Another chapter in the story of South Australia’s famous harness racing Smith family started at Globe Derby Park on Monday with the victory of Missy Murdock.
Michael Smith followed in the footsteps of his father David, grandfather Alan and great grandfather Frank by training a harness winner.
Missy Murdock is the first horse trained by Michael and the victory came at the mare’s fifth run for run for the rookie trainer.
A $5.10 chance, Missy Murdock, driven by the trainer, sprinted home strongly to grab a short half head win in the BGC Industrial Cleaning Supplies Pace (1800m) beating Dirty Dees ($6) with Viewbytherock ($4.30) three metres away third.
Smith, 24, said it was a tremendous thrill to train his first winner.
“I owe so much to my parents (David and Ingrid Smith) who have encouraged and helped me all the way,” Smith said.
“Dad has been fantastic because he is a top trainer and only too happy to give me guidance and advice.”
Smith said eventually he would love to train full time but current circumstances meant he could only train the one horse.
“I need to work and just don’t have time to train any more.”
One of South Australia’s top junior reinsmen for several years Smith said he loves driving but enjoys the challenge of training.
“I lease Missy Murdock from Gary Coombs and when she came into the stable was pretty headstrong.
“I have been trying a few different things and basically have found out what makes her happy and now she is a lot more tractable.
“She hasn’t had a lot of luck in recent runs but today I got a good run through and she was able to get home and win.”
The victory means the Smith name looks set to regularly remain in the winner’s list for many more years.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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