Are Any Christian Jockeys Racing in the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
The 151st Kentucky Derby is scheduled to take place this Saturday, May 3rd, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, as a few faith-based jockeys will be partaking in the annual horse racing event. Mike Smith, a two-time Derby winner, hopes to win his third Derby win 20 years after his first victory in 2005. He also won the Triple Crown in 2018.
A professing Catholic, Smith told Today’s Catholic in 2019 about how his faith has played a role in his racing career.
“It can be a dangerous sport. I don’t pray to win; I just pray for safety,” Smith said during a phone interview at the time.
Smith also spoke with The Record, archdiocesan newspaper of Louisville regarding his faith in the Lord and his successes.
“My faith is my life, not a part of my life. Everything else is a part of it, except that,” he said.
Smith also shared that he begins his day with prayer every morning and throughout the day for whatever comes across his mind.
“It’s funny; it’s always been that way. I remember praying when I was in school, sometimes praying that I wouldn’t get in trouble,” he said with a laugh.
Growing up, Smith said that his parents and grandparents were the first teachers of his Catholic faith, particularly his grandmother Rosita Vallejos.
“She, without a doubt, was the strongest influence on my faith. She prayed with me before bed when I was little. She taught me prayers in English and Spanish,” he recalled.
“My faith means everything to me. I would not have anything if I didn’t have it,” he said. “Life wouldn’t be worth living without my faith.”
Meanwhile, Jockey and professing Catholic Keith Asmussen will participate in his first-ever Derby with his horse Just Steel.
At just 25 years old, Asmussen credits his Catholic faith for giving him strength and humility in the high-stakes competition of horse competition.
“I think my faith has gotten a lot stronger since starting this profession – just given that it’s dangerous and even more so than that, it’s very emotionally taxing,” he told Arkansas Catholic, Little Rock’s diocesan newspaper. “You can take it so personal, the outcome of a race, even when there’s so many uncontrollable variables.”
He also shared that he begins his day with prayer and that it keeps him grounded amid the emotional challenges he faces.
“I start my day with prayer,” he said. “I’m incredibly thankful to have the opportunity to do what I love and the opportunity to show what talents I have and I pray for the safety of myself and the animals under my care. It kind of sets the attitude for the day.
“When you start with a little gratitude, I feel my days are more intentional and purposeful. I believe it gives me a better sense of direction. I think grounding is the word that comes to mind because it can be a little intense emotionally and I do believe that keeps me even-keeled.”
Five jockeys are making their Derby debut, including Luan Machado, Juan Vargas, Nik Juarez, Joao Moreira, and Joseph Ramos. Meanwhile, experienced riders like Mike Smith, John Velazquez, and Brian Hernandez Jr. are also competing.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Horsephotos/Contributor
Originally published May 01, 2025.
