By Jordan Gerrans
A master horseman who is as funny and quick-witted as any person within the Queensland racing industry.
That is how the respected Brian J Smith’s peers have summed up his career following his decision to officially retire from training at the end of the 2024-25 season.
Following the revelation the revered conditioner will finish up at the end of the campaign, there has been an outpouring of love for the veteran Eagle Farm trainer.
Long-time administrator and owner Neville Bell has kept a close eye on Smith since he settled in the Sunshine State many decades ago after kicking off his career in his native New Zealand.
After a lengthy tenure, Bell earlier this year stepped down as Chairman of the Brisbane Racing Club, where Smith has been stabled in recent years.
The man widely known as ‘BJ’ is in his early 80s after a career that has taken him around the globe.
“He is one of the great characters in racing,” Bell said of Smith.
“We do not have many people like him anymore that have the stories that BJ has got – he is a great storyteller.
“We have been blessed to have someone like him with his obvious talent here in Brisbane that has trained racehorses internationally. He has been a great asset to the Eagle Farm training ranks.”
Statistics do not do Smith’s career justice as he initially trained in New Zealand and has taken horses around the world, as well.
The current Racing And Sports statistics have Smith preparing 752 winners for his career, which would be well short of the official tally.
The statistics show 27 black-type victories on his resume, with one at the highest level coming with one of his greatest gallopers in Circles Of Gold.
The mentor boasted many classy gallopers in his stable across his decades in the sport including the likes of Balmerino, Circles Of Gold and Bikkie Tin Blues, among others.
And, while he is known for his nous with a horse, Smith is also highly regarded when it comes to his humour.
“It instantly brings a smile to my face when I think of BJ because he is very witty and always has a smart comment to make,” leading local hoop Cejay Graham said.
“Whenever you see him, he always makes you laugh.”
Tony Gollan's stable representative Craig Cavanough was also quick to point out Smith’s personality while also branding him a ‘gentleman’.
Fellow Eagle Farm conditioner Kelly Schweida has been side-by-side with Smith at the races and at trackwork for several years.
“He has a great mind and has a great memory,” Schweida said.
“I love him to death and we will sadly miss him when he retires. He is always good for a joke and is a great bloke.”
Robbie Fradd is another globetrotting industry participant who has recently called time on his career on the track.
The multiple Group 1-winning rider is still involved with the sport in a number of different capacities as he mentors the next generation of hoops.
While Fradd did not ride for Smith often, he knew the horse would be ready to go when he did.
“He is a gentleman of racing,” Fradd said.
“He is a very talented trainer and trained Group winners all over the place.
“I had a few winners for BJ and had the pleasure and honour of being able to ride for him.
“He is a true horseman of racing and knows what he is talking about.
“If he tells you that your ride has a chance, you can guarantee that the horse will be spot on.
“If I was a young trainer, I would be picking his brain as he is a very knowledgeable man.”
In his last few months of training, Smith prepares three of his own horses while also using his Brisbane stables as somewhat of a Queensland Racing Carnival ‘hotel’ for visiting gallopers.
He is looking after high-level runners for co-trainers Richard and Will Freedman at the moment.
The Freedman and Smith team are likely to be well-represented this Saturday across the program for the feature Doomben 10,000.
When announcing his pending retirement last week, Smith made special mention of jockey Boris Thornton for all his efforts and dedication in recent years.
Thornton was given a chance in the Sunshine State by Smith after kicking off his riding career in Victoria.
“I have nothing but love and respect for him,” Thornton said.
“He gave me an opportunity when I came to Queensland and gave me my first winner here. He is probably one of the most smart and cunning blokes I have ever met.
“I couldn’t speak anymore higher of him.”
Melbourne Cup-winner rider Robbie Dolan says Smith is a man full of knowledge after almost a lifetime in the sport.
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