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Each time we shot a 'hot' jock for our calendar, it seemed, we were asked if we’d photographed Mike Smith yet. By the time Mike finally pulled off his shirt for the lens, I figured the reality couldn’t match the legend. Wrong!
We all know Hall of Fame jockey Mike E. Smith is a great rider and, even fully clothed, many consider him the sexiest jockey in racing. He has unusually bright eyes, dimples, an endearing smile and an uplifting attitude – coupled with the fact that he not only piloted Zenyatta, but his eyes can well up with emotion just talking about her.
I’ve had more than two decades to snap his portrait, and, in my opinion, our friend Mike is looking better than ever.
Above and below: Mike Smith, age 24, at the 1990 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct. He had moved to New York the previous year. On this day, he rode Thirty Six Red to victory (below) to score his first Grade I win.
Above and below: The up-and-coming young rider at Saratoga in 1990.
Above: Mike at Saratoga in 1991. Below: Mike - already very popular - gets a cake for his 27th birthday, in the Saratoga jockeys' room, 1992.
Above: Angel Cordero, Jr., retires - at Saratoga in 1992. Chris Antley is in the foreground, with Mike Smith (Saratoga's leading rider that year) and Robbie Davis in background.
Above: What a photo finish! Lure, with Mike Smith up, on the rail, deadheats with Devil His Due (Herb McCauley) in the 1992 Gotham Stakes. Mike rode both Lure and Devil His Due during their storied careers.
Above and below: Mike's riding talent was no secret by the time he piloted Claiborne Farm's Lure to victory in the 1992 Breeders' Cup at Gulfstream Park (above) and the 1993 Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita (below).
Above: Mike stands out with Lure at Santa Anita, 1993. Those who remember when Lure was racing will probably recall that he would stand out all morning long, watching the world go by, if they'd let him.
Above: Mike - with Saratoga's kingpin jockey Angel Cordero, Jr. - upon Mike's third straight Saratoga riding title. 1993.
Above: Devil His Due and Mike powering home in the 1993 Suburban Handicap at Belmont Park.
Above and below: Mike won the 1993 Preakness aboard the popular gelding Prairie Bayou. Below, Mike and Prairie Bayou shared a touching moment during 1993 Belmont Stakes week.
Above: Mike and Sky Beauty, pretty as a picture, after their 1993 Acorn Stakes win. With Mike aboard, for trainer Allen Jerkens, Sky Beauty won the Filly Triple Crown.
Above: Mike was dejected after Holy Bull's uncharacteristically flat effort in the 1994 Kentucky Derby. Yet Holy Bull racked up one of the strongest careers in recent times, including a win in the Travers Stakes (below, in post parade).
Mike and Holy Bull, after the 1994 Woodward (above) and the 1994 Travers (below).
Above, and below: And then, Holy Bull's racing days were through. Mike Smith visited the grey colt back at the barn the evening of his career-ending injury in the 1995 Donn Handicap.
Above: Mike and the Phipps Stable combined for many stakes victories, but few as impressive at Inside Information's record-setting performance in the 1995 Breeders' Cup Distaff at Belmont. The rains had stopped, and the sun provided a magical rainbow for a backdrop, when Mike and Inside Information returned to the winner's circle.
Above: Mike and Unbridled's Song were all the rage after their 1996 Florida Derby score. Yet even Mike couldn't make up for the foot issues that plagued the steel-grey colt on Kentucky Derby day (below, note Unbridled's Song's shoes). The 7-2 favorite finished fifth.
Above and below: Mike had a smashing 1997 Breeders' Cup at Hollywood Park, winning the Distaff with Ajina (above) and rounding out the day with an easy triumph aboard Skip Away in the Classic (below).
Above: Coronado's Quest outlasts Victory Gallop (center) and Raffie's Majesty in one of the most exciting Travers finishes in history - 1998. Below, Mike is overcome by emotion as he heads back to the winner's circle.
Above: Mike piloted Azeri to a Breeders' Cup Distaff score at Arlington Park - and to 2002 Horse of the Year honors.
Above and below: Mike, in a shocker, wins the 2005 Kentucky Derby aboard Holy Bull's son Giacomo.
Above: Stardom Bound wins the 2008 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Santa Anita Park.
Above and below: Mike and Proviso teamed to win the 2010 Diana Handicap at Saratoga over Shared Account (left) and Forever Together (center).
Above and below: Another Classic victory.... Mike and Drosselmeyer heading down Grade I victory lane (above) and in the winner's circle (below) - in last year's Belmont Stakes.
Above: Mike with the once-in-a-lifetime mare with whom he will always be associated: 2010 Horse of the Year Zenyatta. At Oaklawn Park, above and, below, winning their 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita.
Above and below: Hall of Fame jockey Mike E. Smith, a beloved fan favorite, looking better than ever. Go, baby, go!
Jay Privman's Q & A with Mike Smith from December 2, 2010, which includes mention of Mike's devotion to working out. Despite having had broken both shoulders during his career, he can bench-press an amazing 245 pounds!:
www.drf.com/news/qa-zenyattas-jockey-mike-smith
Some great Mike Smith races....
The 1992 Gotham deadheat between Lure and Devil His Due. Watch how determined Mike and Lure are, even when the going gets tight: www.youtube.com/watch
1992 Breeders' Cup Mile - Lure in a new course record - with nice footage of Mike: www.youtube.com/watch
The 1997 Breeders' Cup Classic (Skip Away): www.youtube.com/user/BCWorldChampionships#p/search/0/nv5tGwiTmxw
The 3-year-old Holy Bull demolishes a strong field of older horses in the 1994 Woodward. Nice footage of Mike Smith: www.youtube.com/watch
Giacomo's 2005 Kentucky Derby: www.youtube.com/watch
Proviso in a tight finish in the 2010 Diana: www.youtube.com/watch
Zenyatta's 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic. It doesn't get better than this: www.youtube.com/watch
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Hi Barbara! I just LOVED this piece and had to post to let you know. I think I especially enjoyed seeing Mike as a lad and then with Holy Bull. They were one of my favourite duos in the day and I still can feel the disappointment of Holy Bull's early retirement -- I just thought he was spectacular. But I never realized just how distinguished Mike's career has been until I encountered this terrific "micro history." Oh, yes -- I can see why everyone wants to know if you've photographed Mike for the Jockey's Calendar!!!!!! Fondest regards, Abigail in Montreal
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I will never ever forget Prairie Bayou and his tragic breakdown in the 1993 Belmont. Those pics are ALL so marvelous
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I might be married but I can still admire a good looking man!
Mike is my favorite jock and that was before I saw this photo spread. Thank you Barbara for this eye opening session with Mike. Mike keep up the good work, it sure is paying off!
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Hi Mike! And congratulations, as always. You've been a huge inspiration on my now 8-year-old daughter in many ways. Sometimes winning doesn't happen.
But it's fun when a girly-girl beats the boys, which keeps happening on the track with daughter.
Best regards to the 2011 "Jockey of the Year", Drosselmeyer, and all.
P.S. Vote to name Zenyatta's baby "Mikesmith"
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i met Mike in the Lure days ... i was galloping at Santa Anita ... his light shines :)
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These photos are worth a thousand words and more Divine beings all horses and jock
Having met Mike in the Zenyatta days I can say his beauty and talent come from his huge warm heart
One has to wonder how Ms Livingston keeps the camera still??
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Be still my beating heart!! Heres an example of pictures being worth a thousand words
Talent all around, themagnificent equines, the photographer, Mike . From the glimpses Ive had of Mikes personality both in brief meetings around Zenyatta, watching him race and his reverence to the Maker is that that smile, that beautiful bod and that record are all reflections of the HEART of this divine man What a being!!
What dreams are made of ...This made my day How does one get copies?
How does Ms Livingston keep the camera still? I appreciate you Madame
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This is the best group of pictures I have seen!!! Mike is an amazing athlete and he looks great!!!!
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Without a doubt, Barbara . . . you photos are the greatest ~ I love them ALL . . .
ps. love Mike also :-)
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What a great tribute to Mike! He is an amazing man and a great jockey. What a fantastic combination of Mike and Zenyatta they are both true champions!
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Barbara
..it's wonderful to see a person who so loves her job, because it shines through your lens everytime.
I'm so glad the DRF staff brought you onboard, as your thoughts and pictures REALLY bring us close to your subjects.
Well done, again :)
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The photo of Mike and Prairie Bayou-where Prairie is turned and looking at Mike and he is petting his ear. One of my very favorite ever photos that you have taken. The bond between them, still brings a tear to my eye. It is a timeless photo of man and horse.
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Thank you for the beautifully done presentation of some of Mike's racing history,,,,,and, yes he certainly looks good without the silks. (smile)
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This is a wonderful piece. The photos are stunning (love the rainbow pictures!). I can't believe how much Mike has changed over the years, but what a good-looking guy, no matter what age. I love the combo of Mike Smith and Zenyatta. He rode some fabulous fillies.
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Ha! I forgot what Mike looked like with hair! Thank you for bringing back his racing career and showing that a man of his age can be in awesome shape. I was with you when some of the jockeys you were photographing brought up his name... I too was thinking ....what?? I read how hard he works out to stay in shape...pictures don't lie...HE DOES! AND he IS!
These photos showing jockeys when they began this dangerous career to the update versions are fun to see. (Channing Hill's comes to mind) We forget those younger days. They just don't seem to age.
Throughout Mike's career he has always been a perfect gentleman with an infectious smile. A great ambassador for the sport. This summer when he came to ride Proviso, I asked him to sign some horrible photos I took of Zenyatta. He actyally...asked, "Did you take these? They are awesome!" I knew he was just being kind but he certainly made my day! He talked to me for quite a while. Although, I was having difficulty carrying on a conversation. Mumble Mouth syndrome.
Thanks Barbara for taking the time to do an awesome bio on Mike. Many of us have forgotten those past career wins and the Hall of Fame group he rode.
I also noticed that Holy Bull still has it! He has a 3 year old son in a stakes race this weekend. His name is Holy Heavens and is in the Dogwood Stakes. How cool is that?
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Barbara - You have outdone yourself! Please, please, please have the above exposition published just as it is presented. It is a priceless exposition of a great jockey and the great horses he rode; and your great pictures and printed content! Printing it out on a home printer would not do it justice. Couldn't you get a book published of these magnificent articles and pictures, that we love so dearly as unconnected chapters?
Your devoted fan.
NancyP
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Whoo hoo! Some things get better with age....like fine wine.....and Mike Smith!!! Barbara, I thought you took beautiful pictures of horses, but I REALLY enjoyed all these photos of Mike Smith through the years.
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Great photo gallery, thanks for collecting them! Tina
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Great job as usual Barbara. Mike really rode some fantastic horses. I think he is one of the smartest jockeys around. I always love watching him ride.
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This is fantastic Barbara! Thank you SO much for sharing this!
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Nice pictorial on Mike Smith. He's one of my favorite jockeys.
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Oh Barbara, you have a tough job! Your subjects, as usual, are gorgeous!!
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my star is Barbara
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Thank you again for posting this, it brings back many, many great memories! :-)
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Wow! Loved all the photos. I became a fan of Mike Smith after watching Animal Planet's "Jockeys", and really enjoy his posts on Facebook. Mike, wishing you the best of luck in all your races!
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These are wonderful photos- I love watching Mike ride- I purchased his Mike Smith fan necklace, and I get so many compliments all the time!! It's so great--- I read on his Facebook page he is going to go and ride in England for Royal Ascot!! Barbara, will you be there? Would love to see a photo of Mike and the QUEEN------ They said on his Facebook page he is going to have a baseball cap with '5000 wins' on it- Can't wait to buy that too! Then I will wear my cap and necklace to Breeders Cup this year!! Woot-woot- GO MIKE SMITH!!
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Thank you so much for these wonderful photos! I was away from racing during Mike's early years as a jockey and didn't know just how many great horses he has ridden in his career.
It is fun to see him as a young man, but he looks better now than ever.
It doesn't get better than this for subject material -- great jockey, great looking jockey, a true gentleman who gives back to his sport with a generous heart.
If there is a calendar, and I hope there is or will be one, please put me on the list.
Thanks again for sharing these wonderful photos!
Big fan of Mike in Massachusetts
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He is my favorite jockey..... I have loved horseracing since I was a kid. One day I hope to meet Mike Smith..
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Barbara.. OMG.. every single time I think .. 'these are the Best pictures ever" you outdo yourself..
What an amazing gift you have!! Your abilty to caputure the Equine World.. be it man or animal is
unmatched..
Thank you thank you for the grace you bring to this Unequaled sport.
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Barbara.. OMG.. every single time I think .. 'these are the Best pictures ever" you outdo yourself..
What an amazing gift you have!! Your abilty to caputure the Equine World.. be it man or animal is
unmatched..
Thank you thank you for the grace you bring to this Unequaled sport.
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Thank you so much for this photographic journey of Mike's life and his earlier racing career.
He has ridden some magnificent horses prior to his history making career with Zenyatta.
This grandma can't wait to get her calendar!
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Hey Barbara,
Sorry I missed you Derby week . My dad and The Hat were as popular as usual.
Look at Mike,this is what you look like when you eat a dozen doughnuts a day and why I am following in his foot steps !! MMMMM doughnuts !
Years ago , my parents and I went to the races at Ak-Sar-Ben in Omaha for many years and a young jockey named Mike Smith was learning his craft there . Who would have thought that we were witnessing a future legend .
I was always a Prairie Bayou fan and your pic of Mike sitting on him and petting him Belmont week has been a favorite and still brings tears especially when he was one of Mike's favorites also. His breakdown in the Belmont was a very sad moment in racing.
Your friend, Bad Brad
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Hey Barbara,
So glad I happened upon this as Mike Smith is as good as it gets.
Too much here to comment on, but...(it's what I do)...
the ride on Skip Away in the BCC of 1997 at Hol was one of the great rides of all time. Moved w/4f to go and caught everyone by surprise...
And Z...so good ... and good luck on her news.
Personally, the last ticket I ever cashed at Hia was on a Mike Smith winner, and the horse was dying, but he won anyway (got the shoulder of his mount in front of the closer and he wouldn't go by - race riding it sez here).
Can't have more respect for a person than I do for Mike Smith.
What a collection of photos!
Thanks, per usual:)
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Love Mike! His love and passion for the sports just shines! Wonderful photos Barbara!!!!
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Barbara: This was a WONDERFUL photo-essay! Thank you so much. I never knew that Mike was also the jockey on Skip Away when he got the BC Classic or Coronado's Quest -- and I just learned that he was Sky Beauty's pilot in a previous blog you posted. Wonderful, too, to see how Mike's love of the thoroughbred has punctuated his entire career and not just his time with Holy Bull & Zenyatta. I'm always interested to hear more about gifted jockeys like Mike. We need to focus as much attention on them as we do on the horses themselves> Magnificent photos!!!!
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It's amazing. Rewind to 2008. Look at all these great horses Mike has ridden. Tell him that the best is yet to come, by far. No way does he believe you.
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Wow !! Nice ride down memory lane with great horses and a great jockey. I do think he looks better with hair!! He is really buffed no wonder he can lift 245 pounds. But I think he will be remembered the most for Zenyatta but can't forget the other outstanding horses he rode. Thanks Barbara....
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Mike is so closely tied to racing history. He has ridden so many greats, it is hard to remember them all.
Much the same can be said of Barbara. She has a unique perspective of racing history. Her camera has recorded so much of racing history, that she has become a big part of it.
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What an exceptional topic you've chosen! One that we can all relate to :-D The hotness of Mike Smith, I mean!
Seriously wonderful photos, I always forget that he rode Devil His Due as well in that long and epic career!
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Thanks for a great photo retrospective on Mike! I have ALWAYS wanted to see what he looked like back in the days when he was a hot young jock and had hair! I believe you're right - he does look better now. Of course, that's because I am older now and appreciate the unique "muy guapo" (I wasn't happy with any of the English phrases I could conjure up) of older men! Also, I REALLY appreciate the links! I think that a great portion of his popularity has to do with his positive attitude.
>
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Judy G, thanks for the heads up on the article from the UK. That was a great article that helped shed some light on the BC Classic and it was also interesting to hear about Mike's childhood. He is able to look back and reminisce now but it sounds like he had a pretty rough upbringing, and that might be the reason he has not returned to his home state of New Mexico in over 30 years, sometimes when people put painful memories in the rear view they never look back. I just googled Mike Smith interview england by the way if anyone else wants to find it, it was at the top of the list.
Barbara- Thank you thank you thank you and thank you in advance for the next one. You have really spoiled us. People like you and Tom Durkin deliver brilliance on such a regular basis that we sometimes take it for granted.
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Mike, Holy Bull and Giacomo all got better looking through the years, and no one's photos show it better than yours. My question is, why doesn't it seem to work that way for the ladies? Whatever, your pictures are a joy, and a new blog from you always brightens my day. I hope you keep going (and getting better, too =-) ) for many a year more.
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Mike used to ride for my father-in-law in Omaha, NE back in the mid 80's. Would love to have a calendar of him and his mounts. Please make one.
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Barbara, great job since long time ago. Mike is one of the best ever
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Love it Barbara, what a wonderful photo collection.
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Mike Smith has aged like a fine wine...
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And where do we buy this "hot jock" calendar?? :)
< It's just been shipped to Black Liner Productions (finally saw a copy on Preakness day!): www.blacklinerproductions.com. It should be at other spots soon, like Exclusively Equine and Amazon.com. Some of the proceeds go to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund - so these jocks, like Mike, were such good sports to participate! Thanks for your interest! - Barbara >>
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B, you've done it again. ;-) You keep your reader's attention, coming back with each blog entry. Why is it so early in the a.m. Mike can render one the need to head for a cold shower? LOLOL A special shot early on in your mix, the one of the great Angel Cordero, Mike, and the much loved and missed, "blue eyes" himself, Chris Antley. There's a lot of athlete, a lot of star power and a whole lot of handsome in that one frame. See you in NY.
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Hello Ms. Livingston,
I love all these photos of the great races you have seen – apparently, in this case, involving the jockey Mike Smith.
Well, “any race is a good race”, I always say.
Mike Smith evidently has ridden many fine horses of Championship quality. Even I have heard of Holy Bull, Lure and Skip Away, as well as, Azeri, Giacomo and Zenyatta.
But that photo of the 1998 Travers is a revelation. I have heard my owner mumble, on numerous occasions, how he had a “Big X Box” (whatever that is) on Victory Gallop and Raffie's Majesty. Never knew he was so close to winning. I suppose his reaction was similar to that of Mr. Smith in that below photo, but for different reasons.
Somehow I now understand a bit about this horse racing game. You can't always win, so you better appreciate it when you do.
And always give your dog some biscuits. Yeah, that's about right.
Woofs, always.
Opal
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i really would like a necklace .....i hope this is the right place for me to be.......you are a aweome athelete and jockey,,,,,i wish you all the best ,,,,,,you have rode some awesome atheletes,,,,,great horses...........please send me the info ....
>
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Ms Barb..
.. Back to the best blog@DRF ..! Fabulous photos combined with equally descriptive text .. works like terrific music with lyrics that fit perfectly to make a great song ..!
.. by the way .. people forget Mike E called the shot on Giacomo..
.. I hope others realize what it is about your words an photos that grabs us .. it remind us of all the good things we love about this sport ..?
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Wow! Just wow! Since I got into racing way too late, I've only been aware (vaguely) of Mike Smith's references to Holy Bull when winning the Derby on Giacomo and then I became a full fledged card carrying Zenyatta-holic, but this is such a treat to have your great photos and descriptions showing more of what all I had missed out on. Thank you so much for sharing your memories and precious photos with those of who weren't paying attention back then. The jockeys are such strong athletes and so talented to be able to do what they do and you have captured so many great shots - wow again. My words fail me now, so I'll go back and look at all the pictures again. Thank you!
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Very nice article. The best race I have ever seen with Mike Smith has to be the 1994 Travers Stakes, where Holy Bull was able to hold off Concern. That is one of the great races in horse racing history, and the call by Tom Durkin is legendary. People should go to youtube to watch that race again. Holy Bull was a great race horse, and likely the best one Mike Smith rode, although he has been on some good ones in his career (e.g., Lure, Azeri, Zenyatta).
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You have the world in your lens, and I greatly respect and admire that.
Devil His Due was a friend of mine when he arrived at Margaux. Very much the gentleman, he reminded me of Seattle Slew.
That is all very far behind me now; I keep in touch with you to keep in touch with my past. Thank you for these wonderful articles.
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Unless you are his agent or his mother I doubt few could recall all the great horses Mike has rode. I always thought Devil His Due would have been what the Black Stallion would look like had he been a real horse. The dedication that people in this sport have to there craft is not thought about by the average fan. There is no way they could know how many hours are spent to be fit for a few minutes of racing each day, (if you are lucky enough have plenty of horses to ride) some prepare and only have one or two horses to ride a day.
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Barbara Livingston - Some of the most impressive photographs I have ever seen. I would be
interested in buying some of your published books. Please send me a list. E-mail address
ramiconepa@aol.com.
Thank You - Richard
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as always, great photos; Mike Smith has a really great smile I especially like the one from Saratoga with Angel Cordero, Chris Antley and Robbie Davis.
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A perfect tribute to an amazing person! Barbara, thank you so much! Greetings from Germany (and thank goodness I have wonderful friends in the States who promised to send me a calendar!)
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Coranados quest victory gallop and raffies majesty 3 noses on the wire in another dramatic renewal of the travers.
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Of course Mike has gotten better with age! Haven't we all?
I have in my collection a Kentucky Cup hat autographed by Mike Smith. I consider it appropriate since he rode my rescue-graduate Gilder in the 1997 Kentucky Cup Starter. Don't look for Gilder in the history books, though… he ran next to last that day. I'm sure Mike was NOT to blame for that! :)
Great post, Barbara!
You have one of the most impressive photo collections I have ever seen. I am constantly amazed by your photography work...
Rock on, girlfriend!
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Barbara, Awesome pictures and very special memories you've brought back to me through viewing them. I especially love the picture of Devil his Due and Lure at the wire. Thanks again for the wonderful job you did on this.
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How many people can say they get better with age? Not many! Mike Smith has always been honest with his emotions, you always knew exactly how he felt by looking at those expressive eyes. It has been said that Mike Smith is a young man in a middle aged man's body. I don't agree. I think he's better then ever. His body is rock hard, he has always been smart but now he has a maturity that only comes with time and he has grown from a cute youngster into a very brilliant, good looking gentleman. Most people should hope to do as well. Those are great photos, keep them coming!
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He looks better than ever. Ms. Livingston, your talent is equally amazing!
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Oh, Barbara!!!
Mikey has gotten better looking as he's aged... like fine wine LOL
I caught part of your interview (repeat) on HRTV about your photo shoot for the jockey calendar... to paraphrase your comment: I couldn't wait for them to get their clothes off... TOO FUNNY!!! :-P
Thanks for doing the calendar. I work with some women who have the "hots" for Mikey!!!
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Thanks for the great photo essay Barbara! I stumbled on it accidently & thought it a very pleasant surprise. I had the fortune of meeting Mike last Fall when he graciously autographed shirts etc for TROTT (Training Racehorses Off The Track) at Hollywood Park. He was in the booth with us for a couple of hours and was so kind and wonderful. He has such a great attitude & loves to give back to the sport! I will absolutely have to grab one of those calendars. :)
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Great old photos! Love to see those-- Mike is great, and he and Zenyatta were such a dream team- I follow Mike on his Facebook page which is: Mikesmithjockey-- in case anyone wants to know ;) he has fun things happening all the time- thanks Barbara
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Mike is the best! I love following him everyday on his Facebook page: Mike Smith Jockey
It's great to see the older shots of him-Luv it!
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Awesome photos! Great to see the progression!
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Great set of pictures of a great jock. In my mind, he will always be remembered for his perfectly timed rides on Zenyatta The Great.
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Best Bets
XUNLEI just ran a close third despite trouble to heavily favored Table Three Ten, a 2 for 2 filly who goes in the Grade 3 Rachel Alexandra Saturday at Fair Grounds. XUNLEI shows a maintenance work since, and now benefits from moving into an allowance for Florida-bred fillies. ROYAL PROMISE, never off the board in four starts, comes off a pair of good runs going five furlongs on the grass this meet, and seemingly is as capable of dirt - based on what she did last summer at Calder. POLISH TUNE disappointed by fading to fifth in her latest Jan.
