George Smith has just one horse in work at his Camden Park harness racing stable, but that one horse is reaping the rewards.
On Sunday, Smith's four-year-old gelding Major Carlisle, with Anthony Robinson at the helm, took out the 1660m Lonsdale Sand & Metal Easter Cup at Victor Harbor, in a three-horse photo finish.
Paying $19 on the tote, Major Carlisle, known as Nipper, favoured the wide Morgan Park track, putting in a strong performance down the home straight in the 11-horse field. It was the Major Carlisle's third win from four starts.
"This has been his best prep and his run yesterday was his personal best, he ran a good time," Smith said.
"He's improving all the time with his racing, he's naturally getting better."
Major Carlisle was bred by Smith, by Art Major USA and out of Smith's mare Carlisle Queen, who won the two-year-old and three-year-old Southern Cross Series in 2009 and 2010 respectively.
The horses's triumph at the Victor Harbor Harness Racing Club falls on the back of a win at Mildura earlier this month, and at Globe Derby Park last month, with driver Ken Rogers at the helm.
Smith said Major Carlisle favoured wider tracks and believed the gelding set a new personal best.
"The track at Victor is a beautiful track. That's why he did so well yesterday, he appreciates the wide spaces."
Smith has his eyes on racing Major Carlisle again at Victor Harbor next month if there is an appropriate race for the horse.
Good numbers for race day
Despite industry complications, the Victor Harbor Harness Racing Club welcomed record horse nominations at its Easter Sunday race day.
A total of 94 horses nominated for popular Easter tradition, which pushed the day out to 10 races, including the $10,000 Lonsdale Sand & Metal Cup.
The Easter races fell on the back of an additional race day held the Monday prior, following disputes between Harness Racing SA, the SA Harness Racing Club and the country clubs.
But despite industry negativity VHHRC president Lynton Bishop said the committee was thankful for the support from trainers, drivers, owners and spectators.
"In an industry where the environment is presently negative, this was an exceptional result for our club," he said.
"We are very thankful for everyone who came and supported us, it just shows there is huge potential for the harness racing industry in South Australia."
During the day, the crowd was entertained with two races by the next generation of harness racing drivers with the mini trots.
"All the conditions were perfect," he said.
By Ali Kuchel