Tragic Loss: Racing Community in Mourning Following Sudden Passing of Group 1 Winning Trainer at Age 42

The horse racing community in New South Wales is in shock following the unexpected passing of esteemed trainer Ben Smith, who was just 42 years old.

According to reports from News Corp, the Newcastle police are looking into the circumstances of Smith’s death, though it appears there are no signs of foul play.

Smith was a celebrated trainer, having clinched two Group 1 victories during his career.

In 2018, Smith achieved victory in The Galaxy with In Her Time and later won the ATC Sires Produce Stakes with El Dorado Dreaming.

However, shortly after these successes, while preparing In Her Time for a shot at The Everest—the richest horse race in the world—Smith’s career took a dramatic turn.

He received a lengthy suspension after being found guilty of cobalt and other conduct violations, resulting in a three-year and nine-month ban from Racing NSW.

Returning to training in 2022, he celebrated a resurgence with 17 winners in the 2023-24 season.

Unfortunately, last May, Smith faced another significant suspension due to his and one of his horses’ positive tests for prohibited substances, leading to another 13-month ban from Racing NSW.

Tragically, as that suspension was coming to a close, he passed away.

The racing community is now paying heartfelt tributes to the once-promising trainer from Newcastle.

Kim Waugh expressed her sorrow on X, stating, “very sad… thinking of his family at this time”.