The Kentucky Derby in the words of the winners, from Smith to Espinoza
The Kentucky Derby is celebrating its 150th running this Saturday. Some of racing’s greatest horses, like Secretariat, Affirmed and Citation, are among its champions. The roll call of winners includes trainers and jockeys, too. Here are memories from some of them:
JOCKEY MIKE SMITH
Smith has ridden in the Kentucky Derby 28 times — the most of any jockey — and has two memorable yet different victories.
In 2005, Smith was aboard 50-1 shot Giacomo, named for a son of musician Sting who was friends with the owner and breeder, A&M Records co-founder Jerry Moss.
They were 18th through the early stages of the race. Giacomo was behind a wall of horses entering the upper stretch before Smith angled him outside to find racing room. Giacomo closed strongly in the final 70 yards to win by a half-length. He paid $102.60 as the fourth-biggest long shot winner in Derby history.