Franklin Gregory "Goree" Smith Sr., who founded the nationally renowned Elloree Training Center in South Carolina and operated a small breeding operation there for decades, died Aug. 1. He was 82.
Smith bought his first Thoroughbred in 1972 and, in 1976, built the training center in Elloree, S.C., near his home in St. Matthews into a popular breaking and training facility for young horses. The farm became a place where young racehorses were developed, lifelong friendships were formed, and countless individuals found encouragement and opportunity under his guidance, according to Smith's family. Smith gave early riding lessons to future Hall of Fame jockey Chris Antley, who lived in Elloree and was buried there after he died unexpectedly in 2000.
The Elloree Trials, founded by the Palmetto Jockey Club in 1963, became a beloved rite of spring over the years. The late March trials became a must-attend event that featured tailgate parties, hat contests, the Miss Elloree Trials pageant, and an afternoon full of racing.
His immeasurable contributions to the Thoroughbred racing industry earned him numerous accolades and awards from the South Carolina Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. He is being honored by the national Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association as the leading South Carolina breeder for 2025 and has earned this title for 14 of the last 15 years.
Smith's signature cowboy boots, peaked Keeneland cap, and unmistakable presence became constants at the industry's most important horse sales from Florida to upstate New York. He became an adviser to many who respected his horsemanship and keen eye for young Thoroughbred athletes.
As a breeder, Smith bred 109 winners that included five black-type winners. His most accomplished runner was homebred Swayin to and Fro, who won the 2023 Barbara Fritchie Stakes (G3) at Laurel Park. The daughter of Straight Talking, whom Smith also stood, also won the listed Willa On the Move Stakes and Safety Kept Stakes, both in 2022. The mare was trained by Smith's brother, Hamilton, for her maiden victory May 26, 2022, at Pimlico Race Course.
Smith also stood 2012 Illinois Derby (G3) winner Done Talking, who also was trained by Hamilton Smith, for Skeedattle Associates. Done Talking would sire 20 winners for Franklin Smith.
Born on Aug. 14, 1943, in Orangeburg, S.C., Smith was the son of the late Dudley David Smith Sr. and Vergie King Smith. He attended Cameron High School before continuing his education at North Greenville University and the University of South Carolina.
Smith's family said all who knew him recognized him as the definitive Southern gentleman, who was kind, humble, dependable, and generous. To those who worked alongside him over the years, he was more than an employer; his employees were family, and he was simply "Poppa." He believed in helping others succeed, leading by example, and treating everyone with dignity and respect.
He was a loving husband to Bari H. Smith and a devoted father to Franklin Gregory Smith Jr. (Melissa), Catherine M. Smith, V. Suzanne Davis, and Caroline S. Garrett (Caleb). He delighted in being "Pappy" to his grandchildren: Franklin Gregory Smith III, Riley Alexandra Smith, Ava Elizabeth Cuttino, Bari Langley Cuttino, Emma Grace Cuttino, Jessie Luke Davis Jr., Franklin Chance Davis, Wesley Logan Davis, Harper Elizabeth Garrett, and Adeline Estelle Garrett. He is also survived by his brother, Hamilton (Jody).
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his siblings, Dudley David Smith Jr., Celestia Roberts, Annie Laurie Watson, John Edward Smith, and Cleo Hendy.
