Heather Smullen has developed an extensive resume during her racing career. Now she can add ‘winning coach’ to her list of achievements.
Smullen earned his first win as head coach on May 30 at Gulfstream ParkWhere Searcher put her in the winner’s circle after a one-length victory in race No. 7’s feature, an optional allowance-claiming mile on the field for Florida-born fillies 3 years old and up. Robert and Lawana Low’s Quester, their 3-year-old son into mischief is Smullen’s fourth starter since she went private in April.
“It feels great. I’m really lucky. I have so many owners, managers and people who have supported me over the years. I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to have beautiful horses,” she said.
Heather Smullen
Smullen is the regular exercise rider for the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) winner and champion 2-year-old filly Caledonian Road while working as an assistant to coach Ralph Nicks. She also works regularly for Barclay Tagg’s 2020 Florida Derby (G1), Belmont Stakes (G1) and Travers (G1) winner. law .
Smullen’s exercise riding career ended after an accident on Labor Day morning at Saratoga Racetrack in 2022 which left her with a fractured fibula and tibia in her right leg. She has served at Gulfstream Park as an assistant for Arindel Farms, as well as for trainers Dale Romans and Phil Serpe over the years.
“I’ve been an assistant for about 20 years,” said Smullen, the niece of Tagg assistant coach Robin Smullen. “I’m lucky to be around good horses.”
Smullen currently has a stable of 12 horses at Gulfstream and is looking to add more.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
