Episode 233: Dale Smith

Saw a bloke called Dale Smith ride a few Brisbane winners over the last month and was curious about his background. It was obvious he’d had plenty of experience so I tracked him down for a podcast.    Dale and his partner Melissa Taylor made a snap decision to move to Queensland a couple of years ago. He talks about the reason for such an important move after two decades in Victoria.   He acknowledges the trainers who immediately offered him support once he started riding work at Eagle Farm.   Dale talks of a recent relocation to the Sunny Coast where he’s riding work  for several trainers and Melissa has procured stables for her ten horse team.   The jockey takes us back to childhood days in the Kimberleys and his late father’s  successful riding career. He reflects on his dad’s battle with cancer.    Dale recalls his schooling in Perth and an apprenticeship to a leading trainer. He’s very honest about an attitude problem he suffered as a teenager.   He looks back on a move to Victoria orchestrated by a family friend who was actually his Godfather.   Dale reminisces about a new boss in Melbourne and the important early winners to get him on his way as a jockey. He remembers his transfer to Leon McDonald’s Flemington stables. He pays a special tribute to trainer Mick Price who gave him many opportunities over a long period of years. He makes special mention of a few favourite horses from the era.   Dale looks back on the young lady who was riding trackwork for Mick Price who happened to catch his eye. Melissa Taylor is now his partner and mother of his young daughter Aleera.