After shuttling back and forth between Ontario and Alberta over the past few months, trainer Travis Umphrey is looking forward to a less hectic pace while relocating

to the Guelph area.

The 40-year-old trainer is setting up shop at Firstline Training Centre with a stable of 14 horses. While that's down from the numbers he managed while among the top conditioners at Northlands Park, Umphrey much prefers the size of his current stable.

"The number of horses I have right now is great," Umphrey told Trot Insider. "I brought some horses back from Alberta with me too and I'm looking forward to seeing how they compete here."

Among those horses now in Umphrey's care are Snowshoe leg winner Cane Ridge, Swiftys First Star and Red Star Killer, horses who can race while Alberta's harness racing scene remains dark.

"There are certainly more racing opportunities here than in Alberta and more opportunities in the Guelph area for me. It's still new but I like it here."

One of the highlights of Umphrey's first season in Ontario was Blended Whiskey, who captured the $100,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots final for three-year-old pacing colts at Rideau Carleton in November.

"'Whiskey' has been turned out for the month of January; he needed a break. I'm aiming to have have him back for March 1."

With a barn full of racehorses, Umphrey is also looking forward to the development of four yearlings.

"Clients of mine purchased four yearlings at Harrisburg, and they're now with Jim Koelln who is training them down for me. They'd just make a liar out of me if I said anything at this point but naturally I'm hoping for the best."