Almost Doesn't Count: Bert Is Back

Bert Smith hasn't owned a horse since Pierce Seelster raced his last North American start on November 9, 2006. But after having recently claimed Paradise Bayama and acquired another performer via private purchase, the sometimes outspoken and controversial Smith is coming back to the racing game for all the right reasons

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Frustrated by what he refers to as the politics and stresses of being one of the leading standardbred horse owners in Canada, Smith told Trot Insider that he stepped away from the game in late 2006 to pursue other interests. He opted to redirect his spare time to the important people in his life: his family, friends and the members of his son's football team, which he coaches.

"When it comes to my spare time, my family, my son's football team and my friends get priority over everything else," Smith told Trot Insider.

The 39-year-old told Trot Insider that since 2006 his gambling dollars have gone toward the action in the poker world, which is currently flying high courtesy of a monstrous resurgence during the latter half of this decade. But when it comes to the action on the racetrack, Smith's two recent acquisitions are the proof that the racing bug packs quite a wallop and possesses a lasting effect.

When Trot Insider asked Smith how long he mulled a return to the ownership ranks, he said it wasn't an instantaneous decision. He also indicated that one of the greatest pacers to ever look through a bridle played a key role in refocusing his attention from the green felt of the poker tables to the crushed limestone tracks of the Woodbine Entertainment Group circuit.

"I wouldn't say it was a quick process," Smith explained, "it's not like I just jumped right back in with both feet just like that. I started watching Somebeachsomewhere and from there I slowly started getting back into racing.

"I've always loved the horses, the thrill of winning races, bringing the kids out, and jogging horses. I just thought I would give it (racing) another try."

Smith told Trot Insider that unlike the days where he was campaigning as many as 20 horses, he is looking to max out at six horses, unless his competitive spirits ask him to crank things up a notch.

On September 4 at Mohawk Racetrack, Smith's Almost Doesn't Count Stable claimed Xtreme Challenge winner Paradise Bayama after the four-year-old Aces Up gelding finished a close second and paced in 1:52. The resident of Pickering, Ont. has also acquired six-year-old Fully Loaded mare Can I Call You via a private purchase. Both charges are in to go tonight at Mohawk Racetrack for trainer David Menary and driver Randy Waples.

"I'm back in the game to have fun, put my head down, and try to make a little bit of money," said Smith, who also told Trot Insider that it was good to see the faces of Kevin McMaster, Luc Ouellette and Randy Waples, among others, upon his return to the track.

In terms of the issues which produced some of the controversy surrounding Smith in the past, the owner said that he is looking to steer clear of the drama and be back at the track for the purities of the game he loves.

"The OHHA/COSA situation, the claiming rule, and other issues are not my fight any more," he said. "I'm going to claim. I'm going to buy (horses). I'm going to be there for fun."