Craig Widdison has returned home after 20 years in the industry.

“I grew up here and then went to uni in Ballarat for PE teaching,” he said.

“But I never finished the degree.”

The 37-year-old worked as stable foreman for leading Victorian trainer Robert Smerdon for six years, with Streak winning the 2000 Sydney Cup, while outsider Spargo beat multiple Group One winner, Redoute’s Choice, in the Ascot Vale Stakes.

“Robert’s a terrific planner and his attention to detail are the two main aspects I took away from him,” Widdison said.

“He’s very gifted, he can look at a horse and know what level it can get to.”

Widdison also spent time with Ireland’s Kevin Prendergast, who trained Oscar Schindler in the Melbourne Cup, while he’s spent the last nine years with Whittlesea’s Peter Morgan.

“After all the experience I’ve had, it’s time to go out on my own,” he said.

“I’ll always do what’s best for the horse.”

Widdison won’t have any runners in Friday’s Wodonga Cup meet, with his stable of 10 arriving in the coming weeks.

“Baby Don’t Cry is spelling at the moment, but she’s due to come back to work, with her main aim over winter, as she likes the soft tracks,” he said.

Widdison will work out of Liz Aalbers’ stables, with the veteran trainer to retire once her last three horses, which includes Prairie Moon, finish.