Earl Smith knows superstars when he sees them. One of his sons, Earl Smith III, who is commonly known as 'J.R.,' is one of the flashiest players in the National Basketball Association. Although his son has made quite a living on the NBA hardwood, Earl is looking for a few 'nuggets' of his own.
Along with trainer Sam DePinto and his wife, Shannon DePinto, Earl is looking to cash large as an owner with We Will See, a three-year-old son of Western Hanover that finished second in the $1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup last month at Mohawk Racetrack.
And so far, things have gone pretty well for Earl, et al. From 17 career races, We Will See has compiled a record of 5-4-2 with $514,697 in purse earnings.
An article by the Asbury Park Press quotes Earl as saying that even though horse racing and basketball are wildly different sports, there are many common parallels when it comes to viewing the action when you have a vested interest.
"When you watch a race, the feeling is kind of hard to describe," Smith said. "It's a unique feeling. I try to drive the horse as the driver drives him. Not that I can drive one. When you are winning, it's an unbelievable feeling. It's like watching a basketball game and you are watching the game with the coach."
The Asbury Park Press article explains how Earl got to owning a piece of We Will See, and articulates his perspective on racehorse ownership.
Click here to read the article in its entirety.
(With files from the Asbury Park Press)