If you attended the Kentucky Derby or watched it on TV, you likely caught a glimpse of 6-year-old racing fan Austin Erickson. Though he may be small in size, Austin has a smile that you could see for miles, especially while around horses.

Austin was born with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and severe scoliosis, and he is paralyzed from the hips down. But none of this stops him from frequently visiting his local racetrack with his parents. Austin’s parents introduced him to racing when he was just shy of three, taking him to Canterbury Park, where he instantly fell in love with the horses. 

“After the first time going, he kept asking to ‘go to the racehorses’ over and over again,” said Austin’s mom, Alli. “We couldn’t be any happier.” 

For further proof that Austin isn’t your typical six-year-old, instead of playing outside the first weekend of May, Austin and his family packed up and headed to Louisville for Derby weekend. Once arriving at Churchill Downs, Austin and his family were welcomed with open arms. On Oaks Day, Austin picked up some remarkable memorabilia, including goggles from his favourite jockey, Luis Saez, after he won the Oaks aboard Secret Oath and a horseshoe right off the track. 

On Derby Day, Austin showed up dressed in his very own silks, with two other pairs so he could change like the jocks themselves. In doing so, he caught many people's attention that day and stole the hearts of many. After being invited into the paddock to watch a race, Austin was asked if he would like to see the jocks' room. There, he had the chance to meet and take pictures with all of the riders, making his first Derby experience unforgettable.

“Seeing his face light up and seeing how amazing every single person there was, made my husband and I cry multiple times throughout the day,” said Alli. “It was hands down the best day of all three of our lives, something we will never forget.”