In 2020, a close friend and former owner of Ed’s passed away due to Covid-19. In his honour, David Hicken named this son of Belardo after him, Richard P Smith.
Richard P Smith has been a model of consistency this season, he is yet to finish out the places in seven handicap starts. Most recently he has hit form when winning twice on the bounce, a mere seven days apart.
He opened his account when winning in impressive style at Great Yarmouth on the 10th October. With cheekpieces fitted for the first time, and the going on the softer side of good, Richard P Smith sprung from stall 13 with Neil Callan on board. Racing in touch with the leaders throughout the first couple of furlongs, it wasn’t until three furlongs out that Callan started to make his move, Richard P Smith responded readily, moving into the lead. Within the final furlong the pair drew away easily to win by three and three-quarter lengths.
The three-year-old came out of his race in fine form, so the decision was made to back him up and run him at Windsor the following Monday over an extended trip to a mile and a half. This time our very own Fletch Yarham took the reins as the pair lined up in the Cazoo Amateur Jockey’s Handicap. With the pair both fresh from a win, they went off the bookies favourite. Racing midfield, Yarham started to make headway from over three furlongs out, they soon made to challenge and took the lead two furlongs from home. From there, Yarham pushed Richard P Smith out to win by over a length.
Many congratulation to owner, David Hicken. Richard P Smith is certainly a horse who looks to progress further and is sure to be an exciting horse for next year.