Retired jockey Smith passes away at age 69

Donald D. Smith, longtime jockey at Penn National and winner of

more than 1,500 races, passed away on October 17 at the age of

69.

Known as D.D. to friends and family, Smith began his riding

career in the early 1960s and retired in 1989, piloting 15,612 horses and

finishing with 1,505 victories and more than $4 million in total purses earned

by his mounts. He rode predominantly at Penn National, Charles Town, Laurel

Park and Pimlico.

"D.D. was a close friend of mine and a great person to be

around," said Arnie Iliescu, Penn National's all-time leading jockey. "I have

the fondest memories of our time together at Penn National, and he will be

sorely missed."

At the conclusion of his riding career, Smith worked as a

goldsmith for more than 20 years, including a position as the lead goldsmith at

Colonial Jewelers in Frederick, Maryland, for eight years.

Smith was the son of the late Donald "Pop" Smith and

Lucille Smith of Middletown, Maryland. He is survived by his daughter Dawn Downing,

son-in-law Jeff Downing, and his great granddaughter Megan Nicole Downing.

A celebration of Smith's life will be held on November 3 from 2-4 p.m. (EST)

on the second floor at Brewer's Alley in Frederick.