Colin Sidney Hayes, a name synonymous with excellence in Australian thoroughbred racing, embodied a life philosophy of meticulous planning: “The future belongs to those who plan for it.” This adage, which he lived by, is immortalized at the gates of Lindsay Park Stud, his renowned establishment nestled in the picturesque Barossa Valley hills of South Australia. Born in Semaphore on February 16, 1924, Colin Hayes, affectionately known as ‘C.S.’ in racing circles, was the son of Benjamin and Olive Hayes. After receiving his education at Lefevre Primary School and Woodville High School, he initially pursued a career as a welder and boilermaker. However, his profound passion for horses ultimately guided him toward a career in racing, where he would leave an indelible mark.
Hayes’s journey in racing began as an amateur jockey. By 1945, he held an owner/trainer license, and five years later, he transitioned to public training. His inaugural victory came in a hurdle race at Strathalbyn in October 1947 with a horse named ‘Surefoot.’ Hayes famously acquired ‘Surefoot’ for a mere nine pounds after a coin toss with its owner, who had initially priced it at ten. This seemingly modest investment proved to be the springboard for Hayes’s illustrious career, as ‘Surefoot’ went on to earn £2,000 in stakes, setting Hayes on a path to unparalleled success.
The year 1956 marked a significant milestone, with Hayes clinching his first of 28 South Australian training premierships. By 1965, his ambition outgrew his Semaphore stables, leading him to establish Lindsay Park Stud. He formed a syndicate of friends to purchase a 400-hectare property in the Barossa Valley. Today, Lindsay Park Stud has expanded to 800 hectares and stands as one of the world’s premier stud and training complexes, celebrated for its contributions to Australian thoroughbred history. The operation now employs over 120 dedicated individuals and consistently produces more than 200 winners each season.
By the time Colin Hayes retired from training in July 1990, he had accumulated an astonishing 5,333 winners. This remarkable tally included thirteen consecutive Melbourne premierships, a testament to his skill in the highly competitive Australian racing environment. His greatest triumphs on the track were two Melbourne Cup victories: ‘Beldale Ball’ in 1980 and ‘At Talaq’ in 1986. Hayes often regarded the New Zealand-bred gelding ‘Dulcify’ as the finest horse he ever trained. The 1979 Cox Plate win at Moonee Valley provided him with immense joy, but this was tragically overshadowed just ten days later when ‘Dulcify’ suffered a career-ending injury during the Melbourne Cup, an event that deeply saddened Hayes.
Despite his association with royalty and politicians, Colin Hayes never lost touch with his humble origins. He found genuine pleasure in sharing jokes and racing anecdotes with the everyday enthusiasts of the sport. He was a pioneer in introducing overseas stallions to Australian stud farms, with ‘Without Fear’ being one of the most notable, leaving a significant legacy at Lindsay Park. As a prominent and respected voice in racing, Hayes commanded admiration even from his rivals. His contributions were recognized with an O.B.E. in 1981 and a Member of the Order of Australia in 1994, both for his dedicated service to racing. Following his retirement, he served as Deputy Chairman of the South Australian Totalizator Agency Board, maintaining his characteristic energy and drive despite declining health. Colin Hayes passed away on May 21, 1999, leaving behind his wife and four children. He was interred at Angaston Cemetery. His legacy as arguably the greatest trainer and thoroughbred breeder in Australian racing history endures, commemorated by a bronze statue overlooking the mounting yard at Morphettville Racecourse.
His son, Peter Hayes, himself a distinguished trainer, tragically died in a plane crash near Mildura in 2001. Another son, David Hayes, after a successful training career in Hong Kong, returned to Lindsay Park in 2005 and has since trained over 30 Group One winners, continuing the family’s esteemed racing tradition.
