Smith pleads not guilty in DUI case

Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor DUI charges resulting from his July 20 arrest hours after winning the Opening Day stakes race at Del Mar.

Smith entered his plea via his attorney Thursday at the courthouse business office in San Diego. Because the case is a misdemeanor, he wasn't required to be present. He is out of custody on $2,500 bail.

A readiness conference was set for Oct. 14.

Police arrested Smith shortly before 11:30 p.m. on July 20 in Del Mar. They said the 45-year-old jockey's 2011 Land Rover was weaving while passing through the area at very slow speed, prompting a patrol officer to pull Smith over on suspicion of DUI.

The jockey had left a restaurant a short time earlier.

Smith has won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont during his career.