Image courtesy Bradley Photographers - Billy Smith at Randwick in 1965.
Bradley Photographers snapped this one of W.A. “Billy” Smith at Randwick in May of 1965.
Bill was one of the most popular jockeys of his era, and one of the lightest. He rode at a featherweight for his entire career, which brought him many opportunities in big races.
He was born at Ballarat in 1928 and became apprenticed to Wally O’Dwyer at Epsom in 1943. After a successful apprenticeship in Victoria he moved to NZ in the 1950’s destined to win five jockeys premierships.
Through his NZ contacts Bill gained the ride on the mare Hi Jinx in the centenary Melbourne Cup of 1960. Starting at odds of 50/1 Hi Jinx won narrowly from Howsie and Ilumquh with favourite Tulloch out of a place. Neville Sellwood’s ride on Tulloch was roundly criticised.
The Melbourne Cup win regenerated Billy Smith’s Victorian career and he decided to stay. Over the next few years he established his reputation as a specialist distance rider, with wins in the Caulfield, Perth, Sydney and Brisbane Cups.
He won races on outstanding gallopers Winfreux and Begonia Belle and posted a total of 18 Gr 1 wins before his retirement.
Bill was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame as recently as 2018. He lives quietly on the Gold Coast at age 91.