Robyn Smith

Robyn Smith was born Constance Ann Miller. Her biological father deserted her and her mother at her birth. Her mother was 17 when she was born. Her mother was declared mentally unstable and Melody was placed in a foster home. She was adopted by a family surnamed Smith. After a grueling court battle, she was returned to her birth mother. When her mother's mental illness reappeared, she was placed back in the care of her adoptive family. She became a jockey in 1969, winning the Paumonok Handicap at Aqueduct in 1973 riding North Sea. She became the first woman to win a major race in the USA. At 5' 7", she was taller and heavier than most jockeys. She retired from racing in 1980. That same year, she married former actor and famed dancer extraordinaire Fred Astaire. She was 45 years his junior. She remained married to Astaire until his death in 1987.