Johnny Mac Smith, DVM, a pioneering equine veterinarian, co-founder of one of the nation's leading equine hospitals, and longtime steward of equine research, passed away on Oct. 10, 2026. He was 78.Johnny Mac is survived by his devoted wife, Lucy; his sister, Betty (David) Sport; his nephew, Greg (Wilma) Sport; his niece, Susan (Mac) Walden; his sons William (Amanda) Smith, Jesse (Jessica) Smith, and John (Hope) Smith; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded by many mentors and colleagues, including his longtime partner and friend Dr. John Peterson.Born on July 19, 1948, in Andalusia, Alabama, Johnny Mac grew up as a farm kid in rural lower Alabama and was drawn to horses at an early age. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Troy State University in 1970 and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University in 1976. As a student he worked as a farrier and was deeply influenced by the late Dr. John Thomas Vaughan.After graduation he practiced in the Tampa area before establishing a solo practice in Ocala, Florida. In 1981 he and Dr. John Peterson co-founded Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital that grew into one of the largest equine practices in the country. Johnny Mac often credited his wife, Lucy, for believing in him and supporting the leap of faith required to build the clinic. He left active clinical practice in 1993 after developing a severe allergy to horses and relocated with his family to Versailles, Kentucky. He continued his involvement in the equine industry through advising and yearling evaluation.Johnny Mac served for 10 years on Keeneland's yearling inspection team, bringing a practical, common-sense approach shaped by decades of practice and farm experience. He was also an appointed member of the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Committee.His longest, and in his words, most rewarding later-career chapter was with the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. Beginning as Veterinary Consultant and later named the first recipient of the A. Gary Lavin Chair in January 2023, he recruited and worked closely with the foundation's Research Advisory Committee. He helped review and select the research projects funded each year–projects that have improved the health and welfare of horses of every breed. He described the combination of the Peterson & Smith practice, his Keeneland service, and his Grayson work as “hitting the trifecta.” Colleagues and the foundation repeatedly noted his role in connecting researchers, practitioners, and institutions so that scientific advances could reach the barn and the racetrack.In October 2025, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine presented him with the J.T. Vaughan Outstanding Equine Service Award.Funeral services will be held for Johnny Mac at Pisgah Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 1:00, followed by a reception at The Thoroughbred Club. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.The post Equine Vet Johnny Mac Smith Passes Away at 78 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.