Racing Preview - Mike Smith

Mike Smith’s love of racing goes back to the late 1970s, when he chalked the board for local bookmakers Carrigill’s to help fund a college education.

He joined The Reporter Group in 1980 covering sport in the Batley and Dewsbury area and working under the founder of The Press, Danny Lockwood. When Danny left to go around the world in pursuit of the oval ball, Mike charted a similar course in the world of golf and worked in the USA, Holland and London before returning to his beloved Yorkshire in 2005.

He has built up an enviable list of contacts including trainers, owners and jockeys and is always looking to deliver the value bet for readers of The Press.

His favourite track is York and he’s never happier than when on Middleham’s Low Moor watching first lots work early on a Spring morning.