Victor Smyth

1901 - 1984

Born at Erith, Kent, on March 9, 1901, Victor Henry James Smyth was apprenticed to Richard Wootton and rode his first winner, Dick Whittington, at Manchester on June 3 1914.

His two jockey brothers, William & Monty, had both also served their time with Wootton.

Victor won the 1923 Oaks on Brown Hydia plus several other good races.

He retired on medical grounds in 1925 and successfully began training.

As a trainer, he won four Champion Hurdles & the 1952 1,000 Guineas (Zabara).

Victor was an uncle of Ron Smyth.

Victor died at Epsom on August 23, 1984. He was aged 83 and left £282,862.

Article courtesy Chas Hammond