Mike Smith, a 59-year-old jockey, will ride in his 29th Kentucky Derby on Saturday.
He will be aboard So Happy, the Santa Anita Derby winner.
What's at stake for Mike Smith?
Mike Smith has won the Kentucky Derby twice, with Giacomo in 2005 and Justify in 2018.
He is seeking his third Derby win, which would make him the oldest jockey to win the Run for the Roses.
Mike Smith's experience
Mike Smith started riding at age 11 and had his first professional ride at 15.
He has been riding for most of his life, with seven wins in Triple Crown races.
So Happy's trainer, Mark Glatt, praised Mike Smith's experience, saying it's a positive for the horse.
The road to the Kentucky Derby
Mike Smith finished sixth in his first Kentucky Derby in 1984, riding Pine Circle.
He has since become one of the most renowned jockeys in the world's most famous horse race.
So Happy is 15-1 in the morning line for the Kentucky Derby, but Mike Smith says that may be misleading.
Mike Smith's assessment of So Happy
Mike Smith says So Happy is "not a flashy work horse" but shows up when it matters most.
He's 3-0-1 in four career races, and Mike Smith is hoping the Santa Anita Derby will move him up.
If that happens, Mike Smith thinks So Happy has a really good chance to run well.
Mike Smith's ride on So Happy will be his first in the Derby since finishing 12th on Taiba in 2022.
He's riding less these days, but is still winning, with 25 wins in 200 starts.
As of May 2026, Mike Smith has a record of 29 Kentucky Derby rides.