SHELBYVILLE, IN—NOVEMBER 11, 2018— Trainer Randy Smith always cites the same philosophy on his success as a Quarter Horse trainer: good horses, good owners and good help. Smith once again topped the Leading Quarter Horse Trainer standings in 2018 to earn his sixth consecutive title at Indiana Grand as the meet came to a close November 7.

"It always comes back to good breeders and good owners for our stable and you have to appreciate all the barn help," said Smith. "And, I also appreciate my spouse (Debbie Smith) who keeps the family going. It gets tough and it's a long meet and you have to rely on that."

Horses from the Smith Stable won 38 of 247 starts in 2018 to maintain a top three finish percentage of 43 percent. A total of $950,363 was accumulated by all starters in his barn. Smith also scored six stakes wins during the meet, including the $130,000 Jaguar Rocket Futurity with Daddy's Moe, the $131,000 Blue River Derby with Rockys Candy Shop and the $169,000 Indiana Stallion Service Auction Futurity with WRs Valentino.

"I was pretty proud of (WRs) Valentino winning two stakes," said Smith. "That shows you what type of race horse he is. And Rocky's Candy Shop was a whale of a horse this season, winning five races and a couple of stakes."

A native of Broughton, Ill., Smith catapulted into contention during the 2014 racing season and has continued to build his business into a top operation for both breeds at Indiana Grand. He holds numerous records at the track, including most wins by a trainer in one season (46 – 2015); most money earned by a trainer in one season ($1,104,209 – 2015) and most wins by a trainer of any breed in one night (7 – 2016). With his stats for 2018, Smith remains atop the list of all-time leading Quarter Horse trainers by wins and earnings in Indiana with 213 career wins and in excess of $4,642,996.

"We are trying to gear up and do it all again next year," said Smith. "Most of our babies come from our owners and local breeders, and we don't buy any outside horses. I had one owner buy a baby at the Indiana sale and another owner bought three at that sale. We have quite a few. We'll get them started in Indiana and then we move somewhere warmer in the winter like Florida or Texas to finish them off."

Smith is currently ranked 23rd in North America among all trainers for Quarter Horse wins in 2018.

The 16th season of Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horse racing concluded Wednesday, Nov. 7. Racing will resume in April 2019 with dates expected to be released by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission in December 2018.

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About Indiana Grand Racing & Casino: Indiana Grand Racing & Casino holds multiple awards from industry publications for customer service, entertainment, gaming and dining. Located in Shelbyville, Ind., Indiana Grand features 2,200 of the latest slots and electronic table games in addition to a one-mile dirt race course and a seven-eighths mile turf course offering live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing each year. Simulcast wagering is also offered year-round at Winner's Circle Brewpub & OTB located on the casino floor as well as an off-track betting facility located in Clarksville, Ind. For more information, please visit www.IndianaGrand.com.