Haye’s family for generations has believed this to be their motto. The first thing that you will notice about Lindsey Park is the fact that it for three-generation there is a family of trainers that are sitting atop affairs of the farm and running the show like the champions that they are. The Hayes has been the owners and leads trainers at the farm since its inception in 1965. Founded by Colin Hayes, with an idea to train the horses in the countryside, Lindsey Farms were able to establish themselves as a world-class training facility. Since then, the legendary, Colin Hayes worked tirelessly and successfully to deliver the farm as one of the top draws in Australia.
They say the apple doesn't fall far away from the tree and that phrase certainly holds true for the Hayes. Colin's son David, took over from his father and how. He went on to win 5 out of his first 5 races and has been a steady and stable leader to the stable. Under his leadership, the stable has gone international to reach some incredibly dizzying heights.
David is a very busy man, even them he was very gracious to squeeze us in his schedule.
Q: How long have you been coming to this sale and what was the most expensive horse you ever bought at this sale?
A: Most of our purchases have been in the $100,000 to $200,000 bracket – this is where I think the best value can be had. I did buy the sale-topping Danehill colt ($1.05m) in 2004 which was a lot of money back then.
Q: Please tell us a bit about the recent developments/ successes of your graduates from the last edition of this sale?
A: Our first three runners from the 2019 Gold Coast Sales have all performed in the early season two-year-old races - Hard Landing (All Too Hard/Snitzerland) won the Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate on debut while Queen of Rocks (Fastnet Rock/Dowager Queen) and Boom Daddy (Spirit of Boom/Daddy’s Little Girl) have both already earned black type.
Q: Is it a real buying point for you when a yearling’s pedigree reflects the sire or dam’s accomplishment on different surfaces?
A: The majority of our racing is done on turf surfaces, so we typically focus on pedigrees that are proven on that surface.
Q: What do you look for when purchasing a horse for the yard or Owners?
A: I look to buy an athlete, a good hindquarter with plenty of lengths (scope) are my two main criteria.
Q: Who has been an influence on your career?
A: My father Colin Hayes has been by far my greatest influence.
Q: What is the best thing about training at Lindsay Park? And if you could train anywhere else, where would it be?
A: I think we have the best private training facility in the country. We have all of the tools to keep horses fit and happy and one of the great benefits of having the property in the country is to allow the horses some time to graze in the day paddocks while they are in work. I spent ten years in Hong Kong and I am looking forward to training there again for the 2020/21 season
Q: Do you set specific goals and targets each year? a number of winners, win percentage, etc.?
A: We mainly focus on getting as many winners for our owners as possible.
Q: How do you place a horse? Are the horse’s running style, the field, conditions, the course?? Do they all play a part?
A: All of the above things are factors.
Q: What are you most looking forward to for the yearling season ahead?
A: The challenge in hopefully identifying the next superstar.
Q: Who is your favourite racehorse of all time, and why?
A: Better Loosen Up – he was a superstar who at one point was the highest-rated middle-distance horse in the world.