Clayton Smith, 99, an important person in the history of New England harness racing, died in late January.

Mr. Smith was born in Lynchburg, Va., but settled in Maine with his wife where he established himself as a leader in many aspects of the sport.

Mr. Smith was the director of racing, race secretary, presiding judge and track announcer at The Skowhegan Fair and later served as presiding judge and announcer at Rockingham Park in New Hampshire.

He was also the track announcer at Foxboro Raceway in Massachusetts and at Rosecroft Raceway in Maryland.

Mr. Smith was the race secretary at Scarborough Downs and the Fryeburg Fair.

He was one of the founders of the New England chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers Association in 1961 and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2000.

Mr. Smith also owned and sold many Standardbreds.