Top American jockey Mike Smith has paid a fond tribute to a fellow rider who has died at the age of 22.
Smith called Avery Whisman his ‘little brother’ in the post on social media, after news of the young sportsman’s death was made public. Triple Crown champion Smith was his mentor and suggested Whisman should start his career at Turf Paradise racetrack.
He made his professional debut there in 2018 and rode 90 winners during his career in the saddle. Sharing a picture of the pair of them together, Smith tweeted: “R.I.P my little brother you will Always be so Loved.”
A spokesperson for the Maryland Jockey Club said: “We are deeply saddened to hear the news about Avery Whisman. Our hearts are with his family and friends.”
Whisman, whose cause of death has not been released, had 16 successes last year. Formerly a three-day eventer, following his mother and father into the sport, Whisman decided to make the switch to racing.
He grew up near Keeneland Racecourse and later started riding for trainer Joan Scott, where he learned how to become a jockey. Along with Smith, Whisman also got to know California-based champion jockey Joe Talamo.
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