Gavin’s remarkable career spanned decades and thousands of starters, with more than 3,000 winners to his name — a remarkable milestone few trainers achieve — and numerous cherished horses that thrilled racing fans, including crowd favorites such as Stormy Appeal, Bold Silvano, Muscatt, Shoes Of Silver, Cherry Ano, and Cruise Control. His success was driven by meticulous attention to detail and a quiet integrity that earned respect throughout the industry.

In 2025, the stable experienced a profound moment of transition with the sudden passing of Gavin Smith after a brave battle with cancer. His son, Dean Smith, who had been working alongside his father for many years, stepped up to take the reins as principal trainer. At just 25 years old, Dean had already developed a strong understanding of training, stable management, and the competitive demands of racing — skills nurtured under Gavin’s mentorship and rooted in a lifelong connection to the sport.

While Dean’s journey into training wasn’t always straightforward — Gavin initially encouraged him toward academic pursuits outside of racing — the pull of the family legacy and the racetrack proved irresistible. Dean’s approach blends traditional horsemanship with fresh ideas and modern insights, and he has quickly made his mark on the South African racing scene.