ATOMIC FORCE & MIDNIGHT AT ASCOT Change Trainer

After much consideration and discussions between Darren Smith, the current trainer of both ATOMIC FORCE and MIDNIGHT AT ASCOT and Dynamic Syndications as the Racing and Administration Manger of both the horses and then, after consultation with leading Caulfield Trainer Mick Price, it has been decided between the three parties that, in the best interest of both horses and their respective ownerships, to best manage the ongoing training and associated costs, both Atomic Force and Midnight At Ascot will head to Melbourne and transfer into the care of Mick Price at Caulfield for the balance of their Melbourne preparations.

It was agreed between the parties that once this preparation concludes, both horses will transfer back into Darren Smith’s care.

Darren will continue to give Mick advice on the individual feeding, veterinary and farrier care for both these horses. It is unfortunate for Darren that he will be unable to continue with Atomic Force and Midnight At Ascot for what is likely to be 8 weeks however the realities and logistics of being away from Newcastle for such a long campaign were unrealistic.

With both Atomic Force and Midnight At Ascot due to remain through to the 17 November, to have staff away for that length of time impacts far too much on Darren’s Newcastle stables, horses and other stable owners.

Also Darren would need to fly to and from Newcastle / Melbourne possibly up to 20 times during this period. Therefore the clients would have the costs associated with this as well as accommodation and living away from home allowances for the staff, transport charges, airfares for staff rotations, let alone the impact on both Atomic Force and Midnight At Ascot being unsettled by constant changes.

Atomic Force is a fit and happy horse and is totally injury free. His work on Tuesday morning was winning work. However, it’s very hard on all concerned, i.e. for Trainer, Staff, Owners and Tommy to be in a gypsy style environment for the next 2 months.

Since the only suitable race in Sydney for Tommy was the upcoming WFA Premier Stakes, we simply can’t leave him in Sydney. He is now paying the price of his previous success and advancing years.

However ATOMIC FORCE with NASH RAWILLER on board looks ideally placed 3rd up in the Moir Stakes at 1200m WFA at Moonee Valley. The 1200m suits him far better than the 1000m and 1100m races especially at WFA where he doesn’t have to give away such handicap disadvantage as he is forced to in other events.

As for MIDNIGHT AT ASCOT, again there was nothing suitable in the calendar for his open class so it was either to Melbourne or the paddock. We have elected to head to Melbourne. He is coming up very nicely having had two terrific runs back this preparation. He is now ready and on target for the race we have had planned since the start of the preparation, the TESTA ROSSA Stks LR at Caulfield over 1200m on Sunday 30/9 under Handicap conditions. He will have the services of MICHAEL RODD who's been booked for the ride. As a back up in case he doesn't get a run, he will be nominated for a 1200m Benchmark 89 at Mornington on the Saturday with Craig Newitt booked.

We take this opportunity to advise every reader that this decision was a totally unselfish act instigated by Darren Smith alone, to suggest this short term trainer change. He will fore-go running these horses in several stakes races and looses the opportunity of the 10% trainer’s percentage from prizemoney. However those who know Darren Smith are fully aware of his generosity and commitment to his owner’s welfare. He simply felt it would be too big a financial burden upon his owners to stay in charge for the next 8 weeks.

His actions are to be applauded and show what a great team player Darren Smith is for Dynamic owners as these are his best two horses in the stable at present and to give them up like this, is a testament to Darren’s character.

Also we thank Mick Price who is another valuable Dynamic team member. Mick didn’t hesitate to assist our Dynamic owners and Darren Smith out of an awkward position. Darren and Mick respect each greatly and it’s fantastic to see our Dynamic trainers helping one another out for the benefit of our clients.