Trainers' trophy comes as a surprise to Smith
Dec 4 2010 by Doug Moscrop, The Journal
WHEN Orsippus sprang a 40-1 surprise in the Grade One Matalan Anniversary Hurdle at Aintree in April, it was indeed a magic moment in the career of Michael Smith.
And the Northumberland trainer was recognised for that achievement by the Variety Club at their annual Magic Moments in Northern Racing Awards at Newcastle Racecourse last week.
Smith, who combines training and farming at Toft Hall, near Capheaton, received the National Hunt Trainers’ trophy which was probably more of a shock to him than his big race triumph.
“When I saw the short list of trainers I thought I had done well to get nominated, but it turned out to be a great night for me and the family,” says Smith.
While to many observers his notable success at the Grand National meeting may have been unthinkable, Smith knew otherwise. The gelding had run well to finish third in the Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival just three weeks earlier despite having no luck in running.
Smith explained: “People may have missed it, but my horse lost many lengths when squeezed for room at the first bend and was playing catch-up after that. I knew he would have finished closer and it gave me hope at Aintree.”
Orsippus has been back to the Cotswolds twice this season and showed a lot more in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle than on his seasonal debut in October.
“Sam Thomas rode him last time and suggested he needed a longer trip. In fact, he said he would win over two-and-a-half miles.
“The Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham a week on Saturday would suit him regards the trip, but he will have a penalty to carry because of his Grade One win and that will probably rule him out of that.
“We will likely wait another week for the Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle at Ascot and, although it’s a galloping track, it’s only two miles and that’s not ideal.” Like all trainers in the region, Smith is battling against the elements. “I’ve managed to clear the driveway and got my horsebox out so it could go for an MOT,” he said.
From the grass roots of the point-to-point field and a handful of horses, Smith now has all the facilities necessary to branch out with a bigger string and his numbers have increased to 15, including three fillies from owner-breeder Heather Calzini. His Aintree triumph seems to have played a part in advertising his operation.
However, the string will be reduced by one at the end of the jumping season as Smith intends retiring his old favourite Texas Holdem who is rising 12. “He’s won a couple of races for us but has career has been plagued by leg trouble.
“He was beaten by his big weight in bad ground at Hexham last time but, before that, had run a blinder in second at Kelso. We tried him over fences last season but it put too much strain on his suspect legs and we will keep him to hurdling.”
Smith has saddled eight seconds this year, three of them beaten in photo-finishes, including Vito Volterra, caught in the last stride by Midwestern at Pontefract in August.
But Vito Volterra did provide Smith his first Flat success over the same course in July and he’ll return to the level next year after plans to race him over hurdles were abandoned following an abortive first attempt at Sedgefield in June.
Nadeen, bought out of Mick Channon’s yard as was stable star Orsippus, has remained sound for Smith after banging his hock when rolling in his box. He is only small but has been gradually finding his form and has twice been narrowly beaten at Southwell recently.
Both races were over six furlongs and Smith is hoping the three-year-old will make it third time lucky dropping back in trip at the same venue later this month.
