Monty Smyth
1903 -1981
1903 -1981
Born in Belvedere, Kent, on January 15, 1903, Alfred Mornington Smyth, always known as Monty Smyth, followed his two elder brothers William and Victor to be apprenticed to the Wootton family at Treadwell House, Epsom.
Born in Belvedere, Kent, on January 15, 1903, Alfred Mornington Smyth, always known as Monty Smyth, followed his two elder brothers William and Victor to be apprenticed to the Wootton family at Treadwell House, Epsom.
Soon growing too heavy for the Flat, Monty switched to riding under National Hunt rules, getting off to a bad start when falling on his first mount over jumps, Air Queen in the Dover Handicap Hurdle at Folkestone on September 20, 1922. It was more than a year before he rode his first winner, 7-1 chance Tower Hill in the Long Distance Handicap Hurdle at Derby on December 17, 1923.
Soon growing too heavy for the Flat, Monty switched to riding under National Hunt rules, getting off to a bad start when falling on his first mount over jumps, Air Queen in the Dover Handicap Hurdle at Folkestone on September 20, 1922. It was more than a year before he rode his first winner, 7-1 chance Tower Hill in the Long Distance Handicap Hurdle at Derby on December 17, 1923.
Monty rode 14 winners during the 1925/26 season then achieved a career-best score on 16 in 1926/27, getting off to a bright start with victories on handicap hurdler Skyblaze at Shirley Park and Bournemouth in September.
Monty rode 14 winners during the 1925/26 season then achieved a career-best score on 16 in 1926/27, getting off to a bright start with victories on handicap hurdler Skyblaze at Shirley Park and Bournemouth in September.
He never rode a big winner, coming closest when finishing fourth on Signet in the Grand International Hurdle at Gatwick in 1927. However, he went on to ride a total of 91 winners overall, retiring on a winning note after guiding 3-1 joint-favourite Le Coq Hardi to win the Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle at Wolverhampton on March 13, 1934.
He never rode a big winner, coming closest when finishing fourth on Signet in the Grand International Hurdle at Gatwick in 1927. However, he went on to ride a total of 91 winners overall, retiring on a winning note after guiding 3-1 joint-favourite Le Coq Hardi to win the Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle at Wolverhampton on March 13, 1934.
Monty Smyth died at Wilmington, Honiton, Devon, on April 7, 1981, aged 78. He left £2,755.
Monty Smyth died at Wilmington, Honiton, Devon, on April 7, 1981, aged 78. He left £2,755.
Monty's first winner, Tower Hill, which may have been slightly fortunate.
Monty's final & 91st winner, Le Coq Hardi
Monty's final & 91st winner, Le Coq Hardi
1935, Epsom Racecourse. Trainer Monty Smyth (second right) leads his string to the Sherwood Gallops
1935, Epsom Racecourse. Trainer Monty Smyth (second right) leads his string to the Sherwood Gallops