Background
He grew up near Delaware Park Racetrack where his grandfather, trainer Buddy Raines, had a major role in raising him and his brother John who also became a jockey.
He grew up near Delaware Park Racetrack where his grandfather, trainer Buddy Raines, had a major role in raising him and his brother John who also became a jockey.
Luzzi began his riding career in 1988 at race tracks in Maryland and in 1989 was voted the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey. In 1994, he moved his tack to New York to compete on the New York Racing Association circuit. Luzzi has been a mainstay on the NYRA circuit since his arrival.
In 1994 and in 2001 the NYRA voted him the Mike Venezia Memorial Award, an honor given to a jockey who exemplifies extraordinary sportsmanship and citizenship.
Since arriving in New York, Luzzi has consistently been one of the top jockeys on the NYRA circuit. In recent years, he has gained some national exposure by riding in various stakes races throughout the United States.
On April 12th, 2015, Mike Luzzi accepted the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award at Santa Anita Park. lieutenant is one of the highest honors for a jockey and their contributions both on and off the track.
