Horse racing community rocked by death of Group 1-winning trainer Ben Smith, 42, as he neared the end of 13-month ban
The Australian racing community has been rocked by the death of 'widely respected' Newcastle-based horse trainer Ben Smith, who has died aged 42.
Newcastle Police are investigating the cause of his death, though it is believed there are no suspicious circumstances, Racenet reported.
News of his death came near the end of a 13-month ban that was imposed on Mr Smith and one of his horses that tested positive to banned substances.
A New South Wales Police spokesman confirmed to SkyNews.com.au that a 42-year-old man was found dead at a hotel in the Newcastle suburb of Carrington about 12.30pm on Monday.
Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner, a spokesperson said.
Mr Smith was well-known in the New South Wales training community and had collected a number of accolades, including Group 1 race victories in 2018 with horses In Her Time and El Dorado Dreaming.
Provincial Racing NSW took to social media on Monday night to pass on condolences to Mr Smith's friends and family.
'Originally from Scone, Ben forged a strong career from his base at Newcastle Racecourse where he tasted both G1 & G2 successes with champion mare In Her Time,' a post on the organisation's Facebook page said.
'In his 14 year training career he prepared 93 winners & 154 placegetters from his 747 starters. He was widely respected among his peers in the racing industry & will be sadly missed. RIP Ben.'
'Way too young to be lose your life. Condolences to your family. RIP Ben,' one of the comments read.
Smith was previously banned for three months as he readied In Her Time for The Everest race in 2018, having been found guilty of cobalt and conduct charges by Racing NSW.
He returned to racing in 2022 before being handed a 13-month ban in May 2024.
Smith had been charged with two separate offences, which included the use of a banned substance while handling a horse.
A blood sample from one his horses, Arale, had tested postive to having the anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam in its system following a victory at Canterbury racecourse last year.
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