Home » Profiles » The New Generation Smith

The New Generation Smith

This week we had the pleasure of speaking to 22-year-old Dean Smith, son of recently-crowned Eastern Cape Champion Conditioner, Gavin Smith. Dean’s father is sponsored by Hollywoodbets and is a well-known trainer.

Assistant trainer Dean Smith, alongside jockey Raymond Danielson and dad, Gavin Smith. (Pic – Pauline Herman Photograph)

Both Dean and Gavin are looking forward to the upcoming sale, and Dean confirmed that their syndicate will be purchasing a horse at the sales.

Dean was born in Gqeberha, where he attended Grey High School. He matriculated in 2018, and thereafter he dedicated all his time to horseracing – and learning from his dad.

Dean’s sister, Abbi, is married to jockey JP van der Merwe. Dean has a half-brother, Tyler Annandale, and two step siblings – Jordan Lee and Rebecca Lee.

“I did alright at school, however the horses were always a big distraction – I knew that was my passion,’’ Dean said.

A typical Friday would always involve racing. Dean and his friends would watch horseracing and take side bets.  Dean grew up in a household with horseracing, and from a young age he had an inclination for sports – he played rugby, cricket, water polo and hockey.

“I enjoyed rugby the most!” Dean adds.

When asked about passions, aspirations and ambitions, Dean’s immediate response was: “My passion is obviously horseracing, as I really enjoy what I’m doing at the moment and couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Another one of Dean’s passions is playing golf with his mates during his free time.

He currently works for his father – trainer Gavin Smith. His current role is assistant trainer to his dad.

“I do most of the marketing and sales, I run our website and Facebook page. I do the feed programmes for the horses and help my Dad with the work schedules, nominations, wrapping horses’ legs, breaking in the babies and the list goes on!”

He is determined to follow in the footsteps of both his Dad and famous Grandad, and he has set his goal to be a phenomenal and successful trainer within the next 5 years. Dean has the motivation to make his dreams a reality.

“We are looking so forward to the sales, it’s always a very rewarding experience – we cannot wait to see our customers and colleagues there’’

A quote that Dean Smith lives by:

“If you are afraid of failure, you don’t deserve to be successful” – Charles Barkley 

 

 

Have Your Say - *Please Use Your Name & Surname*

Comments Policy
The Sporting Post encourages readers to comment in the spirit of enlightening the topic being discussed, to add opinions or correct errors. All posts are accepted on the condition that the Sporting Post can at any time alter, correct or remove comments, either partially or entirely.

All posters are required to post under their actual name and surname - no anonymous posts or use of pseudonyms will be accepted. You can adjust your display name on your account page or to send corrections privately to the Editor. The Sporting Post will not publish comments submitted anonymously or under pseudonyms.

Please note that the views that are published are not necessarily those of the Sporting Post.

2 comments on “The New Generation Smith

  1. Zelda Sneyd says:

    He is an amazing inspirational young man.

  2. A. Williams says:

    Aim for the stars Dean

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

‹ Previous

Cunha Breaks UK Ice – Big Plans To Promote SA Racing

Next ›

Still On The Mark! 

Recent Profiles

After Sunday, Kundanika’s ‘Hooked For Life’!

A rare Dad-Daughter owners' moment

Frikkie’s World Of Experience

In The Box Seat - Frikkie Greyling

Juanita’s Big In Africa – And Big In Japan!

Changing lives and making a difference for Work Riders

Mauritian Rider’s Unique Journey

Challenges and adjustments the order of the day

Durban July Victory Was Alec’s Highlight

Alec shares his thoughts on the current TCO2 issues

Britney Excited About New Hong Kong Season

New season starts on Sunday 8 September

Damyan Grabs His First Winner In Style

Sunday 1 September will always be special for the Pillays

Philile Zuma Is Blazing New Trails

Far End Farm's new dynamo

Muzi – Always A Factor In A Finish

A true competitor - Muzi is 1 behind Sean Veale

SA Champ Visits Australia

SA star keeps his eye in ahead of Hong Kong season

Jacey’s First Winner Joy

A promising youngster with a good seat

Opportunity Knocks – Cape Caller Heads To Malaysia

23 year old intends to make the most of it!

KZN’s Voice Of The People

The rush and roar remains unforgettable

Dawn Newman – A Household Name

Ticking all the boxes

Sean Veale Rides Under SP Banner

Welcome to the team

Chad Set For Singapore

Fifth one-day visit at Kranji