Jockeys Smith, Sutherland to ride in match race
July 21, 2011DEL MAR, Calif. (AP) - Jockeys Mike Smith and Chantal Sutherland, who were once engaged, will square off in a match race at Del Mar on Aug. 7 that's being billed as the ``Battle of the Exes.''
Their relationship was documented on the former Animal Planet show ``Jockeys.''
Their horses will be selected by Del Mar's racing secretary for comparable ability, with riding assignments done by blind draw.
It will be the fifth match race in 72 years at Del Mar, including a 1938 matchup between Seabiscuit and Ligaroti.
Smith, 45, is in racing's Hall of Fame and is approaching 5,000 winners in his 29-year career. Sutherland, 35, has been riding for 11 years and is closing in on 900 winners.