Inside the Jockeys’ Room with Smith and Talamo
Image:
Description:
Joe Talamo and Mike Smith. (Photo by Eclipse Sportswire)
Jockeys Mike Smith and Joe Talamo take America's Best Racing's readers inside the jockeys' room in 2015. Hall of Famer Smith has more than 5,200 wins, including the 2005 Kentucky Derby, 1993 Preakness Stakes and 2010 and 2013 Belmont Stakes. He is also known for being the regular rider of multiple champion mare Zenyatta. Talamo was the 2007 Eclipse champion apprentice jockey and counts wins in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, Clement L. Hirsch Stakes and the Santa Anita Derby among his more than 1,500 victories.
Throughout the series Smith and Talamo share insight into all kinds of questions including how they became jockeys, what goes on between races, whom they admire and what type of movies and fashion style they prefer.
Read on to find out more about their morning routines, who inspires them and their greatest extravagance.
What is an average race day in the life of a jockey like?
SMITH: A typical race day for me is to wake up, work out, then head to the jocks’ room and ride two or three. Then, I usually go have dinner.
TALAMO: I make a cup of coffee first thing, before working horses in the morning. Then I’ll work out either at home or with my personal trainer before riding. After the races, I eat dinner and then prepare for the following day by studying the Daily Racing Form and watching race replays.
Are you permitted to gamble on races you’re not involved in? Do jockeys gamble?
SMITH: No, no I don’t.
TALAMO: Jockeys are allowed to gamble on races they aren’t in.
SMITH AFTER A GRADED STAKES TALLY
Photo by Eclispse Sportswire
Who is the funniest trainer?
SMITH: That’s a hard question.
TALAMO: Mike Mitchell
Someday, I’d like to experience …
SMITH: I’ve been very blessed and experienced everything I’ve wanted to experience.
TALAMO: … fatherhood.
Who or what influences you? Can you give a specific example of how you have positively used that influence as inspiration?
SMITH: I have so many. There are so many positive good people that I have around me. I really have surrounded myself with good people. I am really blessed.
TALAMO: People who didn’t think I could succeed as a jockey influenced me to prove them wrong.
What is your greatest regret?
SMITH: Not really a question I want to answer in a Q and A.
TALAMO: I truly believe everything happens for a reason.
If you could compete in any Olympic sport, what would be your sport?
SMITH: I wouldn’t compete; I’m not good enough.
TALAMO: I respect all Olympic athletes because I can’t do anything like that … maybe equestrian.
What is your least favorite thing about your morning routine?
SMITH: The morning. I don’t have a routine.
TALAMO: Not pushing the snooze button.
Roller-coaster or haunted house?
SMITH: Roller-coaster
TALAMO: Roller-coaster!
What is your greatest extravagance?
SMITH: Dinners and cars
TALAMO: My house
Which talent would you most like to have?
SMITH: I have it. There are a few races I would like to have back and have another shot at.
TALAMO: I wish I was a great golfer.
TALAMO PLAYS GOLF WITH JOCKEY GARRETT GOMEZ
Photo courtesy of Joe Talamo
It’s easier to have fun when …
SMITH: … everyone is having fun around you.
TALAMO: … everyone else is having fun!
My favorite place to hang out by myself is …
SMITH: With my friends
TALAMO: San Gabriel Country Club