Texas Horseman Smith Dies

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Larry T. Smith, a former president of the Texas Thoroughbred Association, died June 11 after a battle with cancer. He was 68.

With his wife, Mary Jo, Smith operated Hidden Valley Thoroughbreds near Pilot Point, Texas, after a long and successful career in the insurance business.

Smith was active in all aspects of the Thoroughbred industry in Texas. In the name L. T. Smith Enterprises, he was the breeder of stakes winners Thomas Jo, Sir Pucker, Talkin to Mom Roo, and Wild Hits. Thomas Jo, who was stakes-placed at 2 for Smith, finished third in Victory Gallop’s 1998 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) for new owner Earle I. Mack.

Thomas Jo was a son of Strong Performance, whom Smith stood at Hidden Valley. Thomas Jo was voted 1998 Texas Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old male. The TTA honored Smith as the 1998 Breeder of the Year.

Talkin to Mom Roo also was a Texas champion. He was named the 2009 Texas champion older male.

The TTA also honored Smith as the 1995 recipient of the Allen Bogan Memorial Award as TTA member of the year. He became a TTA Lifetime Member in 1988. Smith served as TTA President from 2005-07, and he also served the organization as second vice-president in 2001, treasurer in 2002, and secretary-treasurer in 2003-04. During his 10 years on the board, he also was a member of the Breeding, Racing, Sales, Membership, Finance, Legislative/PAC, Publications and Executive Committees at one time or another.

In addition to Mary Jo, Smith is survived by his children Sherri, Michael, and Jamey.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers donations be directed to the Cancer Research Institute at cancerresearch.org/give or 800-99-CANCER (992-2623).
 

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