Horse racing: Jockey picked to ride Mine That Bird in WVa Derby
Associated Press
CHESTER, W.Va. — Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith will ride Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird at the West Virginia Derby
Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort in Chester hosts the race Aug. 1.
Smith won the 2005 Kentucky Derby aboard Giacomo and finished second on Mine That Bird in the Preakness this year. He's also one of the featured personalities in the reality series "Jockeys," which airs on Animal Planet.
The $750,000 West Virginia Derby is the richest graded race in West Virginia, featuring nine races and a total purse distribution of $1.5 million.
Smith finished sixth at the West Virginia Derby in 2006, riding Wanna Runner.
