Sad Passing Of Group 1 Winning Trainer

GROUP 1 winning trainer Robert Smith has passed away following a six month battle with cancer at the age of 68.

The proud Novocastrian, considered one of the best trainers of his time, died peacefully in Hospital with wife Debbie by his side on Wednesday night.

Smith's passing will be felt far and wide throughout the greyhound industry but nowhere more than in the Hunter Valley where he was much loved and greatly respected by his peers.

During his decorated training career spanning more than four decades Smith put the polish on an array of top flight chasers.

He was renowned for his booming winning strike-rate and meticulous training approach. No stone was left unturned.

If you saw R. Smith beside one you knew it could run and it would be tuned to the minute.

Few disappointed.

In 2010, Smith guided Lochinvar Marlow to a memorable victory in the Group 1 Paws Of Thunder at Wentworth Park, one of many big race wins Smith claimed for the Gordon family.

Some of the more notable ‘Lochinvar" greyhounds Smith trained included Marlow's litter sister and top producer Lochinvar Vogue, Lochinvar Hugo, Lochinvar Chase and Lochinvar Prada.

But it will be his association with grand sprinter Miss Elly Mint for whom Smith will be best remembered.

During a remarkable career from 2006-2009, Miss Elly Mint won 44 of her 66 starts, with a further 12 placings.

The Gosford Cup winner retired on top at Maitland in 2009 the start following her second to Dana Beatrice in the Group 1 Golden Easter Egg Final at Wentworth Park.

It was of the utmost importance to Smith that his grand bitch bowed out a winner, showing the sentimental side of his hard edged, no-nonsense resolve.

For the last decade Smith has trained exclusively for Kevin Gordon with whom he forged a friendship that extended well past their successful professional association.

"Robert was not only a champion trainer but a champion bloke," Gordon said.

"Our friendship grew over the years and Rob would come over and we would just talk for hours. Robert also shared in the ownership of a pacer with me trained by Darren Binskin.

"Not many knew Robert like I did, we were best mates. Unlike many I saw the other side of Robert and the passion he had for his family.

"He loved dearly his beautiful wife Debbie, daughters Kimberley and Nikita, and his three grandchildren Hally, Alexander and Archie.

"Robert was also very close to his Niece Katrina and her children Jacob, Kyle and Grace. All assisted Robert with the care of our greyhounds."  

Smith's passing will leave a massive hole in the Hunter Valley greyhound community.

His profound success as a trainer is only surpassed by the love for his family and passion he exhibited for greyhound racing.