Jockey Mike Smith: Breeders' Cup Legend Talks About His Greatest Moments

With the countdown on until the 2021 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar, the all-time wins leader at the World Championships, Mike Smith, sat down for an interview with Ren Carothers. The Hall of Fame rider opened up about his favorite Breeders’ Cup memories and the horses with whom he made history -- including Zenyatta, Arrogate, Songbird, Royal Delta and more.
Hear what Smith had to say about whether he feels nervous before a Breeders’ Cup race and how he prepares himself mentally. He also talked about how he celebrated after winning the Triple Crown in 2018. Smith also looked ahead to this year’s Breeders’ Cup where he’ll hope to add to his record 26 victories.
Plus, if you’re making the trip to the Breeders’ Cup this year, there will be plenty to see and do around Del Mar. Ren and Mike talk about their favorite places to eat - including Mexican, Japanese, Italian and more.
Continue to follow America’s Best Racing for more videos and updates on the World Championships. Go to americasbestracing.net for features on the contenders, advice on how to play the races and everything you need to know about the Breeders’ Cup.

[@birdzilla106]

I remember when Mike moved to New York to ride. Like him, I was much younger. The guy is amazing, and he's not finished.

[@jenniebaker7180]

You ask great questions. That makes for a great show!

[@jenniebaker7180]

What a wise person he is. Great how articulate he is about important aspects of hi sport

[@johnflood1250]

Hi Mike, Congrats On Your Termendice Success. This is John The Bartender From Freddie's On The Lake. Prior Lake Minnesota.

[@davidalvarado1505]

ZENYATTA'S last race. I was at Santa Anita watching. Live, they had a rear view of the start of the race. It looked like Zenyatta took awhile to get onto stride, which explains why she was so far back.

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

Running down his ex's horse at the wire in the 2011 BC Classic should top this list.

[@misterbaseball5494]

Carothes you forget to ask easy cuestions, if mike feels that nervous energy riding 50,000 claiming horses turning for home and he knows they don't go anywhere,in thrusdays why don't trow a bunch of crosses in he's face like, when he became winner in top of those moster doping horses?

[@charfras4767]

how could u not ask why hes a failure riding the fastest horse this century as a stalker and still came in 2nd. He failed Zenyatta