The 151st Kentucky Derby is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 3rd. Churchill Downs, Louisville, KentuckyAs Few jockeys are based on faith Participation At the annual horse racing event. Two-time Derby winner Mike Smith hopes to win the Derby victory 20 years after his first victory in 2005. He also won the Triple Crown in 2018.
Smith said Today's Catholic 2019 about how his faith played a role in his racing career.
“It can be a dangerous sport. I don't pray to win. I just Pray for safety,” Smith said in a phone interview. at that time.
Smith also spoke about the records, the Archdiocese newspaper. Louisville's His faith in the Lord and his success.
“My faith is my life, not a part of my life. Everything else is part of it, but with the exception of that,” he said.
Smith also shared that he begins his day with prayer every morning and for all day long for what he encounters in his heart.
“It's funny. It was always the case. I remember praying when I was in school and sometimes praying and not having to worry,” he said with a laugh.
Growing up, Smith said his parents and grandparents were the first teachers of his Catholic faith, particularly his grandmother, Rosita Vallejos.
“She is definitely It had the strongest impact My faith. She prayed with me before going to bed when I was little. She taught me prayers in English and Spanish,” he recalled.
“My faith means everything to me. If I didn't have it, I wouldn't have anything,” he said. “Life is not worth living without my faith.”
Meanwhile, he declares the jockey and Catholic Keith Asmussen. participate It was the first Derby ever with his horse alone.
At just 25 years old, Asmussen believes in his Catholic faith. for Give him power and humility to his high stakes Competition of Horse competition.
“I think my faith has been much stronger since I first started this profession, considering it's dangerous and even more emotionally taxing,” he told Arkansas Catholic, a parish newspaper in Little Rock. “Even if there are so many variables out of control, you can still take something very personal, a result of race.”
He also shares that he will start the day with prayers, that Continue to ground him amidst the emotional challenges he faces.
“I start the day with prayer,” he said. “I have the opportunity to do what I love and I'm incredibly grateful What opportunities to show I have the talent and I pray for the safety of the animals in my care and myself. that The seeds Set your attitude for the day.
“When I start out with a little gratitude, I feel my days are more intentional and purposeful, and I think it gives me a better sense of direction. Grounding is a word that comes to mind, as it may be a bit of that. intense Emotionally And I do Trust me that it keeps me even. ”
Five jockeys have made their derby debuts, including Luan Machado, Juan Vargas, Nik Juarez, Joao Moreira and Joseph Ramos. Meanwhile, experienced riders like Mike Smith, John Velazquez and Brian Hernandez Jr. are also competing.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Horsphotos/Contributor
It was originally published on May 1, 2025.
