Mike Luzzi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mike Luzzi |
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August 20, 2011, at Monmouth Park.
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| Occupation | Jockey |
| Born | October 27, 1969 Wilmington, Delaware, U.S. |
| Career wins | 3400+ |
| Major racing wins | |
| Brooklyn Handicap (1991) General George Handicap (1991, 1999, 2012) Maryland Million Classic (1991) Laurel Turf Cup Stakes (1991, 1992) Carousel Stakes (1992) Selima Stakes (1992) Delaware Handicap (1993) Correction Handicap (1994, 2004) Paumonok Handicap (1994, 1999) Sport Page Breeders' Cup Handicap (1994) Knickerbocker Handicap (1994) Next Move Handicap (1994, 1995, 2007, 2009) Rare Treat Handicap (1994, 1995) New Hampshire Sweepstakes Handicap (1994, 1995) Long Island Handicap (1994) Busher Stakes (1995) Jimmy Winkfield Stakes (1995) Bay Shore Stakes (1995) Westchester Handicap (1995, 2007) Sword Dancer Invitational Handicap (1995) Bashford Manor Stakes (1996) Cliff Hanger Handicap (1996) Aqueduct Handicap (1996, 2003) East View Stakes (1996) First Flight Handicap (1997) Top Flight Handicap (1997) Bed O' Roses Handicap (1998, 2007) Malibu Stakes (1998) Whirlaway Stakes (1998, 2007) Cowdin Stakes (1999) Damon Runyon Stakes (1999, 2012) Fort Marcy Handicap (1999) Interborough Handicap (2000, twice) Prioress Stakes (2000) Gallant Fox Handicap (2001, 2002, 2005, 2007) Sheepshead Bay Handicap (2001) Molly Pitcher Stakes (2001) Hempstead Handicap (2001) Coaching Club American Oaks (2002) Hill Prince Stakes (2002) Ladies Handicap (2002) Beaugay Handicap (2003) Iroquois Handicap (2003, 2005) Smile Sprint Handicap (2003) Bold Ruler Handicap (2003) Gravesend Handicap (2003, 2004, 2007) Distaff Handicap (2003) True North Handicap (2003) Sunshine Millions Sprint (2004) Tremont Stakes (2004) Nassau County Handicap (2005) Apple Blossom Handicap (2006) Frizette Stakes (2006) Go For Wand Handicap (2006) Kelso Breeders' Cup Handicap (2006) Stuyvesant Handicap (2006) Stymie Handicap (2006) Violet Stakes (2006) Cigar Mile Handicap (2007) Sport Page Handicap (2007) Jerome Handicap (2007, 2012) Queens County Handicap (2008) Shuvee Handicap (2008) Comely Stakes (2010) New York Derby (2010) Pegasus Stakes (2012) Laurel Dash Stakes (2015) |
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| Racing awards | |
| U.S. Champion Apprentice Jockey (1989) Mike Venezia Memorial Award (2001) George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award (2015) |
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| Significant horses | |
| Da Hoss, Timely Warning, Shake You Down, Kiri's Clown, Coyote Lakes, Daaher, The Lumber Guy, Researcher, Critical Eye, Dixie Flag |
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Michael Jude Luzzi (born October 27, 1969, in Wilmington, Delaware) is a famous American jockey. A jockey is a person who rides horses in horse races. Mike grew up very close to the Delaware Park Racetrack. His grandfather, Buddy Raines, was a horse trainer and played a big part in raising Mike and his brother, John, who also became a jockey.
In 1991, Mike and his grandfather shared a special moment. Mike rode a horse named Timely Warning, which his eighty-year-old grandfather had trained. Together, they won two big races: the Maryland Million Classic and the Brooklyn Handicap.
Mike's Early Riding Career
Mike Luzzi started his professional riding journey in 1988. He began racing at tracks in Maryland. In 1989, he was honored with the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey. This award is given to the best new jockey in the United States.
On September 21, 1993, Mike had an amazing day at Pimlico Race Course. He won five races in a single day!
Racing in New York
In 1994, Mike Luzzi moved to New York. He started competing on the New York Racing Association (NYRA) circuit. The NYRA runs some of the biggest horse racing tracks in New York. Since then, Mike has been a very important jockey on the NYRA circuit.
The NYRA recognized Mike's great sportsmanship and good character. They gave him the Mike Venezia Memorial Award in both 1994 and 2001. This award celebrates jockeys who show excellent behavior and are good citizens.
Mike has consistently been one of the top jockeys in New York. He has also gained national attention by riding in important races across the United States.
Special Honors and Family
On April 12, 2015, Mike Luzzi received the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award at Santa Anita Park. This is one of the highest honors a jockey can get. It recognizes their contributions both on and off the racetrack.
Mike Luzzi is also a father. His son, Lane Luzzi, has followed in his footsteps and is also a jockey.
