Meet 144th Kentucky Derby Winner, Justify, and See What His Jockey, Mike Smith, Has to Say
Mike Smith won the 2018 Kentucky Derby aboard Justify.
Photo Courtesy of El Potro Roberto.
Phelps Media Group
The 144th running of the Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve, took place Saturday, May 5th, at Churchill Downs. Twenty of the world’s most talented three-year-old race horses vied for the $2,192,000 prize and a leg up in this year’s hunt for the next Triple Crown winner. Race favorite, Justify, trained by Bob Baffert, and ridden by American Equus chosen rider, Mike Smith, dominated the race from its start to the tremendous finish. The 144th rendition of the historic event is the second Derby win for Smith and completes American Equus’ quest to win every race in the Triple Crown, that includes the Preakness and Belmont Stakes.
Photo courtesy of El Potro Roberto
Track conditions at Churchill Downs were soggy as near constant rain pelted all of the Bluegrass State on race day. Smith, along with his American Equus Thoroughbred Racing Irons, conquered the near impossible conditions, seemingly with ease.
“Going into the race, my main concern was getting him out of the gate,” said Smith. “This horse (Justify) is so above average, I knew that if I could get him out and get him in a rhythm, I could take a sigh of relief. l just kept a leg on each side, and my mind in the middle, and he took care of the rest,” remarked Smith.
Smith, at 52 years old, is the second oldest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby and is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most influential and successful riders.
“Just keep riding horses like this, and they will keep you around for a long time. They do all the hard work for you,” laughed Smith. “I just want to thank everyone here and my sponsors. What happened today was what I’ve been dreaming about.”
With difficult conditions to manage, the ultralight-weight Thoroughbred Racing Irons help to keep Smith stable and comfortable. American Equus has been working closely with Smith for almost two-years to develop irons that fit his needs and have been a pivotal part in his success. The unique footbed design incorporates technology that helps the jockey maintain balance as well as keep their foot secure in the stirrup, which proved to be an integral part of Smith’s win when breaking from the gate and his safety during the race.
“Watching Mike Smith win the Kentucky Derby with Justify was a dream come true for,” remarked David Shano, American Equus Founder and CEO. “American Equus is a fairly young company, and Mike Smith was one of our first chosen riders, so we feel a very strong bond with his successes. To win all three of the Triple Crown races is obviously a dream come true, and we are looking forward to achieving more success in the years to come.”
Florent Geroux piloted Monomoy Girl to win the 2018 Kentucky Oaks.
Photo Courtesy of Coady Photography.
American Equus, is proud to support talented athletes like Smith and is looking forward to many more successful races on his saddle. Other chosen riders that had top finished during Derby weekend included the winner of the Kentucky Oaks Florent Geroux, Irad Ortiz, Javier Castellano, Corey Lanerie, Ricardo Santana Jr, Robby Alvarado, and Brian Hernandez Jr.
To learn more about American Equus and their complete line of stirrups for all equestrian disciplines, please click here.
To see complete results from the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve, click here.
