In the world of U.S. horse racing, few jockeys are as accomplished and respected as Mike E. Smith. With a career spanning four decades, Mike Smith has built a Hall of Fame résumé and become a living legend on the racetrack. Born in New Mexico in 1965, Smith rose from humble beginnings to reach the pinnacle of the sport, earning the nickname “Big Money Mike” for his uncanny ability to win the sport’s most prestigious races when the stakes are highest.
Smith’s achievements are staggering. He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame in 2003, a testament to his success early on, and he has only added to his legacy since then. Mike Smith has won the Kentucky Derby twice: first in 2005 aboard longshot Giacomo, and again in 2018 with the undefeated Justify. The victory with Justify was particularly historic, as Justify went on to sweep the Triple Crown that year, making Smith (at age 52) the oldest jockey ever to win the Triple Crown series. In addition to those Derby wins, Smith has also won the other Triple Crown races multiple times (the Preakness and Belmont Stakes), including guiding Justify through that triumphant 2018 campaign.
Perhaps even more impressive is Smith’s record in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, the year-end series of championship races. Mike Smith is the all-time leading jockey in Breeders’ Cup wins. Over the years, he has amassed more than 25 Breeders’ Cup victories, a record that includes multiple wins in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Distaff, and other major divisions. He was the regular rider of the legendary mare Zenyatta, piloting her to an unforgettable win in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic against males, and almost another in 2010 when she finished a heart-breaking second in her final start. His partnership with Zenyatta, as well as other star horses like Holy Bull, Azeri, Songbird, Arrogate, and Justify, showcases his versatility and skill in getting the best out of elite equine talent.
What sets Mike Smith apart is not just his big race tally, but also his professionalism and longevity. Even in his late 50s, Smith remains a sought-after rider for top trainers in high-profile races. He is known for his tactical intelligence during a race—often waiting patiently and making a decisive move at just the right time. This patience and cool head under pressure have led to dramatic stretch-run victories that thrill fans. Physically, Smith has maintained excellent fitness, which allows him to continue competing at a high level against jockeys half his age. He’s also respected for his humble and gracious demeanor off the track, often crediting the horses, trainers, and owners for the success and deflecting praise away from himself.
Mike Smith’s storied career serves as an inspiration to young jockeys and racing enthusiasts. He has demonstrated that dedication, passion, and skill can lead to a long and successful career in a very challenging sport. Whether he’s guiding a 50-1 outsider to a shocking upset or a heavy favorite to an expected win, Mike “Big Money” Smith has a knack for rising to the occasion. As he continues to add chapters to his extraordinary career, fans of horse racing know that whenever Mike Smith is in the irons, they just might witness something special.