Michael Straight and his twin brother Matthew grew up in East Greenbush, New York.  They  both fell in love with horseracing after their parents brought them to nearby Saratoga Race course, both knew they wanted to be jockeys at a very young age an both were part of the launching of Chris McCarron's North American Racing Academy in Lexington. After each of them graduated, they both became jockeys.  Michael would go on to win his first race on the very first mount of his career on March 6, 2009, on a horse named Ready Ruler at Tampa Bay Downs. Michael says, "It's one of the best feelings I have had, winning my first race on my first horse. I will remember that for the rest of my life. It was unbelievable."

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On August 26, 2009, almost six months after his promising career started, he would be involved in an on-track accident that occurred at Arlington Park in Chicago. The accident occurred when the horse he was riding, I'm No Gentleman, clipped heels and fell near the quarter pole throwing him to the ground. He sustained a brain injury and fractures to his T4 & T5 vertebrae. He spent six weeks in a medically induced coma. Shortly after his accident, he underwent surgery where doctors inserted a metal rod to stabilize his spine. He is paralyzed from the chest down and uses a wheelchair for mobility. As is the case so often, he has no memory of the accident. Michael was 23 years old.

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Because of so many people like the Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation, Terry Finley and West Point Thoroughbreds, and others who have made donations, Michael has been able to stand and do limited walking with Exoskeleton suit, which helps someone with a spinal core injury like his to do so. He continues to use the suit 2-3 times a week and since 2014, he has logged over a half a million steps.

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Michael is grateful for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). He says, "The stipend from the PDJF helps so much in surviving daily life. Being paralyzed cost more than most people understand.  Modifications, medicine, handicap equipment and all other bills are tremendously expensive. There's no way any of us disabled jockeys would be able to make it without the PDJF."  He continued, "Thank you to everyone who donates and helps with the PDJF."

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Another day that Michael will remember for the rest of his life is February 3, 2023. The day he married his soul mate, Gabby Sieber. Michael stood during the ceremony with the aid of the Exoskeleton. He posted, "The only reason I wanted to walk and stand today, is because I NEVER want you to look down on me. I love you." The couple reside in St. Johns, Florida.