String of Smiles | Grace of Many Talents!
String of Smiles by Saxon was trained by Gary Crispin for her 26 starts. The 2008 mare out of Bay of Smiles began her racing career in 2012 and retired in 2015 after her final race in Pinjarra. Accumulating a sum of $47,469 in prize money, String of Smiles retired with four wins, two seconds and six thirds. She was rehomed by Gary and Danielle Crispin to Samantha Chudleigh following her racing retirement and a short period of broodmare duties.
Sam, having previously purchased one of String of Smiles’ progeny, told Danielle that she would be keen to have the mare if she ever needed a new home. A few months later, Sam was travelling back down to pick up Grace (String of Smiles), despite having never ridden her.
Grace and Sam have developed a great partnership since becoming a team in 2021. Grace is a workaholic who picks up new skills quickly, making her training quite simple for Sam.
“Grace has in some ways been the easiest of horses for me. She seems to know exactly what I want to do and does her best to please me, no questions asked.” Sam said.
Together, Grace and Sam have dabbled in an array of disciplines, with Grace proving to be just as competitive off the track as she was on the track. The pair have thoroughly enjoyed hunting, with Grace proving to be an excellent hunter mount. They have competed in several jump cross events up to 65cm, never coming away without a place or a win. Grace has even turned her hoof at barrel racing for a win and also enjoys peaceful trail rides. Grace proves to be a fantastic all-round adult rider horse, who is exceptionally well-mannered both under saddle and on the ground.
Sam fondly recalled her win at Namban Jump Cross in the 65cm class as one of her favourite memories with Grace. Despite having not done a lot of jumping, Grace tackled the tricky and spooky course with ease to take home the win.
Sam and Grace plan to continue to do what they have always done, which is having fun as a team.
We wish String of Smiles and Sam all the best from the team at Off the Track WA!
Photos credit to Sam Chudleigh and Ben Clarke.
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