Norwich City boss Dean Smith had a day to remember as he marked one year with the EFL Championship club.
The Canaries manager was celebrating when a horse he part-owns, Secret Trix, won at Fakenham races. Trained by Olly Murphy, the hurdler was sent off the 7-4 favourite to win the Gazza UK Tour For BCCT. Novices' Handicap Hurdle.
And the five-year-old did not disappoint, as he held Doireann by three quarters of a length. It was Smith's first victory in the sport, after he got to know dedicated Aston Villa fan Murphy and ventured into racehorse ownership. The result came a year to the day after 51-year-old Smith joined Norwich.
"It's great and we have known Olly for a while now," said Smith, whose team sit fifth in the league.
"Myself and Craig (co-owner of Secret Trix) wanted to get a horse with him and it's great to have the first win."
Secret Trix was a late substitute for Smith and his racing team-mate, as their previous horse with the stable was side-lined due to injury. Murphy was pleased to see his runner get off the mark on his seventh start under Rules.
"He was very green on his last start at Perth but it was good to get a first winner for Dean and Craig," he said. "It's their second venture into racehorse ownership, so sunny Fakenham today, a 0-100 (race) – we're going the right way!"
Smith was pictured at Murphy's stables in March 2020, just weeks before the Cheltenham Festival. At the time he was managing Villa, Murphy's lifelong club, but Smith was later dismissed by the Midlands outfit.
His exit, in November 2021, was immediately followed by his link-up with Norwich. They were relegated following a 2-0 defeat to Villa, however they are one of the favourites to return to the top flight.
Bookies William Hill go 7-4 that the club, followed by famous chef Delia Smith, will be promoted at the end of the season.
