Alfred P. "Paddy" Smithwick

Biography

Sons of Irish immigrant horsemen, Alfred P. “Paddy” Smithwick and his younger brother, Hall of Fame trainer D. M. “Mikey” Smithwick, became one of the most successful rider-trainer teams in steeplechase history.

Paddy Smithwick won 398 jump races, second only to Hall of Famer Joe Aitcheson’s total of 440. Smithwick was North America’s leading steeplechase rider in 1950, 1956, 1957, 1958, and 1962. He won nearly every major jump race in America more than once.

Smithwick won the Meadowbrook Handicap and Georgetown Handicap six times each, the Beverwyck Handicap and International Handicap five times each, the Temple Gwathmey four times, and the American Grand National and New York Turf Writers Cup three times each.

Smithwick considered Hall of Famer Neji to be the greatest horse he ever rode. He piloted the three-time champion to two Grand National wins, including the 1958 edition under a record 173 pounds. Smithwick also rode Hall of Famer Bon Nouvel and standout King Commander.

Forced to retire in 1966 because of injuries sustained in a fall, Smithwick turned to training and saddled two stakes winners.

Achievements

North America’s leading steeplechase rider in wins — 1950, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1962

Other Highlights

Won the Temple Gwathmey — 1948, 1952, 1954, 1957
Won the New York Turf Writers Cup  — 1951, 1952, 1958
Won the American Grand National — 1957, 1958, 1964