The day will come when the 58 year old jockey Mike Smith I no longer want to participate in horse races.
This time is not time and will certainly not be before 7 p.m. Saturday at Churchill DownsWhen he goes up Rodriguez for coach BOB BAFFET in the 151st operation of Kentucky derby.
Smith, who will be 59 years old in August, is in the running to become the oldest jockey to win the derby. Bill Shoemaker, who won Ferdinand's edge at 54 in 1986, is currently the oldest jockey to win the race for roses.
It may be a funny fact for anecdotes on horse racing, but Smith does not consider himself old.
“I'm still young,” said the fame of fame with a smile after just finishing a six -thousand race.
If there is a magic to find that can make the clock come back, Smith is the assistant to run it. A good trip on Saturday could give the impression that Smith always has his double Eclipse Award-The forms of 1993 and 1994, when he won the prize in the years consecutive years.
“If I sat now, I would regret it, because I know I'm still there, and I can always compete at a higher and higher level,” said Smith.
Smith is as energetic, concentrated and physically in shape now that he felt him in the 90s. He has his young person to thank it, having embraced athletic training in the middle of the twenties and respecting it since.
Five days a week, for a better part of three decades, he worked to keep his body fit.
Now Smith also has what was missing as a young rider – the experience that prepared him by almost everything that accompanies the race in an unpredictable field of 20 horses.
“I have the opportunity now, and I'm going to take advantage of it,” said Smith. “I can't wait, to be honest with you. I can't wait for Saturday. “
A victory could also erase the memories of The three -year suspension of churchill downsGiving the impression that it never happened.
And nobody wants it just Smith.
The two have completely history together, especially by combining to make justify the last horse to win the triple crown in 2018.
“There was a time when I probably was riding 60 percent for him in stake races. It was crazy,” said Smith. “So, yes, we came back well, and even if I hadn't rolled much for him (lately), I didn't stop saying:” I know I'm sitting here on the bench quietly. I'm just waiting for you, guy. “”
The only question for Baffert was so Rodriguez would run in Bluegrass's challenges or the Wood Memorial. He knew who he wanted as a jockey.
“You got it if you want it,” said slack to Smith.
Smith also mounted Rodriguez's father, authentic, and said that the colt listed at 12 to 1 in the morning ratings for Saturday's race for roses has a lot of similarities.
This is why he does not only come to Kentucky Derby to make a trip. Smith believes that he is on a horse that can win it. And a competitive race will serve more fuel to keep Smith to run for as long as he can.
“I guess the day will come when, all of a sudden, I will feel like you are embarrassed instead of helping,” said Smith. “And when this day comes, as soon as I feel it, believe me, my friend, I will eliminate the catch and finish.”
So save the jokes in ancient time. Smith is not going anywhere.
Reach the sports columnist CL Brown in clbrown1@gannett.comFollow him on x to @Clbrownhoops and subscribe to his newsletter at Profile.courier-journal.com/newsletters/cl-browns-latest To make sure you never miss one of his columns.
