Cover image courtesy of Michael McInally
Being a strapper in a thoroughbred racing stable is a demanding occupation. There are early hours and late finishes. Thoroughbreds require daily care seven days a week, 365 days a year; there is no stopping because it is a public holiday.
The job goes on rain, hail or shine. The public often sees the big-race winners' names and connections in shining lights after a Saturday meeting, not realising the extensive care and work that has gone into getting a horse there for a race that may last little over three minutes.
But a deep dive can uncover remarkable, beautiful stories of the love for thoroughbreds in our industry. An unbreakable bond between humans and horses built on trust.
Strappers don’t do their job for a moment in the spotlight or for monetary gain.
Huetor (Fr) with Lauren Smyth at the Randwick trials on April 4, 2022 | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
Strappers choose this role because they love the animal, whether they are one of the fastest or the slowest gallopers in the world the love and respect is clear. However, for some, they are lucky enough to be associated with some of the world’s elite athletes.
Huetor's eye infection
The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained import, Huetor (Fr) (Archipenko {USA}), has always been a classy conveyance since his importation to Australia.
Huetor won his first three starts on Australian soil in 2021 before enjoying one of his finest years on the track in 2022, claiming the G1 Doomben Cup before heading for a spell.
That is where the problems first appeared. It was unseasonably wet in 2022, and Huetor developed an eye issue that was subsequently traced to bacteria found in damp straw caused by flooding.
Vets promptly addressed the problem, and the initial diagnosis was deemed nothing to be alarmed about.
However, Huetor’s condition continued to worsen, to the point that his co-trainer Peter Snowden stressed the gelding’s career was seriously jeopardised.
Snowden said at the time, “Huetor has a big straw bed in a box, and it seems a bit of straw scratched his eye, causing it to become infected.”
For co-owner Alan Prince, it was a blow and no doubt the ownership harboured a lot of uncertainty around Huetor’s career.
Lauren Smyth dedication to Huetor
However, Prince knew the gelding was in competent and caring hands with the Snowden team, especially when long-time employee Lauren Smyth made it her mission to help mend Huetor.
Reportedly, the trainers didn’t even have to ask Smyth. She was more than happy to volunteer her time for the love of the horse and her job.
It would be a labour of love and around-the-clock dedication to Huetor’s recovery process, including wearing an eye mask every day and eye drops every two hours.
“Lauren (Smyth) spent about six weeks sleeping with ‘Huey’ (Huetor) to administer his eye drops every two hours,” Prince told TDN AusNZ.
“She nursed him every inch of the way. She was there the whole time. Lauren has a heart the size of Randwick.”
“She (Lauren Smyth) nursed him (Huetor) every inch of the way. She was there the whole time. Lauren has a heart the size of Randwick.” - Alan Prince
Prince was more than eager to sing the praises of the team at Snowden Racing and particularly Smyth, who is forever grateful for helping Huetor through his ordeal.
“The background workers rarely get appreciation and accolades,” Prince said.
Huetor (Fr) with strapper and best friend Lauren Smyth, after claiming the 2023 G1 Doomben Cup - his second victory in the feature race | Image courtesy of Michael McInally
“The whole team has done a great job, Peter and Paul (Snowden) are great to have horses with, and they have a wonderful team around them,” Prince enthused.
“But I feel Huetor’s success can be attributed to Lauren's love and dedication for him.”
“The whole team (Snowden Racing) has done a great job, Peter and Paul (Snowden) are great to have horses with, and they have a wonderful team around them. But I feel Huetor’s success can be attributed to Lauren's (Smyth) love and dedication for him.” - Alan Prince
Huetor would return to the track to claim an emotional second victory in the G1 Doomben Cup in 2023, proving he had lost none of his zest for racing.
It was Smyth who strapped Huetor, a horse she openly describes as her ‘baby’ on that sunny Queensland afternoon at Doomben in the winner’s circle.
Huetor (Fr) winning the G1 Doomben Cup | Image courtesy of Michael McInally
It is evident even if the gelding hadn’t returned to win a Group 1 contest, the admiration and dedication from Smyth would not waver or be regretted.
Like many strappers, Smyth loves Huetor for his personality and quirks, not because he’s got an engine.
“Lauren just loves Huey and plays with him like a puppy. It’s a wonderful relationship they have.”
It takes a team
Prince has been a fortuitous owner having shares in multiple horses, including the G1 Doomben 10,000 victor Mazu (Maurice {Jpn}), who is raced by Triple Crown Syndications and ran second in The Everest in 2022.
It is no secret horse ownership can be a costly avenue, and you are never guaranteed returns with racehorses. For Prince, knowing his horses are receiving the best care daily is comforting.
“I have shares in a few horses, including Mazu, who is a valuable horse, so having good caring staff is so important it can not be understated,” Prince stated to TDN AusNZ.
“Snowden Racing is unbelievable with the staff they have. Taylor Ratten and Ella Yarrow are just a couple of others, along with Lauren, who does a fabulous job with our horses.
“Knowing how well they are looked after is very reassuring.”
“Snowden Racing is unbelievable with the staff they have. Taylor Ratten and Ella Yarrow are just a couple of others, along with Lauren (Smyth), who does a fabulous job with our horses. Knowing how well they are looked after is very reassuring.” - Alan Prince
Prince knows first-hand how hard all the staff work to ensure a thoroughbred is at its optimal health to compete and no shortcuts are taken.
“I know every one of my horses will be well groomed and presented immaculately at all times. In naming the three girls, I am not downplaying how great the rest of the Snowden staff is because I can speak highly of the stable approach to caring for the horses in their care.”
These are stories that should be shared and celebrated in our industry. If you have a similar story to share, please don’t hesitate to contact TDN AusNZ on the below contact, or you can contact me directly.
Editorial@tdnausnz.com.au
Keely@tdnausnz.com.au
