Cody Smith secured his 348th career Paint win, surpassing the legendary G.R. Carter and his 347 lifetime wins, to become the all-time leading jockey in APHA history by victories and lifetime earnings.

© Dustin Orona Photography

By Stallionesearch / Louanne Wainscott

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK–March 22, 2026—Saturday night at Remington Park became more than just another race card; it became a defining chapter in the career of one of Paint and Appaloosa racing’s most respected horsemen, as Cody Smith reached a monumental milestone that forever reshapes the record books.

The evening began quietly but with purpose, as Smith guided Splashing Turnpike, a two-year-old Paint filly, to victory in the opening race, setting the tone for what would become a historic night. The momentum carried into the sixth race, where he piloted Over the Shock to a determined fourth-place finish in the Grade 2 Paul Harber Memorial Stakes, missing by just three-quarters of a length in a tightly contested blanket finish.

But it was the eighth race that would define the night, and ultimately, etch Smith’s name alone at the top of the APHA records.

Breaking from the outside post ten aboard Big Rotney in the Grade 1 $118,500 Oklahoma Paint & Appaloosa Futurity, Smith wasted no time asserting his presence. At approximately the 150-yard mark, Big Rotney surged forward with authority, separating from the field and drawing clear to a decisive one-length victory. As they crossed the wire, history followed.

With that victory, Smith secured his 348th career Paint win, surpassing the legendary G.R. Carter and his 347 lifetime wins, to become the all-time leading jockey in APHA history by victories and lifetime earnings, securing his place as the all-time leader in earnings within the Paint ranks.

© Dustin Orona Photography

For a rider who was once told he was “too tall” to succeed, the milestone carries a meaning far beyond statistics.

Known to many as “Slim,” Smith’s journey is rooted in grit, faith, and an unshakable belief in proving doubters wrong. A standout shortstop in high school, he drew the attention of baseball scouts and earned a scholarship offer before graduating in 2003. Yet, the racetrack called louder. Growing up at Blue Ribbon Downs, Smith was immersed in racing from an early age under his father, Rodger Smith's, guidance.

“Wormy,” who began riding in 1982 and competed against greats like G.R. Carter, not only shaped Cody’s early foundation but also rode alongside his son for two years before retiring. Their bond extended beyond the saddle, as Rodger later became Cody’s agent, helping guide a career that would eventually make history.

Smith officially launched his riding career in 2005, winning his first Quarter Horse race aboard Okiedokey Meabeeahit in the trials to the OQHRA Maiden Maturity. Just days later, he made his first Paint start at Blue Ribbon Downs and quickly followed with a breakthrough win at Manor Downs in the Paint & Appaloosa Futurity trials aboard Knotta Loser.

By 2009, Smith aligned with trainer Matt Whitekiller, forming one of the most dominant partnerships in Paint racing history. Their breakout came with I Kick, winner of the Grade 1 Speedhorse Graham Paint & Appaloosa Futurity and eventual Champion Paint Filly, launching what became known as the “Turnpike Era.”

That era reached legendary status with Painted Turnpike, a once-in-a-generation talent who dominated from 2015 to 2020. The gelding compiled 26 wins from 31 starts, including 19 stakes victories and $465,442 in earnings, cementing his place among the greatest Paint racehorses of all time. Alongside standouts such as DTL Chasin Tale, Bully Pulpit, Live Moonshine, Smithworks, Southern Electric, Awesome Fling, Livewires Turnpike, CRM Livewire, Paint Me Turnpike, and CRM Radio Flyer, Smith became synonymous with excellence at the highest level.

Beyond the racetrack, Smith’s legacy is deeply rooted in family. His father continues to serve as his agent, while his sister,Chintelle Smith-Esqueda, has also played a role in managing his career. His fiancée, Haley Luneak, is involved in Thoroughbred racing, and together they are raising a family grounded in the same values that shaped his journey. Smith is a proud father to Maci, Coltn, Ava Rae, and newborn Ella Marie, born February 19, 2026.

Despite his record-breaking success, Smith remains one of the most respected and well-liked riders in the jockeys’ room, known as much for his humor and personality as for his accomplishments.

His path, however, has not been without adversity. In late 2022, Smith faced a suspension that cast uncertainty over his future. During that time, he leaned heavily on his faith and family, trusting that his story was not finished. That belief proved true when he returned to the saddle on May 1, 2025, guiding It Takes a Village to a maiden-breaking victory, marking not just a comeback but a resurgence.

Since then, he has done what he has always done: win, persevere, and inspire.

Following his historic ride, Smith reflected with a message that has long guided his life and career: “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”

At 41 years old, Cody Smith is no longer just chasing milestones—he is the milestone. Now standing alone as APHA’s all-time leading jockey in both wins and earnings, his career represents the very standard of excellence in Paint racing.

Yet his dominance extends well beyond the Paint ranks. Widely respected for his success with Quarter Horses, Cody Smith has built an elite résumé with 1,364 career wins and is best known as the rider of Danjer, one of the sport’s most decorated champions. Now just 16 victories away from reaching the 1,000 Quarter Horse win milestone, another historic achievement is within reach. With earnings exceeding $18 million in the Quarter Horse ranks, Smith’s consistency and longevity further solidify his place among the greatest riders of his generation. And if Saturday night proved anything, it’s that his story is far from over, because legends aren’t just remembered for records, but for how they keep crossing the wire first.

The races at Remington Park can be watched on Q-Racing Video.

*******************

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.