2018 Eclipse Awards: Mike Smith

Heading into 2018 jockey Mike Smith had seemingly accomplished just about all there is to achieve in racing . . . and then along came Justify.

Justify made the Hall of Fame rider a Triple Crown-winning jockey at 52. The Triple Crown has been won just 13 times in American racing history, and for his journey to that summit Smith is a finalist for the Eclipse Award for outstanding jockey of 2018. He has won the category twice before, in 1993 and 1994.

Smith led all North American-based riders in Grade 1 wins in 2018 with 13. But the sport’s focus was on just three of them – the Triple Crown races run from May 5 to June 9. Justify went into the Kentucky Derby unbeaten and, in just his fourth start in a career launched in February, was a 2 1/2-length winner.

“He might be one of the most incredible 3-year-olds you’ve ever seen, really,” Smith told Daily Racing Form’s David Grening after the Kentucky Derby.

Justify returned in the Preakness on May 19 and fought fog, a sloppy track, and multiple challengers at Pimlico.

“Although he got tired, he was looking around,” Smith told Daily Racing Form’s Jay Privman. “A bit of his greenness came out. This was by far his hardest race.”

:: 2018 Eclipse Finalists: Profiles and photos for all categories

Justify had one more in him, though, locking up the Triple Crown with a 1 3/4-length win in the Belmont Stakes.

“He’s so gifted,” Smith told Privman after the Belmont. “He’s sent from heaven. To win six races in this time, he’s an unbelievable horse.”

And aboard his back, one of racing’s all-time greats.