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So Happy's jockey Mike Smith pictured with wife Cynthia Naanouh.

Kentucky Derby contender So Happy’s chances to win at Churchill Downs are boosted with jockey Mike E. Smith on the saddle. Smith is one of the top jockeys of all-time with an impressive resume, including being a 2-time winner at the Kentucky Derby.

So Happy’s jockey is also a 2-time winner at the Preakness Stakes and 3-time victor in the Belmont Stakes. Smith’s wife, Cynthia Smith and the jockey were once on opposite ends of the horse racing debate.

The star jockey revealed that his wife is an animal activist who was once antagonistic towards horse racing. Smith and his wife met at the restaurant called The Derby in Arcadia, California, and he ultimately won his partner over about the sport.

“I met my wife at The Derby restaurant, which is the local steakhouse,” Smith explained in a December 2021, interview with Santa Anita Park. “Found out that she was an animal activist. We talked about it, I asked her if she’d ever seen our side of the game.

“And sure enough, I brought her out. Complete turnaround, she sees how they treat these beautiful animals, it’s just amazing. The care that they get is better than we take care of human beings, to be honest with you.”

Here’s what you need to know about So Happy’s jockey.

So Happy’s Jockey, Mike Smith, Is Teaming Up With Owners, Ana & Hans Maron, as Well as Trainer Mark Glatt at Kentucky Derby

Smith teamed up with So Happy’s trainer, Mark Glatt, as well as co-owners Ana and Hans Maron. The couple own Saints or Sinners racing stable, and So Happy was quite a bargain.

So Happy’s initial sale price was $12,000 before eventually selling to Glatt for $150,000, per WTOL.

“The horse doesn’t know what you purchased him for, thank goodness,” co-owner Ana Maron told WTOL ahead of the Kentucky Derby.

Glatt prepared for the Kentucky Derby with a heavy heart as his wife Dena died suddenly back in February as a result of heart failure, per Today.

“She was right by my side, and a big part of what I do professionally, as well as being my life partner,” Glatt told Today, during a May 1, interview.

Mike Smith Is Looking to Make History as Oldest Kentucky Derby Winner at 59 Years Old as Jockey Hints at Retirement

Ahead of the Kentucky Derby, Smith hinted at potential retirement. Smith admitted that this could be his final Kentucky Derby. At 59 years old, Smith would make history as the oldest jockey to ever win the Kentucky Derby.

“It can happen,” Smith told FanDuel Racing during an April 22, interview. “At this stage of my career, I mean, the Kentucky Derby always means a lot. It’s what we all want to be a part of and be in.

“But man, I mean, this could be it for me. I don’t want to say for sure because I feel too darn good. But, I mean, this could be my last Derby.”

Given Glatt’s tragedy combined with Smith’s age, So Happy winning the Kentucky Derby would be a script fit for a movie. Now we know that Smith’s wife, Cynthia, will not be protesting the Kentucky Derby with the jockey by her side.