Latest news with #MattSmith
News.com.au
12 hours ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Trainer Matt Smith chasing back-to-back wins with Millie De Lune at Royal Randwick as stakes test looms
Trainer Matt Smith could be willing to contemplate a late Queensland winter carnival raid if Millie De Lune can put together back-to-back Royal Randwick victories this Saturday. Smith has the Group 3 $300,000 Winx Guineas (1600m) in the back of his mind for his progressive daughter of Puissance De Lune as she prepares to tackle the Elite Sand & Soil Benchmark 78 Handicap (1800m). Millie De Lune has shown an abundance of potential this preparation with two victories in five starts and scored her biggest win to date last time with a dominant win over 2000m on soft ground in town. 'She is going really good and has progressed nicely since that last run,' Smith said. 'We have tried her a couple of times on better ground and she doesn't like it much … she might be a bit better in time but I thought she would make a reasonable nice staying filly and have always thought that. 'She has taken time to come around.' It's Millie De Lune on the inside who gives @AshMorgan6 a Randwick treble! ðŸŒ� @mcsmithracing @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 7, 2025 Saturday's run will determine if Smith puts Millie De Lune over more ground again or drops her back to a mile for the Queensland stakes assignment. The emerging three-year-old will already be dropping back a furlong from her last-start win when she lines up on Saturday. 'She was really strong late the other day so if we get tempo she will be fine with the drop back in trip but if not, it might be tricky from the barrier (12) as well,' Smith said. 'It's always a concern coming back in trip.' Ashley Morgan pilots Millie De Lune, which is a $3.70 favourite to continue her winning ways. Smith is also in the hunt for the Listed $200,000 Civic Stakes (1400m) in which Astero ($34) links up with Andrew Adkins. But Astero will need to do something he's never done in 13 attempts – win at Randwick. 'I don't know why Randwick doesn't suit him,' Smith said. 'I think at Rosehill, it suits a horse that wants a bit more speed. 'The other day he was pulling behind them and he runs his best races when he is not right up on the bridle that much. 'But he hasn't been beaten that far and his three runs this time have been better than they look.' Smith also has Time Quest ($101) as the fifth emergency.
BBC News
a day ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Newport sign Barrow striker Garner on two-year deal
Newport County have signed striker Ged Garner from Barrow on a two-year 26, is the League Two club's third signing under new manager David Hughes following the arrival of Wales midfielder Matt Smith and New Zealand goalkeeper Nik Liverpool academy player Garner spent nearly seven years at Fleetwood Town, before moving to Barrow in January the past two seasons he has had two loan spells at Morecambe."This is another really good signing for us," said County boss Hughes."He's a player who can add to our top line and our link up play which will be important for us going forward. "He's an excellent professional who conducts himself the right way and I'm really pleased to have Ged on board."
BBC News
3 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Newport new boy Smith would love Wales return
New Newport County signing Matt Smith has not given up on returning to the Wales squad, despite dropping into League Two with the 25, has won 19 caps for Wales since making his debut as an 18-year-old under Ryan the midfielder has not featured since being part of the squad that travelled to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup having made the move to the Scottish Premiership with St 25, Smith has headed to Rodney Parade to link up with new County boss David Hughes, his manager during his time at Wales youth speaking of his time in the national set-up, Smith told the club:, external "It's always been a massive honour to represent Wales. Every time I put on the shirt was a really proud moment and something I look back on with fond memories."I'd love to get back to that level again. I spent a number of years involved in the set-up and it's something I truly cherish."Being around players of that calibre, you see the standards every day in training and around the camp. I've learnt a lot from those players, and I hope to take those experiences forward here."Born in Redditch but eligible for Wales via a grandparent, the Manchester City academy graduate won caps under Hughes at under-17 added: "I've worked with the manager before, so we already have that connection. We had a really good conversation and he knows who I am, what I can bring, and the type of person I am. For me, it was a no-brainer. I'm really excited to be part of it."I want to be a big part of this team and help Newport push up the league and finish as strongly as possible. It's got a fantastic fanbase. I've always admired the club from afar, especially with the Welsh connection, and I've seen the passion the fans bring."
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Wales midfielder Smith signs for Newport
Newport County have signed Wales midfielder Matt Smith following his exit from St 25-year-old, who has 19 caps, has agreed a two-year deal with the League Two club and becomes new boss David Hughes' first Exiles played 25 times for St Johnstone last season as they were relegated from the Scottish Premiership, but did not feature after being substituted in the first half of a defeat to Dundee in early January and became a free agent this all he played 60 times for St Johnstone after signing from MK Dons in 2023."We are delighted to bring Matt on board. As a group of staff, we feel he is a really good signing for us, and he will certainly strengthen the squad," said Hughes, who took charge at Newport last month. "He is still growing as a player and has the desire to improve and progress himself and we are all looking forward to working with him. He is an outstanding character; a good professional and person to have around the squad and the club.''Smith spent 18 months with MK Dons having joined on a permanent deal from Manchester City in 2022.A City academy product, Smith had loan spells with FC Twente, Queens Park Rangers, Doncaster Rovers, Charlton Athletic and Hull City while at the in the Midlands, Smith qualifies for Wales through his Blackwood-born grandfather and made his senior international debut under Ryan Giggs in was in the Wales squads at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, but has not played for his country since September 2022.
Herald Sun
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Herald Sun
2025 VAFA live stream: St Bernard's v University Blues, Men's Premier League
Don't miss out on the headlines from Aussie Rules Live Stream. Followed categories will be added to My News. University Blues coach Matt Smith knows every game for his side is now 'crucial'. Sitting eighth on the ladder with a 2-6 record, the Blues find themselves in a battle to avoid relegation from the VAFA Premier competition. The path forward to potentially closing a gap on the teams above them starts with a trip to take on St Bernard's this weekend with the senior and reserves games to be live streamed on KommunityTV. 'Every game from here on out is massive,' the first year Blues coach said. 'They beat us in the opening round with a kick after the siren so this is one we want to get back. 'We've had patches or quarters in games where we've been too easy to play against, it's been the story of the season. We've been in winning positions but relinquished leads going away from what we've worked on. 'It doesn't look good being 2-6 but the positive is it can turn quickly given how even the competition is. If you pick up a couple of wins you're right back in the mix.' While Smith's side have now lost four on the trots, there have been some positives against the better sides in the competition. In a side which has ex-AFL talent including Marty Gleeson and competition leading goalkicker James Stewart, several others have taken their games to another level this season. James Curran has adopted his new found role as a half-forward to be one of the Blues best. 'He's been super consistent,' Smith said. 'He's very unassuming, a quiet guy who just goes about his role. He's so disciplined. 'He's not someone who needs the accolades.' Smith said Ben Townson was a player who had been a 'revelation' this season playing up forward with Stewart and Sam Grimley, two players who have played at the highest level. 'His ability to get up the ground and take a mark is one of the real features of his game,' he said. Despite their record, the Blues have proven their worth as a defensive unit and Smith is determined to see his side improve their link between the forward line. 'We're aiming to get some deeper entries so we can have field position and set the ground up a lot easier,' he said.
