Alicia Wincze is the turf writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader. She started riding at age 8 and was a four-year member of the Pace University equestrian team.
Mike Smith to ride Mine That Bird in West Virginia Derby, Travers
Posted by Alicia Wincze on July 4, 2009
The on-going jockey saga that has followed Mine That Bird since his Kentucky Derby win has reached a resolution - for now.
Trainer Chip Woolley announced Saturday that Mike Smith would ride the gelded son of Birdstone in the West Virginia Derby on Aug. 1 and Travers Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 29. Smith guided Mine That Bird to his runner-up finish in the Preakness Stakes after Calvin Borel got off the Derby winner to pilot Kentucky Oaks winner Rachel Alexandra to her historic Preakness triumph.
“I’m very happy to have the opportunity to get back on him,” Smith said. “Hopefully I can make amends for what happened the last time and get him home this time.”
Smith did not commit to riding Mine That Bird in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, however, as he is also the regular rider of champion mare Zenyatta.
“Mike Smith gave us a two-race commitment for the West Virginia Derby and the Travers,” Woolley said. “Hopefully we won’t be in a switch in the Breeders’ Cup.”
