Background
Venezia was born on May 5, 1945 in Brooklyn, New New York
Venezia was born on May 5, 1945 in Brooklyn, New New York
He had ridden 2,313 winners when he was thrown from his horse, Mr. Walter K. and trampled to death by a trailing horse during a race at Belmont Park. Venezia was killed in a horse racing accident on October 13, 1988.
Annually since 1989, the New York Racing Association provides the Mike Venezia Memorial Award to a rider who exemplifies extraordinary sportsmanship and citizenship.
Active in jockey affairs, Venezia served as president of the Jockeys" Guild from 1975 to 1981.