Tag Archives: Mike Smith

Mike Smith Awarded 2019 ESPY Best Jockey Award

Mike Smith and Justify. Photo by Adam Coglianese.

Gilbert, AZ – July 16, 2019 – On Wednesday, July 10, top athletes around the globe gathered together to be awarded some of the most prestigious awards in sports. When it came time for the jockeys to step into the spotlight, it was American Equus Chosen Rider Mike Smith who was handed the 2019 ESPY Best Jockey Award at the event Presented by Capital One.

Kicking off the tradition of hosting the ESPY Awards annually in 1993, ESPN gives out awards to the best individual athletes, teams, and sports moments in Los Angeles, California. The awards occur on one of the two days that no games from any of the four major pro sports are held and benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research in memory of Jim Valvano, a college basketball coach and analyst.

Among one of the four nominated athletes, Smith was given the top honors this year over jockeys Florent Geroux, Irad Ortiz Jr., and Jose Ortiz, who was the 2018 winner. Both Irad Ortiz Jr. and Florent Geroux share the title of American Equus Chosen Rider with Smith, but the celebrated 2018 Triple Crown winner was the one to hold the ESPY Best Jockey trophy this year for the first time since 1994.

“We are incredibly proud to have a legendary jockey like Mike Smith representing American Equus so well,” said David Shano, Founder and CEO of American Equus. “He has continued to make history throughout his career, most recently with his Triple Crown win last year to become the 13th winner. He is a wonderful example of what being a Chosen Rider means-his passion for the sport and the horses he shares the track with is truly inspiring.”

The Racing Hall of Famer has garnered incredible results with his top horses of the year, Midnight Bisou and McKinzie, accumulating earnings over $5.7 million so far. Now 53 years of age, Smith is showing no signs of slowing down following his 5,527 career wins and earnings close to $324 million. At the top of his game, he is focused on continuing to pilot some of the most talented thoroughbreds in racing to victory after victory.

Media Contact: Lenore Phillips
561-753-3389 | lrb@phelpsmediagroup.com

Mike Smith and Justify Carry American Equus to Flawless Triple Crown Victory

Mike Smith piloting Justify to become the 13th Triple Crown winner. Photo: Adam Coglianese.

Gilbert, AZ – June 14, 2018 – American Equus rode into history with longtime sponsored rider Mike Smith as he and Justify swept the 150th Belmont Stakes on Saturday, making them only the 13th horse and rider pair to win the coveted Triple Crown. A crowd of 90,000 cheering fans, as well as millions of television viewers hoping to see a repeat of American Pharaoh’s historic 2015, went wild as the pair broke from the gate and led the entire field around the historic Belmont Park. American Equus is proud to have carried Smith on his journey with Justify to win the triple crown and solidify his place in horse racing history.

“If you had asked me two years ago, when I founded American Equus, if we would have not only won the richest single race in horseracing, but also the Triple Crown, I would have said ‘absolutely not’,” commented David Shano, Founder of American Equus. “Working with Mike [Smith] has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my career. American Equus is honored by his support of company, unwavering belief in our irons, and to have helped him effectively ride this incredible horse to the biggest victory in his incredible career.”

From his very first race, Justify has been nothing short of incredible. The chestnut stallion, owned by China Horse Club, WinStar Farm, and SF Racing, and trained by Bob Baffert, completed the mile and a half on a fast track in 2 minutes 28.18 seconds and became the second undefeated Triple Crown winner, since with Seattle Slew in 1977. Justify has handily won six straight G1 races since beginning his competitive career only four months ago.

“The Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes were certainly less than ideal conditions to race in,” said Smith. “In the Preakness especially, Justify jumped the tracks a couple of times and my foot never slipped. The American Equus irons keep my ride smooth and solid and almost like I am standing on the ground. They definitely make all the difference.”

“Big Money Mike” Smith is considered one of the most successful and influential riders in the sport, with over 5,300 victories and total purse earnings topping $312,243,585. He has held a place in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame since 2003 and has secured wins in two Derby’s, two Preakness’s, two Belmont’s and a record 26-Breeders’ Cup races, as well as the Pegasus Cup, and Dubai World Cup.  At an unbelievable 52 years old, Smith now has the distinction of becoming the oldest jockey to win the Triple Crown.

“American Equus is looking forward to many more races with Mike and continuing our relationship of success for many years to come. For as long as Mike wants to race, American Equus will be there to make sure he is as safe and competitive as possible,” commented Shano.

Media Contact: Lenore Phillips
561-753-3389 | lrb@phelpsmediagroup.com