Aussie sport mourns racing star who died aged just 42 while serving ban over drug use
The Australian racing community is mourning the death of trainer Ben Smith, who was just 42.
It comes as Smith's 13-month ban from the sport - after he and one of his horses tested positive to a banned drug - was drawing to a close.
Daily Mail Australia understands there are no suspicious circumstances behind Smith's death.
Based in Newcastle, Smith was highly regarded among fellow NSW trainers.
His greatest achievements were winning Group 1 races in 2018 with In Her Time (The Galaxy) and El Dorado Dreaming (ATC Sires Produce Stakes).
Smith's training career was then sensationally put on hold after he was issued with a three year-nine month ban after being found guilty of cobalt and conduct charges by Racing NSW stewards.
Smith resumed his training in late 2022 - but again was soon in strife with stewards, hit with a 13-month ban in May last year.
It followed Smith himself - and one of his horses - testing positive to banned substances.
Racing NSW stewards charged Smith with two separate offences, one of which was for the use of a banned substance while handling a horse.
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