David Hayes is selling part of his world-famous Lindsay Park racing complex at Angaston in the Barossa Valley.

The sale of the property’s 93.5ha training facility will help fund his move to Euroa.  He expects to begin training from the new Victorian base in April 2010.

The Lindsay Park complex for sale houses 120 stables, grass and synthetic tracks, equine swimming pool, treadmills, blacksmith work shop, staff accommodation and canteen.

Hayes will retain 700ha of the property including its famous 38-room mansion.  “It has been a heartfelt decision to sell part of Lindsay Park, considering my father masterminded and developed the entire facility,” Hayes said.  “However, my dad was always open to change, with a vision for the future – he was famous for that.

“I want to downsize horse numbers and land holdings, centralize my training operation, and enhance quality control.  The sale of Lindsay Park will allow me the opportunity to develop the Euroa property and restructure my organization.  With the majority of my clientele being Melbourne-and Sydney-based, Euroa is ideal.  I can target both Melbourne and Sydney racing from there.”

Lindsay Park is zoned rural and cannot be subdivided for housing.  Hayes revealed he had previously rejected an offer of $7.5 million for the training complex.

Colin Hayes established the property in 1965 and it has been home to Group 1 winners like Better Loosen Up, Zabeel, Dulcify, Jeune, At Talaq, So Called, How Now, Desirable, Special, Rory’s Jester, St Covet, Fields of Omagh, Tawqeet, Miss Finland and Niconero.

Lindsay Park has produced winners of three Melbourne Cups, three Caulfield Cups, six Cox Plates, two Golden Slippers, 10 Blue Diamonds and a Japan Cup.

Hayes is adamant he is not abandoning Adelaide racing.  “It is important for me to always have a racing presence in Adelaide,” Hayes said.  “I will definitely continue to support South Australian.”