New Mexico governor declares Sunday 'Mike E. Smith Day'

Mike Smith, who won the Triple Crown aboard Justify, is being honored in a special way by his home state of New Mexico.

The state's governor, Susana Martinez, has proclaimed Sunday as "Mike E. Smith Day" across New Mexico, according to a press release from Ruidoso Downs. Smith will be at the New Mexico track Sunday to sign posters as part of a fundraiser for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. The rider is based in Southern California.

Smith also is scheduled to lead a post parade for one of the races Sunday at Ruidoso.

The track provided a portion of the proclamation issued by Martinez. It reads in part:

“Whereas, one of New Mexico’s most famous sons, Michael Earl Smith, rode Justify to victory at the Belmont Stakes on June 9, 2018, to join the exclusive group of jockeys who have won the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred racing…now therefore, I, Susana Martinez, Governor of the State of New Mexico, do hereby proclaim July 8, 2018, as ‘Mike E. Smith Day’ throughout the state of New Mexico.”

The proclamation will be presented to Smith on Sunday by Ray Willis, the chairman of the New Mexico Racing Commission. Congressman Steve Pearce will present the rider with a congressional certificate and U.S. flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol, according to the press release from Ruidoso. Another presentation will be made by Sen. Mary Kay Papen, president pro tempore of the New Mexico State Senate.