60-Year-Old Jockey Mike Smith Wins Santa Anita Derby, Eyes Kentucky Derby Record

Victory gives veteran rider a shot at becoming oldest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:38am

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the motion and intensity of a horse race, with the jockey's silhouette and the racetrack blending into a vibrant, expressionistic composition.Veteran jockey Mike Smith's thrilling Santa Anita Derby victory sets the stage for a potential historic run at the Kentucky Derby.Arcadia Today

Veteran jockey Mike Smith, 60, won the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby on Saturday, giving him a chance to become the oldest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby. Smith's mount, So Happy, overtook the favorite Potente in the stretch to win by 2 3/4 lengths. Smith, a two-time Kentucky Derby winner, could break Bill Shoemaker's record as the oldest jockey to win the Derby, set in 1986 at age 54.

Why it matters

Mike Smith's victory at the Santa Anita Derby sets up a potential historic moment at the Kentucky Derby, where the 60-year-old jockey could become the oldest to win the prestigious race. Smith's accomplishment would add another chapter to his storied career and highlight the longevity of top-level jockeys in horse racing.

The details

So Happy and Smith overtook the Bob Baffert-trained favorite Potente at the top of the stretch after racing on the pace and pulled away to win the 1 1/8-mile race in 1:49.01. Trainer Mark Glatt, 53, will be sending his first Kentucky Derby entrant with So Happy. Glatt's wife of 25 years, Dena, passed away less than two months ago, and he credited her with helping get the horse to the winner's circle on Saturday.

  • So Happy and Mike Smith won the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby on Saturday, April 8, 2026.
  • The Kentucky Derby is scheduled for next month, May 2026.

The players

Mike Smith

A 60-year-old jockey who has won the Kentucky Derby twice before. He could become the oldest jockey to win the Derby if he prevails next month.

So Happy

The horse trained by Mark Glatt that won the Santa Anita Derby, earning a spot in the Kentucky Derby.

Mark Glatt

The 53-year-old trainer of So Happy, who will be sending his first Kentucky Derby entrant.

Dena Glatt

The late wife of trainer Mark Glatt, who he credited with helping get So Happy to the winner's circle at the Santa Anita Derby.

Bob Baffert

The Hall of Fame trainer who saddled the favorite Potente, who finished second in the Santa Anita Derby.

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What they’re saying

“There's more there in the tank for sure. I'm looking forward to going to Kentucky again.”

— Mike Smith, Jockey

“Dena got that horse there today. We have had an overwhelming amount of support that's helped us get through this very tough time.”

— Mark Glatt, Trainer

“He ran a good race. He's getting fitter and getting more experience. I'm really happy for Mark and Mike.”

— Bob Baffert, Trainer

What’s next

Mike Smith will attempt to become the oldest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby next month.

The takeaway

Mike Smith's victory in the Santa Anita Derby at age 60 sets up a potential historic moment at the Kentucky Derby, where he could break the record as the oldest jockey to win the prestigious race. Smith's longevity and continued success at the highest levels of horse racing are a testament to his skill and dedication.