Indianna Weinert’s training career reached new heights with Smooth Chino’s impressive victory in the Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy (1200m), her greatest day in racing.
The son of Maschino, ridden by Austin Galati, remains unbeaten in three starts and has shown a powerful turn of foot, indicating a bright future ahead.
The $250,000 Magic Millions race was a thrilling success for Weinert, but it was a challenging lead-up that tested her resilience.
Smooth Chino almost didn’t make it to the race, with three separate incidents causing delays.
Weinert faced two flat tyres on the way from Albany, arriving just 30 minutes before the race began, and when the gates opened, she feared the worst as her horse was far behind in the field.
Despite the stress, the outcome was sweet.
“We got two flat tyres on the way to the races,” Weinert told Tabradio.
“After fixing the first one, another tyre went 2km down the road. We had to limp into Williams for help.”
Smooth Chino, however, handled the chaos with ease, staying calm and unfazed throughout.
“He’s a very relaxed, laid-back horse,” said Weinert. “Nothing worried him.”
Weinert plans to give Smooth Chino a break after his successful campaign and hasn’t mapped out his future plans just yet.
Having been bought for $40,000 as a Magic Millions yearling, Smooth Chino has earned $169,800 in prizemoney.
Weinert first spotted him from a distance at the sales and knew he was the one.
From an eventing background, Weinert entered racing after working with Roy Rogers and later started her apprenticeship under David Harrison.
She began training in 2021 and has prepared 18 winners from 294 starters, with Carlin Road being her first winner.