Mike Smith, one of just 12 jockeys to win the American Triple Crown, has taken on another significant role in his already legendary career. The Hall of Fame jockey joined the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's (HISA) Racetrack Safety Standing Committee on August 3. Known for his 5,800 career wins, Smith has long been a prominent figure in American Thoroughbred racing, beginning his professional journey in 1982.
A legacy of success
His induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2003 marked another milestone in his distinguished career. Beyond his on-track achievements, Smith has been a leader in the racing community, serving as co-chair of the Jockeys' Guild with John Velazquez since 2018 and currently sharing the role with Javier Castellano.
A role in the future
The Racetrack Safety Standing Committee, which Smith now joins, plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity of the sport. The committee advises the HISA board on the development and maintenance of the Racetrack Safety Program. Recommendations from the group influence how racetracks earn or retain their accreditation, though final approval for these decisions rests with the HISA Board of Directors.
Susan Stover, chair of the committee, emphasized Smith's valuable contribution. “Mike's unique insight and perspective will play an important role in shaping rules that uphold the committee's unwavering commitment to safety,” she stated.
A long-standing commitment
Smith steps into this position following in the footsteps of John Velazquez, another Hall of Fame jockey and former committee member. Velazquez contributed significantly to the development of the sport’s first uniform safety rules. HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus acknowledged Velazquez's dedication, noting his thorough review of hundreds of pages of public comments and his detailed analysis of safety protocols over the years. Every committee member serves voluntarily, and Stover added, “The industry owes them an extraordinary debt of gratitude for their commitment and expertise.”
As one of the most decorated jockeys in the history of American Thoroughbred racing, Smith has already expressed excitement for his new responsibilities. “I look forward to working alongside the committee to help strengthen Thoroughbred racing for future generations,” he said. His extensive experience, both in winning races and in guiding the industry, positions him as a key voice in efforts to ensure the sport's continued safety and success.