Sue Smith (trainer)

Sue Smith
Full nameSue Maslen
OccupationHorse Trainer
Born (1948-02-23) 23 February 1948 (age 76)
West Sussex, United Kingdom
SpouseHarvey Smith
Major racing wins
Grand National (2013)
Significant horses
Kildimo, The Last Fling, Royal Emperor, Artic Jack, Ardent Scout, Auroras Encore[1]

Sue Smith (born Sue Maslen on 23 February 1948) is a British horse trainer.

Background

Smith was originally from West Sussex. Her father owned racehorses at the time and she would ride them out at Epsom.[1] She had the distinction of participating in Britain's initial ladies' race.[2] In her youth, she was an international show jumper.[1]

Training

Smith trains at Craiglands Farm near Bingley Moor, in West Yorkshire.[1] The farm consists of 150 acres and facilities for 55 horses. Her first winner came in 1990 when African Safari won a three-runner chase at Ascot.[1] He had been purchased at the Ascot Sales for 4,300 guineas.[1] She received her full licence in 1990.[1]

Grand National

In 2013 Smith trained Auroras Encore to win the Grand National. Ridden by Scottish Jockey Ryan Mania, Auroras Encore won by nine lengths, to Cappa Bleu in second and Teaforthree in third. He was an outsider winning at the odds of 66–1.[3] She became the third female trainer to win the race.[4][5]

Personal life

She is married to Harvey Smith, a retired show jumper.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Townsend, Nick (28 March 2004). "'I don't wake up and think, God... Harvey Smith! We're a team. We work together'". The Independent. Archived from the original on 18 May 2013. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  2. ^ a b "Big win for showjumping legend Harvey Smith". Horsetalk.co.nz. 7 April 2013. Archived from the original on 10 May 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  3. ^ Keogh, Frank (6 April 2013). "Grand National 2013: Auroras Encore claims Aintree success". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
  4. ^ "Pitman praise for Auroras Encore trainer Smith". Setanta Sports. 7 April 2013.
  5. ^ Wright, Chris (7 April 2013). "John Smith's Grand National hero Auroras Encore back home but trainer Sue Smith eager not to bid more glory in Scottish version at Ayre". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 8 October 2023.

Further reading