensure he can maintain a hands on approach to his training. He likes to ride most of his own work.

Having achieved Group and feature race success, Darren is considered one of Newcastle's leading trainers. He has structured his training properties to enable him a variety of training options for his charges, allowing him to cater for all types.

Darren works closely with his family and enjoys nothing else but to see his hard work and persistence pay off for his horses and owners.