In Memoriam: Wayne Smith

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association extends its condolences to the family and friends of Wayne Smith, a longtime groom and hotwalker whose work with horses spanned decades in Maryland racing.

Born in Baltimore in 1962, Wayne grew up in the Park Heights neighborhood. A talented tennis player as a youngster, he began working with horses as a teenager at Pimlico Race Course, starting a career that would remain a central part of his life.

Wayne also had an entrepreneurial spirit. In the 1980s, he became the first person to operate a hot dog cart outside Sinai Hospital.

For many years, Wayne lived and worked at Laurel Park. Most recently, he worked for trainer Eveline Kjelstrup. His time on the backstretch also included work for trainers John Robb and Catie Keil. In addition, he spent years working alongside blacksmith Rick Magill and other blacksmiths.

Wayne is survived by his daughter, Regina; his “son-in-law,” Ryan Banks; five grandchildren, Realle, Ricardo, Robert, Rodarick and Lil Ryan; and one great-grandchild, Rain.

MTHA joins the Maryland racing community in remembering Wayne and his many years as part of the Pimlico and Laurel Park backstretch communities. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who worked alongside him.

‍