Background
He was the son of Tom Smith, trainer of Seabiscuit.
He was the son of Tom Smith, trainer of Seabiscuit.
A few years later he trained for the renowned owner of Idle Hour Stock Farm, Edward R. Bradley, for whom he earlier rode as a jockey, riding and winning on such stars of the turf Black Helen at 2 and Blue Larkspur at 4, among others Along with his father, James Smith trained for Maine Chance Farm. On February 15, 1949, Smith trained his last horse for Maine Chance Farm, winning the feature race at Florida"s Hialeah Park Race Track with Royal Blood.
In 1946 he had three horses in the Kentucky Derby, the best finish a fourth place with Lord Boswell.
James Smith"s last Derby entrant was in 1961 with Jay Fox. James trained Champions Busher, By Jimminy, Bridal Flower, Myrtle Charm.
He also trained Champions But Why Not (no Southwest), Star Pilot (no Southwest) and Beaugay (multiple Southwest).