Jockey Who Won Kentucky Derby Thanks His “Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” for the Win and His Horse

Jockey Mike Smith, riding the horse Justify, won the 144th Kentucky Derby Saturday. Afterwards, Smith thanked his “Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” for the win and his horse.

Justify became the first horse in 136 years to win the Kentucky Derby without first racing as a two-year-old. Saturday’s win was a second Kentucky Derby victory for Smith. He first won in 2005.

When asked how special Justify was, Smith commented, “First of all, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for this blessing on this afternoon and blessing us with this amazing horse. … I can’t describe how special this horse is, my vocabulary don’t have the words for it.”

Smith added that Justify has the “it” factor. “He’s just so above average. He’s got unbelievable talent, and then he’s got a mind to go with it. He was loving this stuff. He’s crazy for such a young horse, he’s just so big and talented.”

Smith started his jockey career at the age of 16. He’s the second-highest earner in the industry, bringing in

$310 million. He’s won 5,456 races.

“I’m having more fun riding right now than I’ve probably ever had,” said Smith. “I’m just so blessed to be riding some great horses for some great people, and I’m really enjoying it.”

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