LITTLETON Stud’s Jeff Smith is one of the most respected owners in racing, a very successful owner-breeder, and a man for whom the word loyalty was probably invented. Three years ago he was honoured with the Cartier and Daily Telegraph Award of Merit, and deservedly so.

Without a background in racing or bloodstock, Smith developed a passion for racing that led to his becoming immersed in it, thanks to being a very successful businessman. It was 50 years ago, on October 7th 1976, that his first horse, the two-year-old Rush Bond, won a 19-runner seller at York. The colt was trained by Barry Hills, and sold afterwards for 2,800gns.