Mike is one of the top winning jockeys of all time, boasting wins at both the Preakness and the Kentucky Derby. With his strong riding style and stringent pre-race rituals, Smith has earned an almost shaman-like reputation among fellow jockeys, cementing his icon status in the racing world.

Smith began riding races in his home state of New Mexico at age 101, getting his riding license at 16 and winning his first race that year with Forever Man in Santa Fe. A year later, he left New Mexico to pursue his career as a jockey, riding in Arkansas, Nebraska, Illinois Kentucky and Minnesota before landing in New York in 1989.

While in New York, Smith began making his mark in horse racing. In 1991, he became the first US-based jockey to win a European classic, winning the Irish Two Thousand Guineas with Fourstars Allstar. In 1993, Smith won the Preakness Stakes, and in 1993 and 1994, he was awarded the Eclipse Award, which recognizes outstanding jockeys.