Herbert Smyth
Jockey J. J. Astor discusses a result with owner Viscount Astor (centre) & trainer Herbert Smyth: Windsor 1939
Jockey J. J. Astor discusses a result with owner Viscount Astor (centre) & trainer Herbert Smyth: Windsor 1939
Herbert George Thomas Smyth – popularly known as ‘Nat’ – was the son of George Smyth, a steeplejack from Blankney, Lincolnshire, who moved to Woolwich in the latter part of the 19th century.
Herbert George Thomas Smyth – popularly known as ‘Nat’ – was the son of George Smyth, a steeplejack from Blankney, Lincolnshire, who moved to Woolwich in the latter part of the 19th century.
One of 13 children, Herbert ‘Nat’ Smyth was the first of his family to enter racing. He was apprenticed to Mornington Cannon on Salisbury Plain and rode his first Flat winner at Leicester.
One of 13 children, Herbert ‘Nat’ Smyth was the first of his family to enter racing. He was apprenticed to Mornington Cannon on Salisbury Plain and rode his first Flat winner at Leicester.
Increasing weight eventually forced him to switch codes. As a National Hunt jockey he rode 327 winners including the 1914 Lancashire Chase on Eugenist and the 1920 Welsh Grand National on Mark Back.
Increasing weight eventually forced him to switch codes. As a National Hunt jockey he rode 327 winners including the 1914 Lancashire Chase on Eugenist and the 1920 Welsh Grand National on Mark Back.
He had his first two rides over jumps at Folkestone on December 13, 1906. After finishing unplaced on Father Ignatius in the Juvenile (3yo) Hurdle, he came third on Alannah in the Novices’ Hurdle. Just eight days later, December 21, 1906, he rode his first National Hunt winner on Crepuscule in the Thames Handicap Hurdle at Windsor.
He had his first two rides over jumps at Folkestone on December 13, 1906. After finishing unplaced on Father Ignatius in the Juvenile (3yo) Hurdle, he came third on Alannah in the Novices’ Hurdle. Just eight days later, December 21, 1906, he rode his first National Hunt winner on Crepuscule in the Thames Handicap Hurdle at Windsor.
He failed to complete the course on his sole Grand National attempt, aboard 100-1 outsider Brineoge in 1909.
He failed to complete the course on his sole Grand National attempt, aboard 100-1 outsider Brineoge in 1909.
Numerically, he enjoyed his most successful year in 1921 with 27 wins, placing him eighth in the NH jockeys’ table. He rode two winners at Cheltenham’s National Hunt meeting: the 1920 Grand Annual on Smashaway and the 1922 Broadway Novices’ Chase on Victor Noir.
Numerically, he enjoyed his most successful year in 1921 with 27 wins, placing him eighth in the NH jockeys’ table. He rode two winners at Cheltenham’s National Hunt meeting: the 1920 Grand Annual on Smashaway and the 1922 Broadway Novices’ Chase on Victor Noir.
He rode his last two winners at Shirley Park on September 10, 1923, recording a double on Perisheen in the Henley Selling Handicap Hurdle and Righlina in the Olton Handicap Hurdle.
He rode his last two winners at Shirley Park on September 10, 1923, recording a double on Perisheen in the Henley Selling Handicap Hurdle and Righlina in the Olton Handicap Hurdle.
His final mount was Sybarite, who finished sixth of thirteen finishers in the Long Ditton Hurdle at Sandown Park on December 7, 1923.
His final mount was Sybarite, who finished sixth of thirteen finishers in the Long Ditton Hurdle at Sandown Park on December 7, 1923.
After quitting the saddle, he became a successful trainer, based initially at a yard next to the Derby Arms in Epsom. Noted as one of Epsom’s most colourful characters and raconteurs, with a wry sense of humour, he won plenty of races with moderate horses or those that had been nursed back from injury.
After quitting the saddle, he became a successful trainer, based initially at a yard next to the Derby Arms in Epsom. Noted as one of Epsom’s most colourful characters and raconteurs, with a wry sense of humour, he won plenty of races with moderate horses or those that had been nursed back from injury.
In 1932 he bought Down Cottage Stables in Burgh Heath Road, from where he continued to train until 1950. The quality of his horses gradually improved. He trained William Of Valence to win Goodwood’s Chesterfield Cup in 1936 and the following year’s City and Suburban Handicap.
In 1932 he bought Down Cottage Stables in Burgh Heath Road, from where he continued to train until 1950. The quality of his horses gradually improved. He trained William Of Valence to win Goodwood’s Chesterfield Cup in 1936 and the following year’s City and Suburban Handicap.
When racing resumed after the war, ‘Nat’ had a full yard and some good owners. He won the 1946 Gloucestershire Hurdle at Cheltenham with Prince Rupert, and the 1948 Free Handicap with Rear Admiral. That year he also trained the best horse of his career, Solar Slipper, who won the Greenham Stakes and was perceived as a live Derby contender, but was found to be cast in his box on the morning of the race. Solar Slipper subsequently finished third in the St Leger and won the Champion Stakes.
When racing resumed after the war, ‘Nat’ had a full yard and some good owners. He won the 1946 Gloucestershire Hurdle at Cheltenham with Prince Rupert, and the 1948 Free Handicap with Rear Admiral. That year he also trained the best horse of his career, Solar Slipper, who won the Greenham Stakes and was perceived as a live Derby contender, but was found to be cast in his box on the morning of the race. Solar Slipper subsequently finished third in the St Leger and won the Champion Stakes.
‘Nat’ retired two years later, handing control of Down Cottage Stables to his son, H. E. ‘Ted’ Smyth, who was assisted by his younger brother Tony. Another son, Ron Smyth, was apprenticed to his father before going on to become an outstanding National Hunt jockey.
‘Nat’ retired two years later, handing control of Down Cottage Stables to his son, H. E. ‘Ted’ Smyth, who was assisted by his younger brother Tony. Another son, Ron Smyth, was apprenticed to his father before going on to become an outstanding National Hunt jockey.
Herbert ‘Nat’ Smyth died at Guys Hospital, London, on January 19, 1952, aged 76. He left £80,999.
Herbert ‘Nat’ Smyth died at Guys Hospital, London, on January 19, 1952, aged 76. He left £80,999.
Biggest wins:
Biggest wins:
1907: Stanley Chase – Bachelor
1907: Stanley Chase – Bachelor
1914: Lancashire Chase – Eugenist
1914: Lancashire Chase – Eugenist
1920: Cheltenham Grand Annual Chase – Smashaway
1920: Cheltenham Grand Annual Chase – Smashaway
1920: Welsh Grand National – Mark Back
1920: Welsh Grand National – Mark Back
1922: Broadway Novices’ Chase – Victor Noir
1922: Broadway Novices’ Chase – Victor Noir