Dorothy Smithwick passes away – Renowned Steeplechase trainer, Sunny Bank Farm owner
Steeplechase trainer, Dorothy ‘Dot’ Smithwick, lost her battle with life at the age of 82 on June 16, 2011. The Veteran trainer at the time of her death was situated at her farm in Midlleburg, Virginia.
She was also the owner of the Sunny Bank Farm. Services regarding her memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2011. The ceremony will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Middleburg. Following the ceremony a reception will also be held at the Sunny Bank Farm.
Steeple chasing involves great skill, and, Smithwick might have inherited the aptitude of steeple chasing from her parents. Her parents were named Dorothy Kepler and Samuel Hamilton Rogers Fred. Smithwick after completing her secondary education, graduated from St. Catherine’s School in Richmond, Virginia and Vassar College.
As we commemorate Smithwick’s death, a sporadic insight of her personal life is necessary. These include her marrying the late Hall of Fame trainer, Mikey Smithwick. She indulged in many activities such as campaigning of horses on the National Steeplechase and Virginia Point-to–Point circuits.
Smithwick was not solely associated with training horses. She was also involved in the Piedmont Environment Council and also worked with the Goose Creek Association, as, their board member. She also enjoyed the honour of being a member of the Virginia Steeplechase Hall of Fame.
Furthermore, Smithwick became the leading trainer on the Virginia Steeplechase circuit, and, remained so on this post for many years. Even in this year she won two races with Swimming River in the Alfred M. Hunt at Middleburg Spring on April 23, 2011.
Swimming River belonged to Indian Run Farm. She also won at the local meet known as the Virginia Gold Cup. The Virginia Gold Cup was held on May7, 2011. She also trained Big Estero to a startling win the 1991 Temple Gwathmey.
The Sunny Bank Farm had been a family heritage since 1779. Smithwick during her ownership made many changes to the Sunny Bank Farm. She placed 1,076 acres of Sunny Bank into an easement agreement in 2005, making it possible for the combined cattle and horse farm to be the largest in Loudoun County, Virginia.
The Farm itself was a nirvana for horses, be it breeding, or, conditioning and also for fox hunting. By adopting an open-door policy, taking in horses, and, horse men, who were allowed to stay as long as they wanted.
The farm also had Alumni, which included the amateur jockey, Gregg Ryan, stakes inning trainer, Julie Gomena, and, Maryland Hunt Cup-winning jockey, Joe Davis.
Reviewing her career, several prominent victories come to Smithwick’s claim, which includes the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup, which she was able to win twice with Dr Ramsey. Ramsey also won eleven times under the National Steeplechase Association. She also enjoyed multiple victories in various races with Rockaround, Quixotic, Double Found, and, Topead.
The racing world may have lost a mentor, but her legacy will remain with us forever. She remained an active trainer till the time of her death. She is survived by two sons, D.M Smithwick, who is also known as ‘speedy’, and, Roger Smithwick. D.M Smithwick is a renowned thoroughbred trainer. She also has granddaughters by the names of Kathy and Patricia Smithwick.
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