Mike Manganello

Riding career

He got his start working for trainer Odie Clelland as a stable hand then began riding professionally in 1959 and earned his first win on March 3, 1960 at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans. On June 25, 1964 he rode five straight winners at Ohio's Thistledown Racecourse. He was a long-time fan favorite at Florida Downs in Oldsmar, Florida where he won four races on a single day on February 15, 1968, set a season record with 75 wins in 1969, and by 1975 had won five riding titles. His five wins in the Turfway Park Fall Championship Stakes is the most by any jockey as at 2009.

In 1970, Mike Manganello won the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky aboard Dust Commander then rode the colt to a commanding five-length victory in the most prestigious race in American horse racing, the Kentucky Derby. In addition to winning the 1970 Kentucky Derby, Mike also had mounts in 1969, 71, 72 & 74.

Retirement

Mike Manganello retired from riding in 1979 and went to work as a horse trainer with his own public stable but returned to riding in 1984. In 1987, he won race number 2,500 of his career at Tampa Bay Downs. He went on to a new career in racing as a race steward at River Downs Racetrack.

Honors

Leading Stakes Rider in 1968 In April 2005, Mike Manganello was honored for his Kentucky Derby win with his handprints set in concrete on the "Gallop to Glory" walk at the main entrance to the historic Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. He is also honored in the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, Kentucky and was inducted as a Louisville Sports Commission Legend in 2015. Mike is a lifetime member of the Jockey’s Guild.

Personal life

Mike Manganello and his wife Mary Mary Manganello (b. 1942), died in 2008, raised six children (Mike's 3 from a previous marriage and Mary's 3 from a previous marriage) Mike is a supporter of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and enjoys riding his Harley Davidson and gardening in his spare time. Mike is currently living in Lexington, KY with his wife Kitty.