Major changes announced as Lindsay Park enters new era
A new era will soon begin for the Hayes family racing dynasty with Tom Dabernig set to go it alone after 25 years of service with the Lindsay Park Racing team.
At the end of the racing season Ben Hayes will take on the head trainer role from Dabernig and be joined by his younger brother JD in partnership to lead the famous empire into the future.
In a statement issued by Lindsay Park yesterday, Dabernig said he’s excited to be pursuing an independent training career.
“It is a decision that I have not taken lightly, and I am extremely thankful for the opportunities that the Hayes family have afforded me, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with all the Hayes family.
“I would especially like to thank all the dedicated Lindsay Park team and their network of loyal owners, and I wish Ben and JD and the Lindsay Park team all the success for the future,” said Dabernig.
Dabernig was instrumental in developing the Lindsay Park property at Euroa before joining his uncle, David Hayes, in a training partnership in 2014.
The 45-year-old believes the time’s right to step out on his own.
“It’s all been amicable with the family members,” he continued.“I think they will complement each other well and they are two great young lads that have been brought up in the industry and they will do a great job.
“I am ready to be my own person and I will train independently, but not on the same scale. I have not decided on a location yet but am looking at all options.”
At the end of the current racing season, Dabernig will finish up with Lindsay Park and embark on the next chapter of his racing journey.
He’s still undecided about where he will set up his training base.
“It’s likely it could be in country Victoria but if an opportunity came up at Flemington I would certainly look at that.”
From August 1 Ben Hayes will be joined by his younger brother JD. Ben first joined the partnership in 2016, before his father set sail for the Hong Kong training ranks last year.
“After five years as co-trainer at Lindsay Park, I feel naturally very excited to take this next step in my career, and just the same about welcoming my brother into the partnership,” Hayes said.
“Lindsay Park Racing is in my blood and I am so passionate about continuing its reputation and striving for success at every level.”
JD, 26, said he can’t wait to train in partnership with his older brother Ben.
“I am grateful and excited and I can’t wait to get stuck into it. I have never thought of doing anything else but this,” he said.
JD, who has been working hands-on in the business for the past seven years whilst also completing a commerce degree at Deakin University, is currently in the process of obtaining his trainer’s licence.