US RACING: Jockey Mike Smith is number one

Santa Anita Park's opening day was certainly a memorable one for jockey Mike Smith.
In the process of winning four of seven stakes races on the card, Smith surpassed Jerry Bailey as the all-time leader among jockeys for Grade 1 wins in North America. Smith tied Bailey at 216 when he brought Hard Not to Love home first in the La Brea (G1); two races later, he surpassed the fellow Hall of Famer with No. 217 when Omaha Beach cruised to victory in the Malibu (G1).

“It is very humbling,” Smith told reporters after his win in the Malibu. “I am a very blessed man and when you are blessed, opportunities arise, like I get to ride for Mr (Richard) Mandella and all kinds of things happen.”

Smith admitted that he was surprised at the number of Grade 1 victories that he’s accumulated over the years.

“Wow," he said. "You shocked me right there to be honest with you. You’re blessed to win one in this sport; 217, man I can’t even tell you.

“...Jerry is someone that comes from my hometown,” Smith continued. “I was born in New Mexico but raised in Texas in El Paso where he’s from. His father was my dentist. I went to the same high school that he did.
"When his high school gave him an honor, I was in the grandstand watching him. I wasn’t even riding yet; I was just a kid. He’s always meant a lot to me, so to surpass him means a whole lot.”

Of the jockeys that have won at least 100 or more G1 races, only three (not including Smith) are currently riding – John Velazquez (197), Javier Castellano (120) and Kent Desormeaux (120).