Robyne Smith was born Melody Dawn Miller. Her biological father deserted her and her mother at her birth. Her mother was 17 when she was born. Melody's mother was declared mentally unstable and Melody was placed in a foster home. She was adopted and renamed Caroline Smith. Later, 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 may also have later spent time in a children's home. 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 actor Fred Astaire. She was 45 years his junior. She remained married to Astaire until his death in 1987.
