Separated by 999 victories but united by the same dream, Cody Smith (left) and Ryder Olmstead shared a memorable day at Prairie Meadows on June 8, 2026.

© Courtesy Jason & Amber Olmstead

By Louanne Wainscott, StallioneSearch

ATLOONA, IA–JUNE 09, 2026– Horse racing has always been a sport built on dreams. On June 8, 2026, at Prairie Meadows, one rider celebrated the start of a journey while another reached one of the sport's rarest milestones, creating a moment that perfectly captured the passing of generations in the racing industry.

In the opening race of the afternoon, Ryder Olmstead earned the first victory of his young career aboard Flyin Cowgirl 123, a filly owned by Paul Treadwell and trained by Ryder's father, former jockey Jason Olmstead. After not breaking sharply and drifting slightly at the start, the young rider stayed composed, guiding the filly to victory and securing his first win after just nineteen career mounts.

For Olmstead, becoming a jockey was never in question.

"I've wanted to be a jockey since I can remember and have never wanted to be anything else," he said. "My dad rode, so that's probably the main reason, and my plan has never changed."

Ryder and Jason Olmstead. © Dustin Orona

The victory carried even greater meaning because it came for the people who helped him reach the starting gate.

"I was hoping my first win would be for my parents, and I'm very happy it happened that way because they've been by my side and pushed me to get better so I can be the best I can be. Winning for them was especially meaningful."

Just two races later, another milestone was reached.

Cody Smith guided RR Shenoshesfirst, owned by Thomas J. Scheckel and trained by Tony Jones, to a commanding 1 1/2-length victory in the 250-yard contest. The sharp-breaking two-year-old filly gave Smith a comfortable ride to his 1,000th American Quarter Horse victory, a feat achieved by only a select few riders in the sport's history.

The accomplishment added another chapter to what has already been a historic season for Smith. Earlier this year at Remington Park, he became the all-time leading American Paint Horse Association jockey by wins and earnings, surpassing his longtime role model, Hall of Fame rider G.R. Carter.

Long before earning the first victory of his riding career, Ryder Olmstead poses aboard AQHA Racing Champion and future All American Futurity sire Hes Relentless.
© Courtesy Jason & Amber Olmstead

Yet when reflecting on his own achievement, Smith's thoughts quickly turned to the young rider who had celebrated his first win earlier that day.

"For me to reach a milestone of 1,000 wins and for Ryder to win his first on the same day is a reminder of when I was that kid winning my first race," Smith said. "Being a jockey is all I've ever wanted to be since I was old enough to know, and I'm truly grateful for every high and low along the way because the lows made me crave it and appreciate the highs even more."

The connection between the two milestones was not lost on Ryder.

"I think it's pretty cool that Cody and I got our first and 1,000th wins on the same day," he said. "Cody has always been one of my favorite jockeys, and I look up to him for all the success he's had. He's helped me by giving advice on things I can work on along the way, so I appreciate him for that."

For Jason Olmstead, the moment held even deeper meaning. As a former jockey, he understood both sides of the story, the excitement of a first win and the dedication required to reach a thousand.

Jason said he told Cody's father, former jockey, and agent, Rodger Smith, "When we were starting out, Jacky Martin and G.R. Carter were our heroes. I'm glad Cody Smith is my kid's hero. Couldn't ask for a better role model."

Jason noted that Ryder has looked up to Smith since he was just three years old, making the coincidence feel almost impossible to script. Among the family's cherished memories are photographs of a young Ryder sitting proudly aboard the multiple AQHA Racing Champion Sire Hes Relentless, a horse that Cody Smith would later ride in his accomplished career. Looking back, those memories seem to connect two milestones that unfolded on the same unforgettable afternoon.

"Something unplanned happened for a reason, and that's one of those situations you can't script," Jason said.

Perhaps that is what made the day so special.

One rider was celebrating a milestone earned through years of dedication, sacrifice, perseverance, and faith. Another was experiencing the winner's circle for the first time, taking the first step on a journey he had dreamed of his entire life. Between them sat nearly a thousand victories, countless miles traveled, lessons learned, obstacles overcome, and dreams pursued.

For young riders watching from the grandstand, the backside, or at home, Prairie Meadows offered a powerful reminder that every great career begins with a first win. For veterans of the sport, Cody Smith's achievement stood as proof of what passion, commitment, and perseverance can accomplish over a lifetime in racing.

Cody Smith pilots AQHA Racing Champion and All American Futurity sire Hes Relentless during the stallion's racing career. © Courtesy Jason & Amber Olmstead

When the races were over and the dust had settled, the story was never simply about a first win or a 1,000th win. It was about the journey between them. One young rider stood at the starting line of a dream, while another demonstrated what is possible when that dream is pursued with unwavering determination.

On June 8, 2026, Prairie Meadows achieved more than two milestones. It also delivered a reminder that horse racing's future is built on the dreams of young riders, the example set by those who came before them, and the belief that today's first win can one day become tomorrow's 1,000th.

The races at Prairie Meadows can be watched on Q-Racing Video.

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