Mike Smith and Zenyatta (Bill Mochon photo)
- Two of the most prominent jockeys on the West Coast are on the verge of career milestones, as Hall of Famer Mike Smith is closing in on his 5,000th victory and young standout Joe Talamo is within striking distance of his 1,000th win.
Smith has 4,997 wins as of Tuesday. He has three starts on both Thursday and Friday at Santa Anita and is scheduled to ride Rousing Sermon in Sunday’s Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds. Smith would become only the 25th jockey in North American history with 5,000 career wins.
Talamo, meanwhile has 995 career wins as of Tuesday. He is scheduled for seven mounts at Santa Anita on Thursday and six there on Friday’s card.
