Racing days over for One Over All

13 January 2026 , Life After Racing

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk

The trans-Tasman trotting days of One Over All are just that - all over.

The winner of 25 races, including eight in New Zealand, has been retired and will spend his Life After Racing with trainer/driver Gavin Smith.

The decision to call time on his racing days was made after he finished 12th in the Renwick Farms Dominion Trot at Addington during Cup week and eighth at November's Green Mile at Methven.

"There were signs of wear and tear," says breeder Lex Williams, "and Gav wanted a riding horse so it's a great result."

"A scintigraphy (scans) showed his knees were not good and while we tried the water walker and swimming here he just wasn't racing as well as he could," says Smith.

“The horse's welfare was always paramount”

Smith initially did have reservations about how the now eight-year-old gelding would adapt to his new life.

"He's aways been a bit of firecracker," says Smith.

In December he was sent to Chanelle Dickie to be re-educated to saddle. A well-known figure in Canterbury equestrian circles, she is part of HRNZ's Hero programme (Harness Education and Rehoming Opportunities).

"After a couple of days she said you can pick him up now and he's been perfect, as good as gold," says Smith.

"He's been a gentleman and loves it."

"I was looking for a horse to go hacking with my wife (and vet Alisa). She is right into her riding as a way to relax and I always intended to do it too."

By Angus Hall out of Williams' million dollar earner One Over Kenny, One Over All started and finished his career with Smith.

"If you'd told me when he was a yearling or two-year-old that he would win nearly half a million dollars I would laughed and said you were crazy," says Smith.

In the early days it was tough going.

"He was hard to educate, in the cart he always bolted and he just wanted to go fast."

Smith had eight wins in all with him including three Group 3s at Addington, Invercargill and Omakau.

In between time One Over All raced in Australia and had 17 wins for Smith's great mates Greg Sugars and Jess Tubbs between 2021 and 2024.

Williams' biggest thrill was seeing One Over All and his half brother Ultimate Stride quinella the Group 3 2023 Bendigo Trotters Cup.

Williams bred them both.

"They had a real battle and Stride beat him by a nostril."

Another key factor in Smith keeping the horse relates to Sugars' shock death in Sydney last April.

"Our connection with Greg meant it felt right that One Over All's story with us didn't end with his racing career."