Mike Venezia

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Michael Joseph Venezia (May 5, 1945 - October 13, 1988) was an American Thoroughbred horse racing jockey who was killed in a racing accident.

Venezia had been a jockey for twenty-five years and had ridden more than 2,200 winners when he was thrown from his horse and trampled to death during a race at Belmont Park. His wins included the 1980 Saratoga Special Stakes and Canadian International Stakes.

Annually, the New York Racing Association provides the Mike Venezia Memorial Award to a rider who exemplifies extraordinary sportsmanship and citizenship.

[edit] References

• New York Times articles on Mike Venezia