13 January 2023 , 12:32
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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.
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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.
“Being around somebody like Mike, who is absolutely a complete professional and so focused and so good at what he does, gave me the inspiration to strive to be like that," Whisman said in an interview with the Maryland Jockey Club.
"He does everything right. They give great advice and things like that, but to see how they conduct themselves and go about their business is inspiring and motivating."
Whisman's last winner was on Indian Spider for Matthew Kintz in August of last year. He had his final ride for the same owner/trainer later that month at Presque Isle Downs.
Whisman set a new track record on Surely Furious at the same venue in the $100,000 Karl Boyes Stakes. Over the years, his mounts amassed $2,715,109 in purse money.
Racing fans joined Smith in paying their respects to the talented jockey, who also had an off-track thoroughbred he took to the junior Olympics in 2017.
One wrote: "My heart breaks for Avery Whisman & his family. Just 22 years old with a bright future ahead of him. He even won a stakes race this summer at @PID_Casino. To his family & all the people who were fortunate enough to know him my thoughts, prayers & condolences to all of you."
Another added: "Saddened to hear about the passing of jockey Avery Whisman at the age of 22. Much too young. RIP."