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Trainer Charles Smith finding success at Fonner Park March 15, 2011 - When Sam Houston Race Park in Houston shortened its 2011 racing meet because of the poor horse racing economy in Texas, owner/trainer Charles Smith needed some place to run some horses. Smith plans to go on to Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minn., but the meet there doesn’t start until May. “We’d have a six-week period with no place to run,” Smith said. “We decided to come to Fonner and they were gracious enough to allow us some stalls. We’ll go up north from here, but we’re planning on staying until the end of this meet. “We’re going to take a nice little two-month race stop here and enjoy Nebraska for awhile.” Smith picked up a feature-race win Sunday when Lady Countdown, a 5-year-old mare, ran to a 1 3/4 length win in the six-furlong allowance/optional feature race in 1:12.80. The win in the $8,500 race was worth $5,100 for Smith and brought Lady Countdown’s career earnings to $118,742 for Smith. That comes from a mare that was purchased for only $6,500. “She can go short or she can got about mile,” Smith said. “A mile is about her outer limit. She can run on the grass or the dirt. She’s a versatile mare and she tries every time. She gives you a good, honest effort.” Lady Coundown, with jockey Rohan Singh aboard, paid $15.20, $4.00 and $3.20. Four Paws was second and paid $3.40 and $3.00 while Fortyfifthparallel paid $6.00 to show. Singh has been riding for Smith since the mid 1990s. He’s been a regular rider for Smith for the past four years. “He’s rode for us a lot when we go to Canada,” Smith said. “He rides in Canada a lot, but his home is only 80 miles south of us in Texas. He’s always helped me out working horses in the winter and stuff like that. We’ve always had a good relationship.” read more: By Bob Hamar The Independent