F. SMITH'S RECORD

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 4, 5 July 1939, Page 15

F. SMITH'S RECORD

TRAINER'S STRONG TEAM

(Special to the "Evening Post.")

TAKANINI, July 3

Since'setting up as a trainer in Takanini, F. Smith has achieved marked success, and he now occupies a very prominent position in the list of successful trainers for the Dominion. Further, his position at the head of the Auckland provincial trainers is assured.

Arriving here in the 1930-31 season, Smith set up as a private trainer to the well-known sportsman Mr. T. Impey, and he met with instant success with Envoy, Camp Princess, Principal, and Camp Prince. In the following term Exaggeration, Holly Lv, Gceek Gold, Principal, and Imperial Prince won between them ten races and £1645 in stakes, and, with the addition of Gold Pocket, the horses aforementioned improved the tally to thirteen wins and £2580 in stakes in the following season.

It was in 1934 that he branched out as a public trainer and, in addition to retaining Mr. Impey's horses, he quickly established a very useful team that has since consistently won its share of stake-money. During the present term, Smith acquired the training establishment of J. T. Jamieson, now-, in Sydney, and the spacious grounds and private training track offer exceptional facilities. Sheltered in these stables at the moment is a fine team for the new season's racing, and while it is a matter for conjecture \vhether another equally good season lies ahead, it is quite on the cards that the stable will be well to the fore.

Round Up is at present enjoying a fully-deserved spell. He is now well up in the weights, but it would seem that he has only to train on in a satisfactory manner to be a force to be reckoned with in our main handicap events this spring. Valamitq, who races in Smith's own colours, is another handicapper of note who should prove a very useful second string. Two useful hacks in Vaalso and Tahiti created very favourable impressions in their racing during the current term, and after the June meeting were put aside for a respite. Orelio* one of the best but unluckiest of this season's juveniles, had few superiors at his best, and although he is still a hack as far as stake-earnings are concerned he is confidently expected to extend the best of his age next year.

Full Hand is a young galloper of considerable promise, and he did well enough on a restricted programme to indicate possibilities in any company

now that he has gained sufficient racing experience. There is also a number of young horses housed in the stable, the contingent including Gladynev, a rising three-year-old by Musketoon—Caviare; Proud Fox, a gelding of the same age by Foxbndge—Royal March; a yearling by Foxbridge—Sealoria; another by Hunting Song—Gold Money; Young Finance, a son of that good sprinter §&£SE C&M&* £»«- It will be seen that the team1 is a very formidable one, and the stable: should again be in the limelight when the spring campaign commences.