[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 106 (Monday, June 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E911]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MR. MIKE SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 25, 2018

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
to congratulate New Mexico native Mike Smith on completing horse 
racing's Triple Crown earlier this month. Mr. Smith deftly rode his 
horse Justify to victory in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and 
Belmont Stakes to become just the twelfth Triple Crown winning jockey. 
Furthermore, at the age of 52, Mr. Smith is the oldest person to 
achieve this feat.
  Mr. Smith was born in Roswell, New Mexico and spent his childhood in 
the nearby town of Dexter. Horses were an integral part of life for Mr. 
Smith, who spent much of his time working with them on his 
grandparents' farm. Mr. Smith's professional jockeying career began 
when he was just a teenager and included races at tracks like Ruidoso 
Downs in Southern New Mexico.
  Since the early 1990's, Mr. Smith has cemented himself as one of the 
top jockeys in the world. His long list of accomplishments includes 
seven victories in Triple Crown races as well as a record 27 Breeders' 
Cup wins. His success at these top races has earned Mr. Smith the 
nickname ``Big Money Mike''. In recognition of his impressive career, 
Mr. Smith was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of 
Fame in 2003.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the state of New Mexico, I want to 
congratulate Mike Smith on winning the Triple Crown. He has brought our 
state great pride and we wish him the best of luck in the future.

                          ____________________