Mike Smith To Ride Far Right In Kentucky Derby

Mike Smith And Far Right Headed To Kentucky Derby 141

By: Claudia Lorena

After piloting a string of extremely talented colts throughout this year, the question for Mike Smith wasn’t if he will be going to the Kentucky Derby, but rather who will he be riding.

Following an early evening phone interview, Mike Smith has confirmed that he will ride Far Right for trainer Ron Moquett in this year’s 141st running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by YUM! Brands.

“It’s going to be Far Right,” Smith said excitedly over the phone. “I was on a few horses this year, but it went back to Far Right and I’m really excited about riding him in this derby.”

Sired by Notional, the Kentucky-bred ridgling has been ridden by Smith in his last three starts. Most recently, he finished second to American Pharoah in the Arkansas Derby, where he rapidly closed from far off the pace to finish just eight lengths behind the winner.

Where temperament and talent are concerned, Smith explained, “He’s an honest horse. He’s very athletic and versatile, and he has the right running style for this race. I’m really excited because the pace scenario looks like it could really work in his favor.”

Purchased at the Keeneland January 2013 sale (hip #01757) for a mere $2,500, Far Right heads into the derby 10th in the standings with 62 points. Of his nine career starts, he has not run worse than fourth — three 1st place victories, three 2nds, two 3rds, and one 4th. The ridgling has run on five tracks (Keeneland→Churchill→Belmont→Delta Downs→Oaklawn), across four different states (KY→NY→LA→AR), has amassed $625,766 in earnings, and has a combined winning margin of 7 ½ lengths. When it comes to running style, this derby contender prefers to run towards the back of the pack and the odds look to be in his favor. Able to put the pedal to the metal, Far Right is a threatening closer capable of moving from eighth to first in the blink of an eye.

“He’s going to finish at the end and, in a field like this, that’s what you want. I just know he’s going to run really well.” If all works out, he is going to be a force to reckon with.

Mike Smith is no stranger to the Kentucky Derby. “Oh, gosh, I’ve probably ridden in the derby about twenty times, but I’ve only won once.” Back in 2005, the Hall of Fame jockey rode 50-1 longshot Giacomo to a half length win, leaving Churchill Downs in disbelief when they went from 11th to 1st in the final quarter of a mile.

“You never know what’s going to happen in the derby. It’s a twenty horse field. Sometimes things work out, like it did for me and Giacomo, and sometimes they don’t.”

In addition to winning the Kentucky Derby in 2005, Smith piloted Bodemeister, Lion Heart, Proud Citizen and Prairie Bayou to 2nd place finishes in 2012, 2004, 2002 and 1993, respectively. He also rode Cat Thief to a 3rd place finish for D. Wayne Lucas in 1999, when the Hall of Fame trainer won the derby with the later to become Triple Crown bid, Charismatic.

With a resume like Smith’s you might expect an attitude to match it. This is not the case. Mike Smith is one of the nicest people you will ever meet and has a huge heart to compliment his friendly personality. On the phone he is eager to answer questions and quick to make jokes.

When asked if he ever talks to his horses during races, Smith jokes, “Well, as it turns out, horses don’t know English very well.” He laughs — and he enjoys to make people laugh. But he cares deeply for the horses that he rides and explains, “People don’t realize it, but a horse’s mouth and their skin is very sensitive. For me, it’s all in the hands and body language.”

Years of experience and love for what he does has turned Mike Smith into one of the most sought after jockeys in horse racing. For young jockeys hoping to ride in the Kentucky Derby one day, this is his advice:

“The Kentucky Derby is as competitive as it gets, magnified x10. You can’t ride it like it’s just another race… Don’t think that way.The first step is crucial, so be prepared for anything and go with the flow. Know what your horse is capable of and let the race come to you. Nerves are ok. In fact, if you’re not nervous you’re not ready or you’re flat out lying.” He laughs and for good reason. “Pay attention, slow things down and focus. If you run well, great. If not, learn from it. Anything can happen, just go out there and enjoy it.”

With the Kentucky Derby less than two weeks away, social media is buzzing with derby details, sports broadcasts are airing derby commercials, and the field for the 141st running of the Run For The Roses is beginning to take shape. Excitement is noticeably in the air, and rightfully so — this is the grandest race in thoroughbred racing.

Photo Courtesy: Danny Johnston

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