Oldest jockeys to win Kentucky Derby: How So Happy's Mike Smith can make Churchill Downs history in 2026
Mike Smith, at 60 years old, has the opportunity to become the oldest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby in 2026 riding So Happy. He previously won the race in 2018 at age 52 aboard Triple Crown winner Justify, making him the second-oldest winner in history. Currently, Bill Shoemaker holds the record as the oldest winner, having won at age 54 in 1984 on Ferdinand.
- ▪Bill Shoemaker is the oldest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby, claiming victory at age 54 in 1984 on Ferdinand.
- ▪Mike Smith won the Kentucky Derby in 2018 at age 52 while riding Justify, making him the second-oldest winner.
- ▪If Mike Smith wins the 2026 Kentucky Derby, he will become the oldest jockey to win at age 60.
- ▪Only two jockeys, Shoemaker and Smith, have won the Kentucky Derby at age 50 or older.
- ▪Three of the five oldest jockeys to win the Kentucky Derby have done so within the last eight years.
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