BIOGRAPHY |
When Robyn Smith became a jockey she was under contract with MGM studio's in Hollywood. She would end up to be the most recognized member of the class of 1969. Smith's career started on April 3, 1969 at Golden Gate Fields, when she rode Swift Yorky to a second place finish. Unlike her other classmates Smith would find success riding at the top tracks in the country.
In April of 1970, she made her way east to New York City and for the rest of her career was a regular on the NYRA circuit. In 1972, she was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. In 1973 Smith became the first woman to win a major stakes race, when she rode North Sea to victory in the $25,000 Paumonok Hadicap on March 1, opening day at Aqueduct. She would win a handful of stakes over her career and place in a Graded Stakes. Ironically her graded placement came in the 1976, Paumonok when she finished third. when she won in 73 the grading system was not established yet, so was she a graded winner or not?
In 1979, Smith, returned to the left coast and rode in only five races. Smith stayed in California for half the year in 1980, returning to the east coast for the Saratoga meet, where she would ride her last race. On August 21, 1980 Smith would finish out her career with a second place finish, aboard Lonesome Cowboy, in the ninth race at Saratoga Race Course.
SCRAPBOOK | ||
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Aqueduct December 17, 1974 |