Jockeys, Animal Planet reality: 2nd Season Fri Aug 21st [Archive]

Glimmerglass

Dec. 17, 2008, 11:50 AM

Has anyone seen any teasers for this program scheduled to air in Feb 2009?

All the filming was for the show ended with the Breeders' Cup so everything should be 'done'. I would think that some initially testing of the show would've been done.

Some of the assorted articles: Sports Business Journal Oct 2008 (http://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/article/60403)

The series will focus on the high-pressure life of jockeys, who spend their days riding 1,200-pound thoroughbreds at high speeds and whose pay depends on how well their mounts perform.

Animal Planet is filming 12 episodes of 30 minutes each.

Foret and Haire said jockeys hope the show will bring more fans to the sport of horse racing. In addition to Talamo, jockeys who signed deals are Alex Solis, Chantal Sutherland, Jon Court, Mike Smith, Aaron Gryder, Kayla Stra and Brandon Meier.

The show began filming at the start of Santa Anita’s Oak Tree meet in late September and was to culminate this past weekend with the filming of the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita.

It would be appear to be MTV-esq: NY Post Dec 4, 2008 'Laguna Beach for Jockeys' (http://www.nypost.com/seven/12042008/tv/laguna_beach_for_jockeys_142552.htm)

The show, titled "Jockeys," is produced by the same company, Go Go Luckey Productions, that produced "Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County" and its followup show, "Newport Harbor," for MTV.

Animal Planet execs say "Jockeys" represents the channel's new, edgier approach to its lineup of animal shows, typified by the new "Whale Wars," which has already been renewed for a second season.

As expected A true gem from the PeTA BB's on this show: (http://www.peta.org/forums/topic.asp?whichpage=0.6&TOPIC_ID=11388)

The new show is called "Jockeys" ....

I will have to say that is surprised me to find this show on a network that seemed to champion animal issues. How can a network with shows like "Animal Cops" and "Whale Wars" have a show that will glamorize an industry that is so ruthless on its animal athletes?

What can we do? I know not watch the show....i know write letters, but to who? What will make an impact and maybe make sure there is not s second season of this show? Ideas?

This quip from another was almost as good:I'm for sure those horses dont want to be on TV and I heard the jockeys are mistreated too!

:D :D

Ah the uphill battle that racing faces before the gates even open. Such fools

Anyhow, I suppose to some degree they'll focus on the very attractive Chantal Sutherland and if they go MTV on this (http://www.latimes.com/sports/horseracing/la-sp-horse23-2008oct23,0,7398831.story) then they'll play up the fact that fellow cast member and jockey Mike Smith is her boyfriend.

Toadie's mom

Dec. 17, 2008, 02:42 PM

I hadn't heard about it, but thanks for the heads up! Really good group they came up with. All talented and well spoken. I've been watching Kayla Stra, and while she picked a tough competitive circuit to start out in (or maybe she's been somewhere else), I hope she makes it.

As to the peta crap, I just have no comment:(

Blinkers On

Dec. 17, 2008, 03:42 PM

Ah yes. myself and three friends had to sign waivers as we were filmed at the paddock.

Glimmerglass

Dec. 18, 2008, 12:00 PM

If anyone is looking for a horse-fix on tv or rather on-line, equidaily.com points out an episode of the new TNT drama "Leverage" (which is about insurance investigation somewhat in the spirit of the brilliantly BBC done show "Hustle" (http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/hustle/welcome.shtml)) ....

I digress: Television Review: Leverage, "The Two-Horse Job" (http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=10768)

Episode preview on-line (http://www.tnt.tv/dramavision.jsp?eref=embedplayer&oid=44007)

The episode will be available on-line for free soon: here at TNT 'DramaVision' - look for Two-Horse Job (http://www.tnt.tv/series/leverage/episodeguide.jsp?seasonId=43913&episodeId=43916)

Glimmerglass

Jan. 2, 2009, 06:15 PM

BloodHorse 12-24-08 "Animal Planet to Air 'Jockeys' TV Series" (http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=13329)

"Jockeys," a TV series billed as a 'docu-soap,' will premiere on the Animal Planet channel Feb. 6 with a pair of 30-minute episodes. The program is a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of seven jockeys at work and home. Featured are riders Aaron Gryder, Jon Court, Joe Talamo, Alex Solis, Mike Smith, Chantal Sutherland, and Kayla Stra.

The episodes follow the riders as they compete at the Oak Tree at Santa Anita meeting this past fall. Previews show a well-produced effort with good production values, with race footage intermingled with scenes from the jockeys' room as well as their home lives. They include interviews with family members.

The first show, which features a rivalry between Talamo and Gryder, feels a bit trumped up for drama sake, but remains compelling nonetheless. A subsequent episode shows the relationship between Smith and Sutherland as they try to make their romantic life mesh with the pressures of their jobs.

"Jockeys" will air two installments each Friday beginning at 9 p.m. eastern and pacific time. Twelve episodes have been shot.

Video - teaser promo from Animal Planet (youtube) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhxTuZjQQ4c)

Glimmerglass

Jan. 2, 2009, 06:25 PM

As an aside here is an interesting quip:

SF Chronicle Dec 27, 2008 "'Suspect's' winning jockey sets sights beyond the track" (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/12/26/SPJE14VFOO.DTL)

The Los Angeles area also is a convenient venue for Chantal Sutherland (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQTOA8EG0xY&feature=related)'s off-track endeavors.

"I've got a PR person, and I spend my Mondays and Tuesdays (nonracing days) working on things," she said. "I'm in a TV series about jockeys on Animal Planet (beginning Feb. 6), we're working on getting on 'Dancing With the Stars' and I'll be at the Golden Globe Awards (Mistura Beauty is a sponsor for the Jan. 11 event). I want to do it all."

The CTV remark of "she's the Danica Patrick of horseracing" isn't fair as Danica while talented never has found the success Chantal has within her respective profession.

Dixon

Jan. 16, 2009, 07:24 PM

I wonder if the "Jockeys" show will address bulimia.

Blinkers On

Jan. 16, 2009, 09:14 PM

or lasix or both?

ThisTooShallPass

Jan. 16, 2009, 09:20 PM

Was wondering when a COTHER would finally get around to posting about this show. :) The info has been floating around upon other forums for a while now. I, for one, am looking forward to watching it, if I can.

Milocalwinnings

Jan. 17, 2009, 12:28 AM

I really am looking forward to this series, the commercial I have seen made it look quite interesting.

Speaking of it showing some of the not so great aspects of jockeys, there was a documentary on last summer (I believe? maybe last winter) about jockeys and the difficulties they face in the industry with making weight etc. It was a really good documentary and I highly recommend watching it- it brought to light many things jockeys have to deal with in order to get a ride as well as the long term problems from them.

Glimmerglass

Jan. 20, 2009, 04:37 PM

The series will debut Feb 6th and will be shown Friday nights at 9 PM ET/PT

The players from Animal Plant (their descriptions):

•THE ICON – Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith is a living legend and a fan favorite. His fierce riding style and stringent pre-race ritual has earned him a shaman-like reputation among fellow jockeys.

•THE HOTSHOT – Joe Talamo may be young, but he already has taken the racing world by storm earning nearly $4 million in purse money in one racing season.

•THE BREAKOUT FEMALE STAR – Canadian jockey star Chantal Sutherland is a woman who’s dominating the tracks. And, because she’s dating fellow jockey Mike Smith, it puts her in competition with the man she loves. Can they make this work?

•THE WORKING MAN – Aaron Gryder is credited with more than 3,000 career wins and is motivated by supporting his family.

•THE ELDER STATESMAN – After racing more than 30 years, Jon Court is the consummate veteran, and he has no plans to quit.

•THE NEW GIRL – Fresh-faced Kayla Stra is racing gold in her native land of Australia, but only time will tell if she has what it takes to be a success in the US.

•THE COMEBACK KID – Alex Solis bounced back after a broken back injury nearly took his life. He’s been to the winner’s circle 4,000 times, but he’s yet to be inducted into the Jockey Hall of Fame.

pAin't_Misbehavin'

Jan. 20, 2009, 04:43 PM

Thanks for posting. I'm off to set my TiVo now.:)

Glimmerglass

Jan. 20, 2009, 04:57 PM

I spied this extended trailer for the series (at 3 min +) (http://www.thrfeed.com/2009/01/jockeys.html) which sadly seems to show waaaaay too many crashes. I'm not a fan with milking the danager of the job by showing horses breaking down. If a wreck occured during the filming and involving one of the characters - so be it. Otherwise I tend to think its simply gratuitous violence.

Blinkers On

Jan. 20, 2009, 07:16 PM

It sucks that they depict it this way... and Jimmy the Hat?? This is who else gets air time??? oh boy.
And Kayla IS a girl and not a ton of jockey. Sorry but it's true.

Glimmerglass

Jan. 27, 2009, 12:11 PM

It's a shame that Animal Planet has chosen to put 1-hour before the premier of Jockeys the racing installment of their 'thrills and spills' show - Untamed & Uncut (http://www.truveo.com/Untamed-and-Uncut-Woman-Crushed-By-Horse/id/4119418301)

As an aside, I didn't know that Chantal Sutherland is as wild (http://www.santaanita.com/news/bios/j_Sutherland,_Chantal.pdf) as she is in her actions until last nights Eclipse Awards. I think she enjoys the spotlight just a tad.

LexInVA

Jan. 27, 2009, 12:39 PM

VelvetNoses

Jan. 27, 2009, 02:48 PM

Hopefully it will be tasteful and not sleazy. But I'm not holding my breath. Several years ago when the channel was going through one of their many relaunches over the past thirteen years, this one towards family-oriented programming, they were given the mandate to bring horse-related content to the channel, and this is but the latest attempt to do so after having not done very well with the previous programs. As far as racing goes, I'd rather see a show about the people behind the jockeys. The horse trainers, owners, and breeders. But I don't think we'd get that given that AP's latest change in tone is going towards thrilling and dramatic reality TV.

I have hopes that this series will promote the sport and get more people to take an interest in it. The promos are emphasizing the danger aspect, the rivalries and of course the Mike Smith/Chantal Sutherland relationship. I hope it doesn't focus too much on the "thrills and spills" part. It would be a shame if the show creates new fans who only go to the races to see a "crash".

It does seem that a natural plot line would be to follow Smith through the Oak Tree meet, culminating in Zenyatta's victory in the Breeders' Cup. That, at least, would have a "feel good" aspect to it. :)

Glimmerglass

Feb. 1, 2009, 04:13 PM

Positive comments from the San Diego Union Tribune's Hank Wesh (http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jan/31/1s31horscol1222924-time-reality-check-jockeys-prem/?zIndex=45863) who has previewed the first episode:

Racing fans, particularly ones from Southern California, will appreciate the closer look they are afforded into the personal lives and circumstances of a representative group of riders they've watched regularly and upon whom they've likely placed many good-faith wagers.

Those who don't follow racing will have information and revelations in store for them concerning the inner workings of an increasingly overlooked sport and the under-publicized athletes which the group represents.

Animal Planet spokesperson Tahli Kouperstein said “Jockeys” represents a new type of series for the network. Kind of an unscripted soap opera or docudrama. It is taking over the time slot of the popular series “Whale Wars” and the network hope is that the favorable time slot and the content will make it a hit.

VelvetNoses

Feb. 2, 2009, 03:35 PM

I was able to preview the first episode.

I am sure that Animal Planet is using this first episode as the hook upon which they hope to get viewers to tune into subsequent episodes. It looks like the hooks are danger, intense competition, rivalries, and love lives. All the stuff that makes reality TV, well, reality TV.

The hook for me is learning about horse racing through the eyes of the jockeys -- getting it from their perpective. I also like learning what makes athletes tick, what motivates them and keeps them going.

The first episode touches nicely on that. It also emphasizes the hard work required for jockey's to stay at the top of their game, and how important winning is to a jockey's financial security.

It looks like a future episode will also touch on how jockeys are obsessed with making weight.

I liked the time spent following Kyla Stra and her agent around, early in the morning on the backside, as they tried to drum up business. It was especially interesting as Kyla is fairly new to the colony and she is a woman, but she has a long way to go to be a top rider.

I really did not care for some of the more personal stuff. I was OK with interviews with family and loved ones regarding life in the horse racing world. But, in all honesty, I was a pretty bored watching the scenes with Mike Smith and Chantal Sutherland. Their conversations seemed a little silly and I couldn't figure out why I needed to hear them. I mean, I really don't care how much closet space Chantal needs for her clothes. But I am probably in the minority there.

Episode one does focus on the danger involved. There are scenes of horses and riders going down and interviews with jockeys about injuries.

Future episodes look like they will highlight emotions and temper tantrums in the jock's room. One trailer shows two jockeys engaged in a fist fight out on the track and a jockey having a fit and throwing all of his riding boots onto the floor. Episode one sets up a rivalry between Joe Talamo and Aaron Gryder.

I imagine the producers will follow Mike Smith and Zenyatta to the Breeders' Cup.

I will be eager to hear what others think about the program as the weeks progress.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 2, 2009, 09:26 PM

Animal Planet's web homepage for the series is up with variety of offerings (http://animal.discovery.com/tv/jockeys/)

They even have a 'message board' where you can join the discussion in our message boards to chat about the show, ask the Jockeys questions and share info on horse welfare.

Alas I only scored 9 of 10 with the 'popular phrases' quiz earning me quote: "Congratulations! When it comes to knowledge about the world of horse racing and related idioms, the odds are in your favor! " ;)

Canada's National Post newspaper 2/2/09 "Opposites at track — Mike Smith and Chantal Sutherland" (http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/shinan/archive/2009/02/02/shinan-opposites-at-track-mike-smith-and-chantal-sutherland.aspx)

texang73

Feb. 3, 2009, 03:18 PM

RE: The AP website page for Jockeys

The discussion boards are already full of anti-racing PETA type folks... *sigh*

Glimmerglass

Feb. 3, 2009, 03:37 PM

RE: The AP website page for Jockeys

The discussion boards are already full of anti-racing PETA type folks... *sigh*

I wouldn't even call them PETA folks - just flat out idiots (http://community.discovery.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/37119111001/m/49019472001)

sample ....
Great job on the show about rich white people taking control of animals to become even more rich, not to mention with kanye west playing in the comericials.

Me thinks the poster has this vision of every race horse owned by a Charles Howard-esq millionaire ;) Just maybe the show will illustrate who owns, trains, and cares for the bulk of the horses running each day and correct some misconceptions.

VCT

Feb. 3, 2009, 05:49 PM

I hate PETA.

I've worked at a track. (not any more thankfully)

I don't harbor any love for the racing industry.

I have a major problem with the way the industry operates.

But hey, people who can be okay with making tons of money off of animals with no thought to their true well-being... this is the show for you!

VelvetNoses

Feb. 3, 2009, 06:04 PM

Just maybe the show will illustrate who owns, trains, and cares for the bulk of the horses running each day and correct some misconceptions.

What I saw of the first two episodes did not spend any real time on the horses themselves, or the grooms, trainers, exercise riders, or owners. Just the jockeys.

But I agree with you that it would be nice if the show will give a realistic depiction of the backside -- the care for the horses, the dedication of the staff, etc -- rather than just high melodrama.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 3, 2009, 06:28 PM

But hey, people who can be okay with making tons of money off of animals with no thought to their true well-being... this is the show for you!

Really - this series, which you've watched already, never gives any inkling of regard by the riders to any of their mounts? Mike Smith just would run Zenyatta into the ground of he wanted to? I suppose M/M Jerry Moss likewise just see her for an A&M. Err I mean ATM not A&M which is where he made his fortune. (The Police it seems only made him a little bit of money and racing makes him much more, right?)

Well, well I guess I'll just skip watching this with an open mind and know what these depicted jocks are really like.

Making tons of money, yep, I bet in this economy we'll see Smith and Moss conspire to enter Zenyatta into match races against anyone who will put up the money. She's gotta pay the bills and keep the tons of money rolling in - or else!

VCT

Feb. 3, 2009, 08:52 PM

QHJockee

Feb. 3, 2009, 09:24 PM

But I agree with you that it would be nice if the show will give a realistic depiction of the backside -- the care for the horses, the dedication of the staff, etc -- rather than just high melodrama.

Well....the show IS called Jockey, not "The Backside" or "Racehorse"

As far as a realistic depiction of the backside - have you ever been around pinheads? melodrama is reality

I just wish they woudn't showcase the falls so much - as a PR person, let's not turn any more folks away from racing. It's okay to talk about and discuss the dangers but let's not show it time after time after time.

2LaZ2race

Feb. 3, 2009, 09:30 PM

Although I have major issues with the way some horses (and people) are treated in the racing industry the answer isn't to censor access to it. Maybe improvements will come from exposure.

Blinkers On

Feb. 3, 2009, 09:32 PM

Glimmerglass,

I don't really care what the series is like. I think it's in poor taste for AP to glamorize the industry that over breeds these horses and allows thousands of the animals they are creating and using for their personal gains to end up in various bad situations every year.

You can slice it however you like - the racing industry is not an ethical one in any way, shape, or form and I'm not okay with that. Some people are, which is why the industry exists. There are all sorts of people in the world. I don't have to like all of them and neither do you, but that doesn't make everyone who disagrees with you a flat out idiot.

So what part of the horse industry is?
The people who keep breeding HYPP? Eventing?............?? What??
This is exactly the response I think the series is going to generate.
They are very motivated athletes. Go up Mt Wilson on any day and you will run into Solis very well clothed, sweating profusely, 2 hours up one hour down. It's a grind. 2 Hours up is more than impressive! Solis is one of the more focused on the fitness end of things that I've interacted with. Dedication above all else other than his family. He competes with pins in his neck. The next hit could be the end. That's fact.
Gryder is one of my favorites. Hard working, personable, dedicated.
These guys love what they do. They have a great lifestyle afforded to them because of it. But it's flesh and bone at high speed. When things go bad they can go very bad very fast. As Laffit. Who was retired as a result of his mount clipping heels with another. Not every incident that involves a fall is catastrophic, nor is it career ending for horse and rider always or even often.
Horse racing is a TON of fun! We care for these horses better than people on the outside realize. We function at greater rates of speed and there in lies the risk to horse and rider.

SleepyFox

Feb. 4, 2009, 08:10 AM

I gotta say after looking at the website, my hopes for this show are kind lowered. I'm not a fan of the subtitle "win or die trying"?? Oh, come on! And the graphic with the helmet falling to the track under the feet of galloping horses - I guess drama sells, but that seems over the top to me.

But hey, people who can be okay with making tons of money off of animals with no thought to their true well-being... this is the show for you!

I want to know how to make tons of money off racehorses.....

VCT

Feb. 4, 2009, 10:04 AM

So what part of the horse industry is?
The people who keep breeding HYPP? Eventing?............?? What??
This is exactly the response I think the series is going to generate.
They are very motivated athletes. Go up Mt Wilson on any day and you will run into Solis very well clothed, sweating profusely, 2 hours up one hour down. It's a grind. 2 Hours up is more than impressive! Solis is one of the more focused on the fitness end of things that I've interacted with. Dedication above all else other than his family. He competes with pins in his neck. The next hit could be the end. That's fact.
Gryder is one of my favorites. Hard working, personable, dedicated.
These guys love what they do. They have a great lifestyle afforded to them because of it. But it's flesh and bone at high speed. When things go bad they can go very bad very fast. As Laffit. Who was retired as a result of his mount clipping heels with another. Not every incident that involves a fall is catastrophic, nor is it career ending for horse and rider always or even often.
Horse racing is a TON of fun! We care for these horses better than people on the outside realize. We function at greater rates of speed and there in lies the risk to horse and rider.

Other disciplines of the horse industry do have parts, areas, members that are unethical. Never said they didn't. But the ENTIRE racing industry is unethical. There is no other area in the equine industry that pumps out THOUSANDS of horses every year that are unwanted and many in need of rehab. I, for one, am sick of seeing free tb's in desperate need, etc etc ALL THE TIME.

I've worked at a track. It wasn't horrid (unlike the conditions/body scores I've seen of some TB's on tracks elsewhere) but I'm not impressed by the management.

Let see, lets keep horses in stalls 23 hours of the day, work them hard enough we need to pump them full of grain and meds and wrap their legs at all times just so we can keep them working that hard. Then after they've worked their hearts out for us (and many at least partially destroyed their bodies by working too hard too YOUNG), we'll either dump them on other members of the horse industry (for a small price) who now have to fix what all was f-ed up with them at the track.... or if not that, then they'll go to a rescue or auction and plenty of them to slaughter.

Yes, I'm aware there are the OCCASIONAL RARE owner who cares about their TB after its done racing.

You guys can go ahead and keep on thinking that everyone who doesn't like the racing industry is just ignorant about it ... if that works for you.

ArtilleryHill

Feb. 4, 2009, 10:25 AM

There is no other area in the equine industry that pumps out THOUSANDS of horses every year that are unwanted

Except the QH business. Their foal crop sizes are far larger than the TB crops.

Barnfairy

Feb. 4, 2009, 10:26 AM

Barnfairy

Feb. 4, 2009, 10:29 AM

I gotta say after looking at the website, my hopes for this show are kind lowered. I'm not a fan of the subtitle "win or die trying"?? Oh, come on! And the graphic with the helmet falling to the track under the feet of galloping horses - I guess drama sells, but that seems over the top to me.

I want to know how to make tons of money off racehorses.....I agree with your sentiments...on both counts!

Acertainsmile

Feb. 4, 2009, 10:50 AM

Great post Barnfairy... and after being on the racetrack for 25 yrs I can honeslty say that I've seen the most horrendous abuse of horses in peoples backyards!

texang73

Feb. 4, 2009, 10:54 AM

VCT, I don't think you're ignorant, but I do think you're wrong about a few things.

There are more quarter horses bred in this country than thoroughbreds.

The thoroughbred industry has done more to address the issue of unwanted horses than any other facet of the equine industry. Times are changing. The difference in attitude that I see on the backside now compared to when I exercised & hot walked some 20 years ago is HUGE. The number of trainers and owners who care about where the horses end up once their useful days on the track are over is not rare, hence the growth of programs like CANTER, FLTAP, the TRF, New Vocations, ReRun, and so on. I'm sorry you're sick of seeing TBs in need --I worry about them too-- but the very fact that we are seeing them tells us that there are people who care enough to give the horses a chance at a good home instead of quietly sending them off to New Holland.

No one is saying that living at the track isn't stressful; some horses adapt to it better than others. But is living in a muddy little paddock 24/7, getting hay thrown out twice a day without so much as a second thought about maybe taking a brush to the horse's coat let alone actually going for a ride, day after day month after month for the rest of the horse's days really that much better of a life? Because there's a heck of a lot of that going on across the country every day too; it just doesn't hit the news the way tracks get criticised.

Thanks for caring. Healthy scrutiny is not a bad thing.

Well said BF! :D

Agreed, that no one seems to know about/ remember the very large number of QHs bred every year, that they were the majority of horses that went to slaughter... Not wanting to turn this into a slaughter debacle... I'm just sayin'...

Does the racing industry have problems? Yes. Are these problems being addressed? Yes and no, some more than others. Are there crappy owners/trainers/ people in racing? Yes, but that is true of ANY other horse sport, and not all racing folks treat their horses like crap.

Now, back to the topic... I for one, will watch the show Jockeys. Not sure how I will like it, early reports seeming that it is a bit sensationalized, but well, I'll just have to watch it to find out!

Glimmerglass

Feb. 4, 2009, 11:13 AM

There are all sorts of people in the world. I don't have to like all of them and neither do you, but that doesn't make everyone who disagrees with you a flat out idiot.

Nobody on this earth is expected to like everything or everyone.

I called out that positing and others like it on the Jockey site (in particular the one I extracted verbatim) as an idiot. I stand behind it. The remarks were far too racist in tone and stereotypical in one big brush stroke.

Debate is healthy but no argument is won making general statements about anything and saying it applies top to bottom.

What makes it on tv is edited - even if it is proclaimed to be 'unscripted' - no matter what. Feuds are overplayed, dramas hyped up, and yes selectively small things overlooked and others scrutinized. No matter how much editing these producers do the true stripes of the riders, their agents, their owners will come through eventually.

I haven't seen but just a few minutes of this show so I'm not going to rip it down.

I've said this before but for anyone who hates racing I'd recommend reading 'Not By a Longshot' (http://www.amazon.com/Not-Long-Shot-Season-Horse/dp/1586484494) as it tells perhaps the best of how racing [not just the actual running] is a little bit of everything. Good, bad, tender, violent, crooked, depressing, uplifting ... An industry controlled by no single group and never to be defined strictly by the heroics or despicable acts of any one horse or man.

Barnfairy

Feb. 4, 2009, 11:17 AM

I've said this before but every person who hates races I'd recommend reading 'Not By a Longshot' (http://www.amazon.com/Not-Long-Shot-Season-Horse/dp/1586484494)as it tells perhaps the best of how racing [not just the actual running] is a little bit of everything. Good, bad, tender, violent, crooked, depressing, uplifting ..I second that. TD knows his stuff and there's no sugar-coating going on there.

CassandraMarie

Feb. 4, 2009, 11:20 AM

Barnfairy and SleepyFox, I'm right there with ya! As one of you knows, coming from an exercise rider aspiring jockey, there's so much more to it than just the spills. And it's very disheartening to see that that's what they're using to try and draw a crowd. I'm still very interested to see the way the rest of the show plays out. I also think that some of the "sex sells" type parts will be irritating ie: Kayla Stra, "winning a race is better than sex" and the Mike/Chantal drama, especially seeing as I am a girl too. Not to mention..for those of you who are on the track, we know what REALLY goes on behind the scenes as far as dating goes.

QHjockee is right, the show is titled "JOCKEY'S" nothing else. It would be great if the show turns out pretty good that they might be able to venture further into all the other everyday aspects of the racing industry, and even to different racetracks.

I can't tell you how frustrating it is to even read comments from people who think they are so knowledgeable about the racetrack and tell everyone they can about how much they KNOW and how awful the racetrack is. I could probably talk for hours against someone, but it's not even worth it. It's pathetic really.

Blinkers On

Feb. 4, 2009, 11:30 AM

Great post Barnfairy... and after being on the racetrack for 25 yrs I can honeslty say that I've seen the most horrendous abuse of horses in peoples backyards!

Ditto that! BUT ignorrance is bliss maybe?
Good post by everyone. It's nice to see.

caffeinated

Feb. 4, 2009, 11:40 AM

I've said this before but for anyone who hates racing I'd recommend reading 'Not By a Longshot' (http://www.amazon.com/Not-Long-Shot-Season-Horse/dp/1586484494)as it tells perhaps the best of how racing [not just the actual running] is a little bit of everything. Good, bad, tender, violent, crooked, depressing, uplifting ... An industry controlled by no single group and never to be defined strictly by the heroics or despicable acts of any one horse or man.

I'll third that. That book was just so real. I felt like I was reading about people I knew. It mirrored my mixed feelings about the sport pretty well- that despite all the problems and issues I have, I can't help but like it. Between the horses, the highs and lows of the sport, and the interesting characters that seem to dominate racetracks. :)

texang73

Feb. 4, 2009, 11:43 AM

I second that. TD knows his stuff and there's no sugar-coating going on there.

DITTO!

Calico

Feb. 4, 2009, 12:38 PM

I'm a-feared "Jockeys" is going to be more like "The Hills" than "Ice Road Truckers." Oh well.

Not By A Longshot is highly entertaining. I didn't agree with all of Thornton's opinions and perceptions, but I understand what he's trying to do. The stories and anecdotes are insightful and hilarious!

Glimmerglass

Feb. 4, 2009, 05:27 PM

NTRA transcript from yesterday's conference call on Jockey's (http://www.ntra.com/content.aspx?type=tele&id=37630&style=red) with the producers, equine media, Aaron Gryder and Chantal Sutherland.

John Pricci of Horseraceinsider.com asked about the excessive use of wrecks in the promos and taming that down:

Aaron Gryder: Well, the one thing I would say to anybody that feels that way is make sure you watch all 12 episodes and not just, you know the commercial that you've seen. I think, unfortunately there's a dark side to every business and that's a very small part of it. But what they've focused on and showed is every aspect of the game. And it wouldn't be reality if they didn't show some of the things that can happen and that it is a very dangerous sport. But it's not - it's very well balanced as far as not being just about spills.

It shows the highlights and how well these horses are taken care of and they are taken care of better than any horses probably in the world. Just having their own trainer and their own blacksmiths are there and the doctors that are on call to them. They have better access and nutritional diets.

And, you know, I just think - I think when people see, if they watch all 12 episodes and don't just make judgment on seeing a spill or two that they will understand how great this game is and you know I would make sure she watches all 12.

Well there you go ;)

Pricci's column today: “Animal Planet’s” Jockey Series a Score for Thoroughbred Racing (http://www.horseraceinsider.com/blog.php/John-Pricci/comments/02042009-animal-planets-jockey-series-a-score-for-thoroughbred-racing/)

Cited by both John Pricci and also Claire Novak at the BloodHorse is that sometimes the original call by Trevor Denman is reworked such that it focuses just on X rider for a particular race. Evidently for post-production the producers didn't want viewers to be distracted with other runners that in the end had no relevance to the point they were trying to make.

Blinkers On

Feb. 4, 2009, 09:17 PM

Good for Aaron. Yet another reason he is one of my favorites.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 5, 2009, 01:20 PM

The article from The Boodhorse on the Series "'Jockeys' Series Shares Insiders' View" (http://news.bloodhorse.com/article/49078.htm?id=49078)

During a national teleconference Feb. 3, Bronstein said they developed the idea five years ago but couldn't sell it to anyone at the time.

"We really thought the idea of jockeys in this very high-stakes world was so compelling, and we couldn't get it going five years ago," Bronstein said. "And persistence pays off. Animal Planet -- we heard through the grapevine that they were looking to do a show in the world of horseracing about jockeys. And we charged in saying, 'We're the ones.' So, you know, it's been a long time coming. It's a passion project for both of us, and we really think it's just such an interesting world."

Early on, Kayla Stra, a young female rider from Australia trying to gain a foothold in Southern California, is seen marching through the barn area at Santa Anita with her agent trying to drum up business while letting her frustration show.

Does Kayla still ride at SA? she's not listed on the Equibase standings (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbTopLeadersByTrackDisplay.cfm?TRK=SA&CY=USA&STAT=J) or listed on the standings for Turf Paradise (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbTopLeadersByTrackDisplay.cfm?TRK=TUP&CY=USA&STAT=J)

LKF

Feb. 5, 2009, 08:08 PM

I am looking forward to finally watching the series. It seems like I've been waiting forever. I was able to watch some of the filming and hope the producers don't turn it into some sort of freak show by emphasizing the drama and the accidents.

As for the ignorant comments made about the racing world, then simply don't watch the show when it's on tomorrow night. . . . but I'll put money on it that you're probably going to be sitting in front of the boob-tube at 9:00pm. I try my best not to get pissed at fools who are self-professed racing experts and toss blanket statements out in public.

There are great TB folks out there who love their horses, love the sport, treat their employees well - my family for example. Anyone who says otherwise needs to keep their distance.

Blinkers On

Feb. 5, 2009, 09:14 PM

Glimmerglass, yes Kayla still has her tack in Southern Cal. to the best of my knowledge. Though she would likely ride a ton of horses at Turf Paradise if she went there. She's be quite competetive.

QHJockee

Feb. 5, 2009, 09:14 PM

Not to mention..for those of you who are on the track, we know what REALLY goes on behind the scenes as far as dating goes.

People date? I thought they just slept together!;)

Really and truley though, this show will depict what the producers what it to depict - like every other reality show. My cousin's former girlfriend was on one of the early 'The Real World" and she told us how what you see on tv isn't how things really happen. They can edit clips from 3 month periods and make it seem like it all happened in one week's time on that episode, show footage to mold one person into a character (i.e. crying all the time, a Beyotch, wimp, etc,...).

Viewers should just take everything they see on Jockeys with a grain of salt. And so should some of the naysayers on this thread. It's a Friday night soap opera and I plan to enjoy the entertainment.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 6, 2009, 09:29 AM

The Associated Press article on the show as seen in the New York Times "]IHT/International Herald Tribune: "Reality show takes viewers into lives of 'Jockeys'" ([url="http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/02/05/sports/RAC-Jockeys-Reality.php)

"Jockeys" airs two months after the racing industry ended a year in which the sport took a beating financially and with the public.

The recession caused decreased wagering and the tragic breakdown of filly Eight Belles at the Kentucky Derby put the sport under fire.

"This is going to be the first great exposure we've had in racing for a lot of years," Gryder said. "People are going to see that these horses each have caretakers that in many cases live just 30 feet away. If any horse gets a fever, an on-call doctor makes a house call and treats them in about 30 minutes."

Worth pointing out as an observation is that someone watching the show - with zero knowledge of racing - might just assume the semi-glamorous and top tier level of racing is universal. Clearly it varies from track to track. Then again the same 'virgin' viewer from a foreign country could assume all American young women are like the shallow Kardashian sister (http://www.eonline.com/on/shows/kardashians/index.jsp) too ;)

CassandraMarie

Feb. 6, 2009, 10:48 AM

QHJockee, :lol:

Show's on tonight! Now we'll at least get to see for ourselves what it is exactly that we're in for. I'll be laying in my bed with an ice pack and a lot of Biofreeze and Tylenol, because I got dropped hard today. And I'll tell you what, I'll get right back on tomorrow morning. :) Not having seen the show yet we'll see, but getting hurt and getting back on is a big part of our industry. For jockeys and especially for all of the exercise riders out there. We are all definitely some of the most dedicated athletes and employees and I'd say that the majority of us truly do care about our mounts. Hopefully, that is what the show will express to viewers, not just that the horses can get hurt.

caffeinated

Feb. 6, 2009, 10:53 AM

People date? I thought they just slept together!;)

I got a marriage proposal the other day while doing CANTER stuff :lol:

Laurierace

Feb. 6, 2009, 11:11 AM

I got a marriage proposal the other day while doing CANTER stuff :lol:

Ok spill, who was it?!?!

caffeinated

Feb. 6, 2009, 11:24 AM

Ok spill, who was it?!?!

Now now, I don't kiss and tell. (er.... don't tell about not kissing. um. whatever)

But it is awfully hard to resist when the pitch is, "I'm unemployed and need someone to support me!"

Had to go cool myself down in the track kitchen, heh.

Jessi P

Feb. 6, 2009, 11:46 AM

But it is awfully hard to resist when the pitch is, "I'm unemployed and need someone to support me!"

LOL sounds like a typical racetracker trying to woo you. :winkgrin: Watch out before you get scooped up!

My first husband was a racehorse trainer, and so is my second - it's addicting - hard to get away from.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 6, 2009, 11:46 AM

More media coverage and comments: Las Vegas Review's Richard Eng Feb 6, 2009 "'Jockeys' captures thrills, danger of riders' profession" (http://www.lvrj.com/sports/39192852.html)

The life of a jockey, on and off the track, will be shown in a new reality series, "Jockeys," starting at 6 p.m. today on Animal Planet. I saw a preview of the first episode, and it was riveting -- and I've been involved in racing for 30 years. I think the show can have broad appeal. It's not fluff. It's similar to the reality show "Deadliest Catch," which details the danger faced by the men who harvest Alaskan king crab.

Now if only the show was also narrated by Deadliest Catch & Dirty Jobs plus Ford Trucks pitchman Mike Rowe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Rowe) who oddly enough sang professionally with the Baltimore Opera. Go figure.

EDITED to add as Caffeinated suggests Mike Rowe's QVC pitchman stint with the Katsak (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rChjMRfi40c) on youtube :D

Coral

Feb. 6, 2009, 11:59 AM

I think I could watch anything if Mike Rowe narrates it... :D

That said I do have my DVR set up to record the first episode, hopefully it won't be blah. I'll report back!

caffeinated

Feb. 6, 2009, 12:15 PM

Now if only the show was also narrated by Deadliest Catch & Dirty Jobs plus Ford Trucks pitchman Mike Row (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Rowe) who oddly enough sang professionally with the Baltimore Opera. Go figure.

And if you haven't seen his old late-night QVC videos, you really should. :)

"catsak" is probably my favorite.

Hunter's Rest

Feb. 6, 2009, 12:24 PM

Aw, nuts. Turns out I'll be away this evening for the grande premiere. Any of you guys know if Jockeys will be re-shown anytime this week? (no vcr, no dvr, alas.)

Glimmerglass

Feb. 6, 2009, 12:32 PM

Aw, nuts. Turns out I'll be away this evening for the grande premiere. Any of you guys know if Jockeys will be re-shown anytime this week? (no vcr, no dvr, alas.)

It'll be re aired a few times including a reairing at 11pm EST (http://animal.discovery.com/tv-schedules/daily.html), 4am EST Sat morning, 10 pm EST Sunday night ...

ps - I added the Mike Rowe QVC "katsack" on the prior post

"I wish we had the audio of that cat in the sack as we'd hear the unbridled sounds of enjoyment" - a broadcasting gem!!

Jessi P

Feb. 6, 2009, 12:56 PM

It is nice to see that Animal Planet is advertising "JOCKEYS" in the right hand column. Our COTH BB is getting to be a great online advertising medium. ;)

Equinoxfox

Feb. 6, 2009, 03:36 PM

i'll be watching . :D WITh hot popcorn and a couple glasses of wine..Can't Wait...:yes:

ottb_dressage

Feb. 6, 2009, 06:33 PM

I'll be watching as well, with my Dryers slow churned light ice cream (so as not to completely do in my diet...lol). I hope that the show really does allow insight into part of the industry I, for one, am really itching to know more about. I've loved racing for a long long time, and it's just in the past 5-10 years that I've really started doing some more intense learning/researching about things, and I pride myself on being pretty well educated about the industry in general. But the jockeys side of things just really interests me, and so yes, I'm excited about the prospects for the show.

Oh...and for those Mike Rowe fans...I'm right there with ya...hubby and I are religious watchers of Dirty Jobs...the guy is just freakin hilarious!

Cherry

Feb. 6, 2009, 07:12 PM

Man, I thought I was an ice cream connoisseur but I'd never heard about Dryers until a few days ago when my husband was watching The Food Channel, or some such show! :eek: :yes: Dryers is big--hope to be able to try that brand some day.... :winkgrin: :yes:

I can't say I love racing. When I was very young the first running TB I remember is Native Dancer (showing my age :uhoh: ). My husband (who isn't really horsey) bets the ponies from time to time. I think Aaron Gryder is from my neck of the woods, if I'm not mistaken.

I happen to have had a caste off from the racing industry. Fortunately she didn't sustain any career ending injuries since she only raced twice but I'm pretty tired of seeing horses coming off the tracks with severe injuries that the owners and trainers didn't do anything about at the time it happened. :mad:

But about jockies--I think it's the hardest job you'll ever love. If you're a guy, are small framed and into danger I think you just get addicted to it (then later you get addicted to other things :( ). Several years ago I was reading my husbands Daily Racing Form and there was an article in there about what guys go through to make weight! It was an eye opener.... I forget the particulars but one guy said he accidentally set himself on fire by doing an alcohol rub and then going into a sauna. :eek:

My husband was reading the story of Sea Biscuit and back when he was running jockies would swallow tapeworms and immerse themselves in piles of horse manure in an effort to sweat themselves down in weight.... :dead:

And who can forget Chris Antley???? :uhoh: In case you're not familiar:
http://horseracing.about.com/od/jockeys/l/aa120300a.htm

I have to believe it's a tough way to make a living.... :( As someone once said, "What other job do you know of where people follow behind you with an ambulance?". That gives me a pretty creepy feeling right off the bat.... ;)

If you miss the broadcast at 9PM there is a rebroadcast at 11PM.

VCT

Feb. 6, 2009, 07:44 PM

I feel just as badly for the people who work on the track who are working really hard, for no benefits, no retirement, with poor treatment etc as I do for the horses who are not taken care of after they're done running.

I don't think everyone gets rich in the industry. To think everyone gets rich in any industry is ridiculous. At any rate, I have worked at the track in Erie, Presque Isle Downs.

Edited to add:
I guess I was not clear before. I was referring more to the fact that it is a industry generating huge amounts of money. I am aware not *everyone* in the industry benefits from it.

Barnfairy

Feb. 6, 2009, 08:30 PM

Las Olas' comments were out of line. I think your facilities look lovely, VCT.

Well it's almost show time! I will be enjoying a jockey's feast of air and water while I watch; I'm off to the lab for some bloodwork tomorrow. :rolleyes:

QHJockee

Feb. 6, 2009, 09:24 PM

If nothing else can come of tonight's episode, mike smith admitted they all have little man syndrome. ;)

QHJockee

Feb. 6, 2009, 09:35 PM

I feel just as badly for the people who work on the track who are working really hard, for no benefits, no retirement, with poor treatment etc as I do for the horses who are not taken care of after they're done running.

it's not just the backside this happens - I worked at a couple of farms in lexington and your run of the mill stall cleaners and grooms didn't recieve benefits. Licensed backstretch personnel receive access to free or steeply discounted health and dental care. New York offers retirement plans for track workers. There are trainers that offer paid vacation, and I know of a few that offer retirement benefits.

NEarly all of us are drawn to the backside due to a love of the horse. It's truly magical to watch the sun rise each morning on the back of a horse. Even on my morning's off, I head to the track. People are drawn to the allure of the backside. We have had a CFO from Fortune 500 companies as our night watchman, prominent white collar folks become our hotwalkers (case in point, Street Sense's hotwalker was a lawyer after training hours were over), and school administrators as our foreman. They were all drawn to the track, leaving cushy jobs, knowing the hours and manual labor required of them.

THe moral is: We are on the track because we choose to be - not because we have to be. So don't feel sorry for us. If we didn't want to be there, chances are, we wouldn't be.

RedMare01

Feb. 6, 2009, 10:04 PM

So what did everyone think?

I thought it was a lot of hype and not much there in the way of an actual show. Out of 60 minutes, there were maybe 25 of actual program (and a lot of that was replays and race footage). I do like Mike Smith, though, and what they included on Zenyatta.

Caitlin

texang73

Feb. 6, 2009, 10:07 PM

OK, so I watched both episodes (the full hour)... and I have two major complaints:
1) the actual "air" time seemed to be short between commercials, everything seemed very fractured and alittle too "short", know what I mean? :confused:
2) how *lovely* that AP would show a sensationalized, "uncut, untamed, wild" show straight away afterwards, where that particular episode of that particular show (don't know the name) shows nothing but jockey/racing falls and/or loose out of control racehorses... *sigh* :uhoh:

Other than that, it's well filmed and edited, and does give a very good depiction of jockeys... nice to see that the next episode will highlight the dangers of making weight...

Barnfairy

Feb. 6, 2009, 10:07 PM

Gack.

Sensationalism. Not helping.

Oh, I don't know. Choppy, not very educational, and fake added siren sounds!

Hopefully the series gets better as it goes.

Equinoxfox

Feb. 6, 2009, 10:09 PM

I thought the show was well represented. I think they did a good job at giving you the pros and cons of the business. Also I was glad NOT to see so many horses break down. I was very scared of that and let's hope it does not show up much in the later episodes. Very Good .. Let's see more.
But I do have a question for the Racing Experts ........

What is your take on this being a Owner, Trainer , Rider , etc.....?? Please share your thoughts....:confused:

AppJumpr08

Feb. 6, 2009, 10:11 PM

WAY too many commercials.

And I'd *really* like to see more then one race in an hour where someone DOESN'T fall :rolleyes:

Total Sensationalism.

Sigh.

Equinoxfox

Feb. 6, 2009, 10:12 PM

Yeah there were ALOT of commericals.. BUT hey,,, someone has to pay the bills. :lol:

DickHertz

Feb. 6, 2009, 10:12 PM

Kayla Stra might want to head back to Australia.

Equinoxfox

Feb. 6, 2009, 10:15 PM

HEY Dick:: where have you been .. :lol:Yeah you have a very good point there. But you know what . I waited for this showing .. And now that all the fuss is over... I am glad..
Time to focus on riding and the beautiful weekend we have ahead here in Virginia.
Oh Well I guess next week's episode will be better..
who knows.....:eek:

Laurierace

Feb. 6, 2009, 10:33 PM

Barnfairy

Feb. 6, 2009, 10:40 PM

HORRIBLE is an understatement. How many times are they going to show the same horse going down over and over again? Only one of the countless times that they showed the horses going down did they happen to mention none of them were injured. Better to let everyone think the worst.And the one time they mentioned the horse was uninjured, it was said with a very pointed "this time".

Again, sensationalism, not helpful.

Blinkers On

Feb. 6, 2009, 10:55 PM

Gack.

Sensationalism. Not helping.

Oh, I don't know. Choppy, not very educational, and fake added siren sounds!

Hopefully the series gets better as it goes.

Oh I could rip it from any and every angle as I am well affiliated will all involved... easy pickings!

Blinkers On

Feb. 6, 2009, 10:57 PM

Kayla Stra might want to head back to Australia.

Ha!!! Dick good read into it! and so right! MAybe she can take her room mate with her!

Blinkers On

Feb. 6, 2009, 10:59 PM

BUT all in all, pitiful on a personal and prefessional level. Maybe you have to know them to mock them, but the "love story" IS mockable. Easily!!!

Milocalwinnings

Feb. 6, 2009, 11:45 PM

I wouldn't say it was great.... but I'll continue to watch it just because it gives me something to do.

Kind of reminds me of an adult version of the saddle club....

GallopGirl

Feb. 7, 2009, 03:06 AM

Oh I could rip it from any and every angle as I am well affiliated will all involved... easy pickings!

Oh, come on! Don't tease us like that!!!! Give up some dirt!!

Hunter's Rest

Feb. 7, 2009, 07:10 AM

I *did* get to watch the premiere (thanks to my understanding bf, who watched with me) and I thought it was ok. Neat, MTV style editing to make it all flashy and exciting. But yes to the fall scenes being overdone.
And didn't anybody else get bothered by Trevor Denman's re-mixed race calls? I mean, my bf kept saying 'wow, that girl is in last place! The announcer just said so!' I had to note to him that, urmmmm, no announcer at any track would even mention an also ran like that. Sort of silly. But I understand why it is done - to keep the story line flowing. Otherwise, you can't really tell who's who in the races - with editing (little pointer arrows, isolation focus, etc) they could have 'kept us up' with our main characters pretty easily.
Overall I liked it and think a kid in Des Moines or downtown Miami might think it pretty *cool* to watch. If even 1 of them tugs their parents' sleeves and begs for pony rides or to go to the track (or, better, to the track's 'learn about horses!' day) then great for AP.

Just My Style

Feb. 7, 2009, 08:34 AM

It a reality show. The producers take what is thrown out there in front of the cameras and make a story. You have to realize that most people watching it aren't even horse people and they have to dumb it down to that viewership. And for all the stuff that goes on behind the scenes at the track, they are showing the cotton candy version. Seriously. Many people should be happy it is the edited, fluffy version of what goes on at the track.

I actually liked it. I used to work for a racing trainer and I can't say that much of what I saw was off the mark. If this show ends up promoting the racing industry to average folks who then turn out at the track and bet, which means more money in the pockets of everyone in the industry, then I don't think the racing insiders will be complaining.

Andrew

Feb. 7, 2009, 08:57 AM

LOL!!!! great minds Dick!!!

Kayla Stra might want to head back to Australia.

Andrew

Feb. 7, 2009, 08:59 AM

That was the only good thing about the show... seeing Zenyatta!!!!!!!

GettingBack

Feb. 7, 2009, 09:11 AM

I liked the show. Thought the show after it (Untamed and Uncut) was one of the worst examples of television I'd ever seen, but I'll admit to watching it to try to figure out the physics involved in all of the accidents. They did, by the way, say that the horses escaped unharmed - even the standardbred that ran into the winner's circle (he did have some scrapes), and the steeplechaser that flipped the guy like that (I was trying to figure out how that one worked - it defied imagination). And all the people lived too, and all except for one continued to ride or drive.

I was a little disturbed that AP chose to show it directly after Jockeys. My guess is that either they were also clueless and thought "ooh, let's put the racing segments together" or...perhaps they have an agenda. I don't know.

equineartworks

Feb. 7, 2009, 09:21 AM

I was a little disturbed that AP chose to show it directly after Jockeys. My guess is that either they were also clueless and thought "ooh, let's put the racing segments together" or...perhaps they have an agenda. I don't know.

I wondered about that too. :confused:

I was hoping it would be a little less "reality tv" and more educational.

Jessi P

Feb. 7, 2009, 10:20 AM

At least that show was able to show a good deal of footage where no horse got hurt - and they explained it. And like GB says - they were able to give you the explanation for why things happened the way they did. They were able to show how freak accidents can happen, even with the best safety precauctions and the ambulance following you along.

The standardbred driver who had a heart attack while driving - after they let us know the driver was fine - it really got me laughing when they showed the reconstruction animation video. Those standard breds were cantering along in their harness - every last one of them.

justalittlex

Feb. 7, 2009, 10:58 AM

Andrew, I saw a video (http://www.youtube.com/user/jonshfs05) on youtube yesterday of Zenyatta this week, it's a behind the scenes at J. Shiriff's training spot at Hollywood. Lots more Zenyatta footage at his channel.

My husband thought the budget of the show last night looked around $7.50! It's true we'd already seen a lot of it just from the trailers. I thought it was okay.
As someone else remarked, you have to remember the intended audience of reality tv shows: they like watching people eating bugs!

Mike Smith and Corey both came off as very appealing. Not so Go go, and I wonder if that will make him even more competitive today at S.A. I hope so! Got my bets worked out.

On Direct TV the show was on at 8, lucky for me.

CassandraMarie

Feb. 7, 2009, 11:41 AM

I can't say that I was impressed, however I don't think it was negative against the racing world and I agree with what Just My Style said. I'm definitely interested to see next week's episode about making weight. I know firsthand that it's on my mind 24/7 and I don't even HAVE to yet. And I know having seen my b/f's dad while he was riding, as well as all our friends who still ride, what they truly go through. If it's like last night's episode, I think it will be more eye opening than derogatory.

There were definitely too many commercials but maybe as the show progresses we'll see less. I would like to see a lot more action from the mornings and also during the race day, instead of watching Joe Talamo's girlfriend in the grandstand or Mike and Chantal unpacking. :confused: It's amazing how much is involved in getting every horse to the race and I think a lot of people don't realize that.

Oh and I can't wait for the episode with Gary in it :lol: My b/f teases me all the time and threatens to tell him that I've got a crush on him, as if it's not obvious when I turn beet red every time we're around him!:winkgrin:

Blinkers On

Feb. 7, 2009, 12:14 PM

Oh, come on! Don't tease us like that!!!! Give up some dirt!!

The interspersing of "fake" and "their" race clips during the running of Zenyatta's Lady's Secret win was pretty cheeseball -- along with the less than compelling re-creations of Trevor Denman's race calls by one Trevor Denman during the races shown
Kayla makes herself look like a complete tart. "Winning races is better than sex" statement was a badly thought out choice of verbage which leads me to look at fact. Kayla rarely wins races and has likely had far more sex than wins... just sayin..
The girl who Kayla proclaims this to has been on more good horses than Kayla easily and looks better working a horse than Kayla ever will. Lauren's biggest claim to fame was being the exercise rider for a little known filly by the name of Rags To Riches.

The list could get really long!

Then there were a few scenes that were said to be at Santa Anita but were actually of Pomona.
Goes on and on and on

pinkdiamondracing

Feb. 7, 2009, 12:50 PM

Kayla Stra might want to head back to Australia.

She's not the only one who need to go home!!!

Love Story or not---Chantal might wanna think about headin back up north!!! She was doin waaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy better in Canada than she ever will in CA and I think Mike probably liked it better with her up there!!!

Blinkers On

Feb. 7, 2009, 12:59 PM

She'd be a fool not to go back to Wodbine with her higher rate of success and their purses! SHe was here last year and went back for opening day at Woodbine. Here's hoping she does the same this year

farmgirl88

Feb. 7, 2009, 01:22 PM

I liked it. I wasnt overly impressed but I liked it and i thought it would easily keep the audience of non-racing fans and racing fans entertained and into it. It was very typical MTV editing, but i think it was a great look into the lives and how jockeys struggle. It was educational for those who may know nothing about the sport. Keep in mind its not just about the life of jockeys as a whole but the individual lives of each jockey on the show-thats why its edited the way it is.

I really loved seeing Zenyatta. Great footage there. Chantal is still at Santa Anita. One of my professors was there talking to her after a race a few weeks ago. I personally think shes extremely high maintenance and not the type of person i personally enjoy seeing on the show- just my personal opnion. God help Mike...you're a trooper!

I know it stated none of the horses where injured- i think we all know that footage is comming- as it was previewed. I dont see any sense in trying to hide it. Hiding it will do nothing for the sport and i just think its cowardly to do so. Horses getting injured or even killed- all of us know- is a big issue with the sport- and hiding it in a documentary type show about jockeys is just plain silly.

Overall i liked it but wasnt thrilled with it. Keep in mind though; that this show is not geared for all of us who know a lot about the sport- its supposed to give those who know little about it- an insiders view on the struggle and lives of each individual jockey. I think it added a lot of hype and it was exciting to watch- and i think it will get a lot of folks interested in the sport.

Tamara in TN

Feb. 7, 2009, 02:13 PM

[QUOTE=texang73;3864801]
2) how *lovely* that AP would show a sensationalized, "uncut, untamed, wild" show straight away afterwards, where that particular episode of that particular show (don't know the name) shows nothing but jockey/racing falls and/or loose out of control racehorses... *sigh* :uhoh:
QUOTE]

hey it's nice to see someone wrecking besides me :winkgrin:

best

JSWiley

Feb. 7, 2009, 02:19 PM

I was entertained and would watch it again. Did anyone see the show AFTER Jockeys? Im not sure on the name, but it had lots of horse racing/jumping/harness racing accidents?? There were some pretty bad spills there.

Las Olas

Feb. 7, 2009, 07:11 PM

<deleted>

Ok, so back on topic. I watched the show last night and was somewhat disappointed. I guess I am more interested in the technical aspects of being a jockey and this was a little 'cotton candy' for me. I also thought it was in bad taste to air the Untamed and Uncut right afterwards. IMO This is not really the message that needs to be sent to the general public.

Meredith Clark

Feb. 7, 2009, 07:53 PM

So in the show I thought they said only 3 horses raced against Zenyatta because all the trainers were afraid of competition or something. However, this article:

http://www.breederscup.com/content.aspx?id=36192

Looks like there were 9 horses

I'm confused!

Laurierace

Feb. 7, 2009, 07:54 PM

The race they showed was not the breeders cup.

Las Olas

Feb. 7, 2009, 07:59 PM

I think the series is building up to The BC. I believe the race was the Lady's Secret? I had watched the race the first time as I owned a sister to Hystericalady and had interest in it, but I didn't catch the race name when it aired last night.

Meredith Clark

Feb. 7, 2009, 08:03 PM

Got it... all they talked about was the Breeders Cup so it was hard to follow what was actually going on and where!

texang73

Feb. 7, 2009, 08:03 PM

[QUOTE]

hey it's nice to see someone wrecking besides me :winkgrin:

best

:D

Oh, and another thing: Anyone notice when Mike and Chantal go out to dinner, and underneath Mike is the text/title/whatever : Jockey and underneath Chantal it says: Jockey/ Mike Smith's girlfriend.... Ummmm, hello?!? I KNOW he's a much better rider than she, but wouldn't it be fair to have Jockey/ Chantel's boyfriend under Mike's name? Just sayin'...

texang73

Feb. 7, 2009, 08:05 PM

Oh, and were did Joe Tamalo start riding... show says he's a coonass (Cajun), but where'd he start? Anyone know? He's tough, and rides well.

Meredith Clark

Feb. 7, 2009, 08:08 PM

On the show they said he started riding in Louisiana can't remember if they said a specific track

justalittlex

Feb. 7, 2009, 08:55 PM

Mike Smith and Corey both came off as very appealing. Not so Go go, and I wonder if that will make him even more competitive today at S.A. I hope so! Got my bets worked out.
.

Hey guys, got to say I got that part right at least. Garrett Gomez won four races today, including the Robert B. Lewis Stakes!

Las Olas

Feb. 7, 2009, 09:03 PM

Good call, did your bets pay off well?

Toadie's mom

Feb. 7, 2009, 09:07 PM

Oh, and were did Joe Tamalo start riding... show says he's a coonass (Cajun), but where'd he start? Anyone know? He's tough, and rides well.

He rode at the FairGrounds.

justalittlex

Feb. 7, 2009, 09:08 PM

I was trying betting around the favorites, but with the turf switched to all weather, and Broctane, Mr. Napper Tandy,and Navigator all scratched, it wasn't easy. Came out ahead, thanks to Amybelle and Vanquest.

I was hoping for Bittel Road to be a surprise, but came in 4th, and Papa Clem messed my superfecta. Gomez is amazing. Thanks for your comment, Las Olas.

Blinkers On

Feb. 7, 2009, 09:13 PM

On the show they said he started riding in Louisiana can't remember if they said a specific track

Yep and Ebanks brought him to CA in 2007 I believe

Acertainsmile

Feb. 7, 2009, 10:27 PM

I think the race they showed was the Lady's Secret... I could be wrong!

Toadie's mom

Feb. 8, 2009, 07:43 PM

Guess I'm going to have to finish watching it to find out what you guys are p o'd at Kayla Stra about. Did she say something anti-American, or is she just riding sub par?

Las Olas

Feb. 8, 2009, 08:24 PM

She was riding sub par. Don't know how she finished up the meet, I never really paid attention to her. I'm sure someone here has the stats on her.

justalittlex

Feb. 8, 2009, 08:30 PM

She actually won a race at SA today, and looked so happy.

QHJockee

Feb. 8, 2009, 09:06 PM

Yep and Ebanks brought him to CA in 2007 I believe

He took out his license at Louisiana Downs, I know because I watched him in his first race, that was in 2006. He then moved his tack to the Fairgrounds for that meet and was the leading rider there during the 06-07 meet, then yes, the Love Man took him out west

Blinkers On

Feb. 8, 2009, 11:25 PM

LOL the "Love MAn" The "Man" does a rather fine rendition of "Strokin'" at Jimmy O's every year at DM! He did a great job of developing a young rider. Gotta love Eee Bee!

Showponymom Aefvue Mid Atlantic Division

Feb. 9, 2009, 12:05 PM

And if you haven't seen his old late-night QVC videos, you really should. :)

"catsak" is probably my favorite.

I work at the Q and had the pleasure of working with Mike. He is really that funny. I think I peed my pants that night with the catsak. :lol:

Showponymom Aefvue Mid Atlantic Division

Feb. 9, 2009, 12:11 PM

I wouldn't say it was great.... but I'll continue to watch it just because it gives me something to do.

Kind of reminds me of an adult version of the saddle club....

I agree, I wasn't really impressed by it. My 10 yr old wanted to watch because Mike Smith used to ride my old mare in allowance races when he first was starting out. She got a kick out of someone famous riding our old girl Valid. Now if they would add in some old timer jocks to mentor the younger ones that might be more interesting. Like the Shoe or Angel ect. I guess we will have to keep watching to see what happens. I saw there would be some "drama" later on, so that might keep viewers. But race people probably wont keep up.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 9, 2009, 12:32 PM

It wasn't bad although I watch way too much horse racing as it is to be objective. To those people who follow the sport enough I don't see this being a series that changes too many opinions. As echoed by others I think a fairly new viewer would think a horse goes down at least once a day, every day, and that is 'just to be expected'. It isn't.

It was 'ok' but not terribly filling when you're looking for a meal. Too many snippets of content without much payoff, excessive commercial breaks, senseless beatings to the viewers over and again with the spills as the selling point, and while I'd like to get to know the jocks I do think there is a TMI point.

They should look at perhaps some of the other successful reality shows (be it ones on Bravo or others) which infuse more content together for an episode albeit a tad more staged.

I suppose the problem is that this was shot over just 30-days. Perhaps if they took a 90-day window of activity they'd have more content to feature and work with.

I was amused at the agent's remark about trainer Kristin Mulhall being a Chantal Sutherland shop ;) But right there why didn't they mention more about bug riders vs. journeyman riders with weights etc.

Catalina

Feb. 11, 2009, 10:50 AM

I like the show. A lot. Perhaps if I knew more about the inner workings of racing I wouldn't like it as much, but since the closest I get to racing is owning two OTTBs and watching the occassional race on tv, I can be considered, like the majority of viewers, a neophyte. In my ignorance is bliss I suppose, and, therefore, I greatly enjoyed the show. Even the excess of commercials didn't bother me- that's what fast forward is for ;).

texang73

Feb. 11, 2009, 01:27 PM

I am wondering, is there a place on the AP: Jockeys website to leave all our constructive thoughts? There have been some very good thoughts brought up by some very knowledgable people.

Blinkers On

Feb. 11, 2009, 02:12 PM

It is interesting to read the comments in this thread and the other one I think in off course? And Although most of us who are in racing and know the players could pick it apart, I think I need to step away a bit and realize that it has been well recieved by people who are fans and even critics of the sport. I was concerned that it would cause a negative reaction, but am pleased that thus far it's all positive. We need a bigger fan base. Maybe though there are holes in it, maybe it can help portray "us" in a better light to those who have only "heard" the negative things.

iloverocky

Feb. 11, 2009, 02:22 PM

It is interesting to read the comments in this thread and the other one I think in off course? And Although most of us who are in racing and know the players could pick it apart, I think I need to step away a bit and realize that it has been well recieved by people who are fans and even critics of the sport.

One of the girls I work with who is not a horse person and doesn't follow racing came in Monday morning saying that she loves the show and that she missed her calling in life (she's really short:) She will definitely keep watching the series, and I think she became a Zenyatta fan!

DickHertz

Feb. 11, 2009, 03:11 PM

What I hate about the show is it lacks substance, at least in the first show. They need to make it more like a documentary instead of having Trevor Denman recut his racecalls and using recut race scenes.

charismaryllis

Feb. 11, 2009, 03:24 PM

I am wondering, is there a place on the AP: Jockeys website to leave all our constructive thoughts? There have been some very good thoughts brought up by some very knowledgable people.

there *is* a forum on there-- http://animal.discovery.com/tv/jockeys/fans/message-board/index.html

but i don't know if the powers that be read it. (*lousy* bbs interface.... imho. :) )

Blinkers On

Feb. 11, 2009, 09:53 PM

I agree Dick, but I doubt that the series is created for industry people

texang73

Feb. 12, 2009, 09:06 AM

Equinoxfox

Feb. 13, 2009, 08:59 AM

Well we shall see. Another new episode comes on tonight and I personally Can NOT wait to see it ..:yes:

Glimmerglass

Feb. 13, 2009, 11:54 AM

In case folks don't know who the character of "Jimmy the Hat"' is ... he's Jimmy "The Hat" Allard and he was one of the folks who filed suit against Autotote (http://articles.latimes.com/2002/dec/04/sports/sp-horse4) inconnection with the infamous 2002 Breeders' Cup Pick Six scam by a rogue Autotote employee and his frat brother conspirators.

A former Hollywood actor and stuntman, who left those professions to become a devoted pick-six horseplayer in California in the 1980s, Allard is said to be part of a group that bets the pick six every day at the Southern California tracks. He has said that he has invested more than $20 million in the pick six since 1986, and has cashed the bet more than 200 times, including three worth more than $1 million apiece.

A native of Rochester, N.Y., Allard moved to Los Angeles in 1974. He has said that he worked as an extra and stuntman in more than 500 television shows and movies, among them “Love Boat,” “Happy Days” and “Fantasy Island” on TV and the movies “Airplane!” and “The Blues Brothers.”

Allard, 48, reportedly is a shareholder in some of 78 consolation tickets that are worth about $4,600 each but will grow by about $39,000 apiece if the $3 million from the winning pick-six tickets is redistributed. The consolation-ticket holders picked five of the six race winners.

A bit more on Jimmy "The Hat" - including a story about a horse named 'Naked Jaybird' (http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/othersports/103524_larry10.shtml) - the guy is a character to be sure

MSP

Feb. 13, 2009, 05:42 PM

I have been watching. I was concerned the AR folks would use it as ammunition. I hope they don't show a wreck in every episode.

On that note I found this you tube video that I thought was about the show but strangely enough it was posted in 2007. Was this on before?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPJVjd7k9uQ

This video is full of "IT" and I wonder how many times it will come up on Goggles for the show.

texang73

Feb. 13, 2009, 10:27 PM

So, I watched the two new episodes tonight, and I thought they were MUCH better than the first one!! Better edited, good story, didn't seem to be as many commercials etc. :) Thought Brandon's first win was a nice touch, and Kayla's, as was Jon's nice win on Unorthodox. What happened to Unorthodox? Injury? Anyone know?

I am hoping that this show, if it continues in this informative, entertaining, insightful vein, will help make new racing fans. And I think a way to do that is to "glorify" and "superstar" the jocks, not just the horses (and as a horsewoman, I hate to say that!)... but I think having a "human hero" to root for in racing will help the sport... in the same vein that having a "hero" (i.e. Michael Jordan) helped basketball... know what I mean?

texang73

Feb. 13, 2009, 10:34 PM

Foxtrot's

Feb. 13, 2009, 11:06 PM

Dang, dang, dang. Last week I couldn't find Jockeys on Animal Planet. So today I checked their on-line schedule and Jockeys -l and Jockeys - 2 was on at l2:00 and l2:30 A.M. (Friday) ( like in the middle of last night.) Why do they advertise 9:00 pm but over here on the blinkin' west coast in Canada they have a middle of the night time.

Dispatcher

Feb. 14, 2009, 06:28 AM

What I hate about the show is the same ads EVERY 7 minutes!

justalittlex

Feb. 14, 2009, 08:38 AM

and way too much repeated footage, as if maybe they didn't shoot quite enough. And not enough about the horses, and their maintenance, and the life aside from "flipping."

AppJumpr08

Feb. 14, 2009, 08:55 AM

I liked this week's episodes much better also!
I wish they had done them as 1 hour segments instead of 1/2 hour, but still a big improvement over last week! :yes::yes:

ICURLOOKING

Feb. 14, 2009, 09:53 AM

The best investment I ever made - record anything at any time, skip through the ads, instant replay. It's all done with a couple of clicks of the remote - Off course, prying out of hubby's hand will take longer than setting the tivo to record.

Acertainsmile

Feb. 14, 2009, 10:56 AM

I really liked lasts nights episodes... I thought focussing on Kayla Stra was done well...it is very tough being a female rider, and I thought it showed her struggles in a very realistic light.

My husband and I just kept shaking our heads over JC's wife... I dont know her personally, but she sure didnt come across as being very supportive of him!

iloverocky

Feb. 14, 2009, 12:20 PM

My husband and I just kept shaking our heads over JC's wife... I dont know her personally, but she sure didnt come across as being very supportive of him!

I didn't think JC's wife came across very well, but I also thought JC himself came off like a petulant child in the episode. His fit over losing a race was immature, and his comments about always riding well but having 'crappy' horses really left me with a bad taste. He's old enough to know better, and if he can't find respect for the animals who are out there also trying on the track, he should get a new line of work.

Cherry

Feb. 14, 2009, 01:02 PM

....his comments about always riding well but having 'crappy' horses really left me with a bad taste.
This comment by Jon Court surprised me! It's the horse's job to run and, if they leave the gate, they all do.... It's the jockey's job to listen to the instructions from the trainer (who, hopefully, knows how the horse runs best) and put their horse in the proper position to win. ;) Failure to do so does not constitute failure on the horse's part.... Winning is not something the horse owes the jockey--it's something the jockey (who has the more highly evolved brain) owes the horse.... :uhoh:

I can understand JC feeling that way after a losing streak but it occurs to me that's something that a jockey should never verbalize, least of all, when a camera is on him/her.... :uhoh: I can't help but wonder if that remark is going to cost him "good" horses in the future because it makes him sound like a thankless twit....

LaurieB

Feb. 14, 2009, 01:22 PM

I didn't think JC's wife came across very well, but I also thought JC himself came off like a petulant child in the episode. His fit over losing a race was immature, and his comments about always riding well but having 'crappy' horses really left me with a bad taste. He's old enough to know better, and if he can't find respect for the animals who are out there also trying on the track, he should get a new line of work.

I agree. At first I sympathized with his frustration--though I did wonder why he left Kentucky if he was on such a roll here, does anyone know?--but that comment really turned me off. If I was an owner who had used him in the past, presumably on a "crappy horse" I certainly wouldn't ride him back. I wonder if that publicly aired attitude will end up costing him rides.

Blinkers On

Feb. 14, 2009, 02:31 PM

Since the taping of the show, Jon has moved back to KY (I think). He was on the lower end of the scale as far as mounts and worse is what the bugs and Kayla ride. He's right. They do ride the horses that Gomez, Solis, Smith, etc won't. They have to pay their dues and as for Jon, his business had just fallen of. He has paid his dues eons ago. You can't ride bad horses for the Jenny Greens of the world and think that running up the track is going to help develop a load of good business. You might have the most personable agent in the world, but if you keep running up the track, you are screwed. And will continue to ride for the low percentage people who never or rarely win a race that isn't bottoms. And Kayla and Jon are riding for the same people on bad horses. If you aren't riding for Sadler, Mullins, Mitchell.. all of the high percentage guys you are in trouble. OR at least do like Pedroza does and capitalize at Pomona every single year!

As for the relationship with Jon and his wife. I know him well enough to know she's not always on the recieving end of good conduct. Not abusive, just bad behaviour. Small man syndrome.. Or racetrack syndrome.. criss cross

syntheeya

Feb. 14, 2009, 10:53 PM

I find the posts about the "slick" editing rather humorous -- last night (in the later episode, I think) there was a second or so of full frontal nudity in the locker room. Go AP. :winkgrin:

lindasp62

Feb. 15, 2009, 11:37 AM

That was the only good thing about the show... seeing Zenyatta!!!!!!!

I agree...what a mare! :-)

Glimmerglass

Feb. 16, 2009, 08:16 AM

By the way .. flashback to 11/11/2007: Hollywood Park barn notes (http://www.hollywoodpark.com/bet_the_races/barn_notes/barn_notes_11112007.html)

JOCKEY KAYLA STRA SAVORS FIRST U.S. VICTORY

Kayla Stra rejoiced after recording her first United States victory aboard longshot Flying Bearcat in the eighth race Friday night.

Stra, who turns 23 on December 3, was born in Australia and began her career there before moving to California this summer.

"I was born in Adelaide but my parents moved to Fountain Valley until I was five before returning to Australia," explained Stra. "My father used to race motocross bikes." Kayla was more interested in horses. "I left school when I was 13, and went on my own," continued Stra. "I started out on a farm, and later rode at Morphettville in Adelaide. I also went to Melbourne, Victoria and New South Wales."

Stra said she won 220 races in Australia, highlighted by the $125,000 Marion Stakes at Morphettville on Navy Shaker for trainer Gordon Richards, under whom she was an apprentice.

"But I always wanted to come back here to ride and win as much as I can," said Stra, who moved to Del Mar on August 28 to begin familiarizing herself with local horsemen.

Her 13th start in this country proved to be a lucky one as she booted Flying Bearcat to a half-length $30.40 upset for trainer Jennie Green. Stra said she has also been exercising horses for trainers Matthew Chew, Howard Zucker, Jeff Mullins and Clifford Sise.

And from almost two years ago ... 23 May 2006 Australia Wide on ABC2: Q & A with Kayla Stra (http://www.abc.net.au/tv/australiawide/stories/s1645503.htm)

Kayla Stra: The things I really like about being a jockey would have to be working with the animals. I’ve always loved being with them. Just being on a horse and being able to canter along with them and enjoy the feeling and the relaxation of being with them … it’s just beautiful. Early mornings I suppose once you’re up and walking around out of bed it’s not so bad. I just like waking up, seeing the sunrise and being there with ’em all the time.

AiryFairy

Feb. 16, 2009, 11:27 AM

And if you haven't seen his old late-night QVC videos, you really should. :)

"catsak" is probably my favorite.

My favorite was the inflatable football helmets he put on and then banged his head against the wall, because "What else are you supposed to do with these things"....

I watched, a little dismayed at how the whole Mike/Chantal thing is being set up for drama, her moving in, him being unenthusiastic and complaining about her closet space, the looks from her over dinner. I anticipate some creative editing.

Also glad they touched on the bulemia, and I wondered what would happen if the whole racing world just changed the weight limits to a more reasonable weight that wouldn't require starvation and bulemia for adults to maintain an illogical weight, would the industry suffer that much?

pinkdiamondracing

Feb. 16, 2009, 12:10 PM

I wondered what would happen if the whole racing world just changed the weight limits to a more reasonable weight that wouldn't require starvation and bulemia for adults to maintain an illogical weight, would the industry suffer that much?

As the widow of one jockey and the wife of another, both of whom struggle(d) to make weight, I have to say that it would be very beneficial to the sport as a whole if the weights were raised to a more rational level.

As a trainer, I also agree that the weight issue needs to be looked at more. I would rather ride a heavier, stronger jockey on my horse, than a weak, unhealthy one. I am going to get a better ride, each and every time.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 16, 2009, 12:39 PM

I thought this past Friday's double-header episode was much better.

It did convey the difficulties of being young, effectively alone, and battling uphill in the sport by anyone starting out. You do feel for those 'non househould name' riders who are at such a huge meet with lots of money to be had but really just for the top 4 riders. Everyone else is just barely getting by, essentially getting only mounts others don't want, constantly hustling for rides, etc

They still could've condensed - without watering it down - the two episodes into one solid 1 half hour episode including room for commercials ....

More on jockey Jon Court (http://www.dannysheridan.com/horse-racing/fj-court.php) here; he seems to be just slightly off the national radar with being "a name". I'd admit I don't recall him myself but I'm by no means any be-all authority with racing whatsoever!

Some past good mounts with household names (e.g., Perfect Drift and Leroidesanimaux) but a newer rider like Julien Leparoux, for example, has come to this country and in a short time eclipsed him and many other long-time riders.

With Kayla for example you wonder if trying to break into such a hard jockey colony is the best way to approach it - or should you follow what an Inez Karlsson did and make a name for yourself at another less glam track as she did at Hawthorne. Inez opened a lot of eyes and made a name for herself.

Jan 19, 2009 "Here for Eclipse Awards, Karlsson Might Stay Awhile" (http://www.horseraceinsider.com/blog.php/Press-Release/comments/here-for-eclipse-awards-karlsson-might-stay-awhile/)

In regards to Gulfstream

Karlsson is self-effacing and pragmatic about working at Gulfstream and sharing a locker room filled with current and future Hall of Famers like Edgar Prado, Kent Desormeaux and John Velazquez. She’s hoping to pick up some business before Hawthorne re-opens in March while gaining experience in the tough company.

“I’ve got a long ways to go, but if you’re going to learn how to ride, this is the place to be,” she said. “These are the best riders in the world and it’s a completely different ballgame down here.”

Karlsson says she’s already been well received by her fellow riders and is prepared to raise her game to another level after leading the nation in apprentice earnings in 2008.

“Everybody has been very nice and has talked to me about what to expect,” she said. “But I know how tough this is. Some places I can go in a race and follow a guy on the inside when I know he’s going to drift and open the rail. There are no guys like that here. That rail isn’t going to open every time.”

SleepyFox

Feb. 19, 2009, 01:57 PM

Saw this on http://www.drf.com. I still haven't managed to see this show and Hovdey isn't making me want to invest in TIVO. :lol: I did laugh outloud at his idea for the blacksmith show "Bending Over." :lol:

By Jay Hovdey

ARCADIA, Calif. - If it's Friday, it must be time for another installment of the "Jockeys" reality series on Animal Planet, and there's not a darn thing anyone can do about it.

This was a chance, though, to check in with cast member Jon Court, who shifted his tack from Santa Anita to Oaklawn Park this winter in hopes of laying a foundation for a return to his Kentucky roots this spring. Court, who has been active in the reformation of the Jockeys' Guild, looked upon "Jockeys" as a way to raise awareness of his profession. For dramatic purposes, Court, a winner of the George Woolf Award, has assumed the role of the veteran at the end of his career, scuffling for one last hurrah.

"Some of the guys in the show were worried about their image, and I can understand that," Court said. "I am too. But at 48, I felt a little more at ease about embarrassing myself. Believe it or not, though, a lot of people think that what they're seeing is actually A to B. I tell them the show is reality, but . . . "

The list of "buts" is long - last week, among other things, a piece of a race at Fairplex Park was cut into an Oak Tree event - but fans of the show don't really care. As far as the jockeys involved, they all were willing participants in the process of trying to make reality more interesting than it already is.

For instance, there was Court's temper tantrum after losing a race, complete with censored bleeps.

"Me throwing that fit took three takes before I got it right," Court said. "They would say I was smiling while I was mad. Another time I didn't get the lines right. They asked me if I could go back to a certain place or a certain time in my life, and that's where I got it - Louisiana Downs. I was a young man, impatient, trying to make things happen, trying to make magic where there was none. I can reach back into those archives and bring them right to the forefront."

Method acting, they call it, and the next thing you know Court, Kayla, Talamo and the rest of the cast will be lining up to jaw with James Lipton on "Inside the Actors Studio."

"They wanted me to throw my helmet," Court went on. "They said, 'Jocks throw helmets, don't they?' I said that's true, but in the two and a half decades I've rode, I never did. And with these new helmets, you don't want to be throwing them around, maybe hitting a nail, or bouncing it off something and breaking something. You've just trashed a $300 helmet. I said, 'How 'bout I knock over all them boots?' Boom, got it on the first take. Man, did I feel special."

While Court has yet to do much damage at Oaklawn, it's hard for any jockey to walk around Hot Springs this time of year and not get a nod. Especially one who appears on something other than HRTV or TVG.

"They do treat you good here," Court said. "In New York, L.A., or Miami, if somebody looks at you twice, you get nervous. Here, if they give you a second look it's to throw you a wave."

Court does not know what is going to happen through the rest of the series. How would he? He was there. In the meantime, if "Jockeys" sells, why not go for another racing reality show, starting with a spin-off about the men and women who hustle their mounts?

"Spinners" is all about jockey agents - their lives, their loves, their passionate dedication to moral relativism. F. Scott Ftizgerald wrote that "the test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function." By those standards, agents are the racetrack equivalent of chemical engineers. The show would follow such well-known characters as Fats, Black Heart, Snake and The Hat - their actual, given names - as they navigate the treacherous pages of the condition book and wait for Frankel to call.

Or how about "Nails," which can take us deep into the world of the racetrack blacksmith by tracking the exploits of the grizzled Irish genius Tommy Haffacent and the new kid on the block, Bobby "Tongs" Thompson. Haffacent, sort of a Barry Fitzgerald with lower-back pain, has shod 35 of the last 40 winners of the Kentucky Derby, but he's struggling to keep pace with the modern technology represented by Thompson, who has perfected the radical "spit-shine" style of racing plate application and never misses a chance to shove it in the old guy's face. (Originally pitched to Bravo as "Bending Over.")

And finally, "Piles" could be offered to RFD-TV in a heartbeat. We're talking big rigs and the strong men and women who drive them, bearing the muck of a thousand Thoroughbreds down busy interstates, disposing of the nuclear waste of the racing industry. Is the job dangerous? You bet. Lonely? Oh man, such blues have yet to be sung. Waved through weigh stations, shunned at truck stops, haunted by the EPA, these are bona fide heroes of the highway. Come ride in the cab and live the life of the road with Large Marge and Artie "Airbrake" Halberstam, who becomes famous for his catch phrase, "Don't look in there."

It will all feel so real.[/QUOTE]

texang73

Feb. 19, 2009, 02:07 PM

Very amusing article by Hovdey. :lol:

And a good reminder about how even "reality" shows are scripted somewhat to make them more "interesting"...

All in all, though I will keep watching. Fun to see a sport I love get some recognition.

Blinkers On

Feb. 19, 2009, 02:19 PM

Agreed, good article

Larksmom

Feb. 21, 2009, 12:08 PM

Did anyone watch last night? Why would an owner name a promising filly after a jockey's daughter, then not let him ride? Do any of you who are in the know about this clue me in? Thanks

Glimmerglass

Feb. 21, 2009, 01:11 PM

re: Grace Gryder

For what it's worth (after Jockey's was finished filming) she raced Nov 28, 2008 - Race 6
in the Grade 3 Miesque Stakes and finished dead last with Joe Talamo up. What comes around ... ;)

Blinkers On

Feb. 21, 2009, 01:34 PM

It IS the trainer's prerogative to ride whom ever they want regardless of who the horse is named after.
Stein isn't exactly an outstanding individual. Though, I'd ride Joe over Gryder as well and have

DickHertz

Feb. 21, 2009, 02:54 PM

The show is not that appealing. I thought it would get better and it hasn't. 75% of the show is either "coming up" or rehashing what happened before the last commercial or them showing the same ambulance clip 300 times in a row. whoever produced this program should be embarrassed.

Is it just me or does Kayla Stra walk like a duck?

Barnfairy

Feb. 21, 2009, 03:48 PM

Though, I'd ride Joe over Gryder as well and haveThe double entendre in there is making me giggle. So how was it? tee hee ;)

Blinkers On

Feb. 21, 2009, 10:01 PM

He he he he... clever!
And it would be the reverse in that situation.. I could be Joe's mother. And Gryder...

Acertainsmile

Feb. 21, 2009, 10:42 PM

I totally forgot that it was on last night... my husband was downstairs watching though...I hope I can catch the rerun....now I've got to figure out how old AG is...hmmmm. :)

DickHertz

Feb. 21, 2009, 10:58 PM

Gryder is 38 years old

mommy peanut

Feb. 22, 2009, 01:53 AM

NO reruns? I missed this Fridays episode & I haven't found a rerun of it. They reran the episodes all weekend the first few weeks. Now that I missed one, they quit w/ reruns??? Whats up with that:mad:

FrenchFrytheEqHorse

Feb. 22, 2009, 06:59 PM

If you happen to have some kind of digital cable with "on demand" programming, discovery networks puts all their shows on this listing. I can watch Jockeys anytime without having to be home on a Friday night.

WhiteCamry

Feb. 23, 2009, 08:34 PM

Was it just me or did I see Kayla Stra wearing the old Meadow Stables silks in one particular shot?

:confused:

Acertainsmile

Feb. 23, 2009, 09:34 PM

2LaZ2race

Feb. 27, 2009, 09:33 PM

Was it just me or did I see Kayla Stra wearing the old Meadow Stables silks in one particular shot?

:confused:

Where is she this episode? :confused:

Jaegermonster

Feb. 27, 2009, 09:47 PM

Does anyone know the breeding of that Lavender Sky horse?

witherbee

Feb. 27, 2009, 09:50 PM

I think they focus on a couple of jockeys per episode - they aren't showing them all every show. Notice Shantal isn't on either...

2LaZ2race

Feb. 27, 2009, 09:55 PM

I think they focus on a couple of jockeys per episode - they aren't showing them all every show. Notice Shantal isn't on either...

true... I guess I just got used to hearing her say Kayla Straaaaaaaa. I guess it's the ancient, but she says it weird! :lol:

2LaZ2race

Feb. 27, 2009, 09:57 PM

Does anyone know the breeding of that Lavender Sky horse?

is this her?
http://www.equineline.com/Free-5X-Pedigree.cfm?page_state=ORDER_AND_CONFIRM&reference_number=7218127&registry=T&horse_name=Lavender%20Sky&dam_name=Munnaya&foaling_year=2004&nicking_stats_indicator=Y

Jaegermonster

Feb. 27, 2009, 10:05 PM

It is. I found it too on another site when I searched it. She's a good looking mare.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 27, 2009, 10:29 PM

As an aside, it was focused upon tonight that "Lavender Sky" was part owned by Alex Solis Jr (along with (Jeff Davenport, Howard Litt, and Tom Lenner); it is worth citing that Alex Solis Jr also owns part of strong Kentucky Derby hopeful - and the 2nd best West Coast runner likely to go to Churchill after Pioneerof The Nile - The Pamplemousse

The Pamplemousse is running Sat Mar 1st in the $200,000 Sham Stakes at Santa Anita with you guessed it his dad, Alexis Solis up ;)

Laurierace

Feb. 27, 2009, 10:37 PM

Blinkers On

Feb. 28, 2009, 08:24 PM

I agree Laurie, but Solis Jr Jr does do a good job. And Howard's son works for Three Chimney's, so they are hooked up and might get the $500,000 for the mare... A million in this economy is questionable . UNLESS you are well connected. Which they are. And if they breed to the right stallion.... never can tell

ETA.. I have had nothing but luck wih Joe, Though it is very nice to see Mike takinging him under his wing. He is a good kid and gives everything. He has nowhere but up to go!

FOXYANDME

Mar. 2, 2009, 12:14 PM

Glimmerglass

Mar. 7, 2009, 09:05 AM

As noted by Equidaily.com: the show has been renewed for a second season and filming starts (http://www.santaanita.com/news/sn.php?f=stablenotesbyedgoldenthursdaymarch5) today (Mar 7th) at Santa Anita

Acertainsmile

Mar. 7, 2009, 09:48 AM

Exactly how did you access the series through "On Demand?" Not to be so dumb, but I tried and couldn't locate it anywhere. We've had plans the past 3 Friday nights - arrrgh! I would love to catch up on what I've missed. Thanks much, jan

Jan, go to On Demand, then TV Entertainment, then Discovery Networks... then Animal Planet! Dont ask me how I found it, I'm remote challenged to say the least. :)

pAin't_Misbehavin'

Mar. 7, 2009, 10:10 AM

I think Jon Court has come up with an excellent word there.:yes: As in, his wife was "jubilated" to find out her husband would ride in a Breeder's Cup race.

Is "jubilated" the opposite of "aghasted"?:lol:

Vitriolic

Mar. 7, 2009, 02:45 PM

Barnfairy and SleepyFox, I'm right there with ya! As one of you knows, coming from an exercise rider aspiring jockey, there's so much more to it than just the spills.
.

I can't find the right post to quote, but the number one rule of the workplace: "Don't get your meat, where you get your bread". ;)

I am enjoying the series, but for anyone who has never been in a "smaller" jock's room before, it is a lot more violent. If Talamo (or any youngster) said to an older guy who was telling him he cut him off, "Hey man, I was clear", he'd be rinsing SaniFlush out of his hair. :D

Vitriolic

Mar. 7, 2009, 02:50 PM

I agree. At first I sympathized with his frustration--though I did wonder why he left Kentucky if he was on such a roll here, does anyone know?--but that comment really turned me off. If I was an owner who had used him in the past, presumably on a "crappy horse" I certainly wouldn't ride him back. I wonder if that publicly aired attitude will end up costing him rides.

That was rude, as was the little tantrum they keep showing of him knocking down all the boots. One doesn't touch another's equipment. Ever!

Glimmerglass

Mar. 7, 2009, 04:19 PM

As noted in this thread (with the DRF article) the "tatrum" with Jon Court knocking down the boots was staged. The show's producers wanted him to throw down his helmet.

Anyhow, worth noting is that Jon has a ride in today's $1M Santa Anita Handicap. He'll be riding from the 10 hole on a horse named "Cause" who is pegged at 30-1 morning line odds.

Acertainsmile

Mar. 7, 2009, 09:09 PM

My husband has trained for years, and I've been around awhile too (rode races, galloped and trained)... in the clip of John Court in the winners circle it looked like the valet had a long piece of tape or something he pulled off the saddle, whip, etc. I watched it a few times, then made my husband watch... we couldnt figure out what the heck it could be! Anyone willing to watch it again?

Paige777

Mar. 7, 2009, 09:14 PM

DickHertz

Mar. 7, 2009, 09:44 PM

You guys are just overthinking it.

The overgirth was just stuck under the jockey's ass. That's all.

justalittlex

Mar. 7, 2009, 10:11 PM

My husband struck up a conversation with one of the 8 cameramen shooting "Jockeys" today. He learned that it's a non union show, that the jockeys liked what they were seeing so were likely to open up more next season, and that they were going to try to shoot more original footage rather than pad it as it's been up till now.

DickHertz

Mar. 7, 2009, 10:28 PM

I wish they would just make it an hour show instead of wasting time breaking into two half hours which is filled with "coming up" and "next time". The show could be a lot better than what it is.

imjustjoking22

Mar. 7, 2009, 11:26 PM

I wish they would just make it an hour show instead of wasting time breaking into two half hours which is filled with "coming up" and "next time". The show could be a lot better than what it is.

Yea I would have to agree with that.

Glimmerglass

Mar. 7, 2009, 11:31 PM

They should do a couple of focus groups with what people like and don't like to try and improve on the product. First complaint most people will have is the excessive footage of horses getting injured. Yes it happens and no need to sweep it under the rug - however unless it occurs during the filming (i.e., do not use historical footage) then it has no real place.

justalittlex

Mar. 7, 2009, 11:35 PM

The cameraman was actually asking my hub what he liked and didn't like... by the time I got there the guy was about on to his next shots. It seems like they're eager for input.

EponaRoan

Mar. 8, 2009, 03:05 AM

Is "jubilated" the opposite of "aghasted"?:lol:

If it's not, it should be. :yes:

Acertainsmile

Mar. 8, 2009, 11:54 AM

You guys are just overthinking it.

The overgirth was just stuck under the jockey's ass. That's all.

I'll have to watch it again... if it was the girth it was the stretchiest one I've ever seen!

Jessi P

Mar. 8, 2009, 01:57 PM

I agree - a one hour show would be so much better than two half hour shows, back to back with all the duplication.

Too much injury footage. Lets not go out of our way to downplay it, but lets not find it and repeat it endlessly either.

Glimmerglass

Mar. 8, 2009, 05:11 PM

With season two I don't know how much Chantal will appear. While filming started yesterday she is leaving Santa Anita at month's end to return to Woodbine in her native Canada:

DRF 3-6-09 "Sutherland going back to Woodbine for now" (http://horseracing.sportsline.com/cbs/headlines/showarticle.aspx?articleId=34413)

Sutherland, 33, said the purses at Woodbine and her allegiance to several leading stables based there make it difficult to miss that meeting this year. Last year she was ranked third in the Woodbine jockey standings when she relocated to California for the Oak Tree at Santa Anita meeting.

"I have an opportunity to go back to Canada and the purses are so good," she said.

Through Thursday, Sutherland was 10th in the standings with 15 wins, two behind ninth-place Martin Garcia.

In addition to riding, Sutherland is part of the television series "Jockeys" which concludes a five-week run on Animal Planet next weekend. The program has partially focused on her personal relationship with fellow rider Mike Smith.

"I think they did a good job," she said. "I think they've portrayed us accurately."

Sutherland said she plans to return to Woodbine for the track's opening weekend on April 4 and will ride the following two weeks at Santa Anita, completing the Santa Anita meeting on April 19.

She said she does not anticipate returning to California until the fall, in time for the start of the 2009-10 Santa Anita winter-spring meeting.

justalittlex

Mar. 8, 2009, 07:08 PM

There go the ratings! (no Chantal)

Meredith Clark

Mar. 8, 2009, 09:16 PM

So is she not with Mike Smith anymore? (I don't know the racing gossip!)

Toadie's mom

Mar. 8, 2009, 09:50 PM

Strictly for her sake, I'm glad Chantal is going back to Canada. Mike is coming off as quite the chauvinist pig. If he just wants kids, I'm sure there are plenty of jockey groupies around to accomodate him. That's a little harsh, I guess, but he doesn't seem very supportive.

Glimmerglass

Mar. 8, 2009, 11:12 PM

Strictly for her sake, I'm glad Chantal is going back to Canada.

IMHO she is better off focusing on her career and building up would could be a very significant bank of money. Putting her name and fortune relatively speaking on hold as per say is just not the best move. She can likely regain a position of being a top 5 jockey - if not the champion - up at Woodbine and make a lot more money in the process. She gets many quality mounts in SoCal but will never surpass Gomez or Mike Smith to get to the top.

She is obviously attractive, has charisma and is a good jockey. Although watching Jockey's and how folks gushed that she'll be the next Julie Krone is just not the case.

Frankly jockey Anna Napravnik who went 17-for-98 in February at Aqueduct and winning at least one race on nine straight cards from Feb. 19 to 28 has more of an edge. She is tough as they get in a very competitive jockey colony.

EponaRoan

Mar. 9, 2009, 01:36 PM

Barnfairy

Mar. 9, 2009, 01:40 PM

I pretty much take everything that is said on that show with a grain of salt. Scripted reality isn't very real.

And I have to agree, that was one mighty stretchy overgirth! There was a moment there I thought for sure somebody was gonna get twanged in the eye or whacked on the butt, depending on which end let loose first.

Larksmom

Mar. 9, 2009, 01:51 PM

Remember the old saying, so quaint, Why buy the cow when the milk is free? That is all I thought of when I saw that bit. Don't people even discuss this stuff before they fall into bed these days? Does Mike think a wedding ring will make kids grow up ok? I wanted to pull my eyeballs out. I agree she should go back to Canada and focus on her career. If he loves her, let him make a move and show it. Doesn't look to me like he is really serious.
I do so agree about the falls. I hope they quit focusing on that.

VelvetNoses

Mar. 9, 2009, 04:22 PM

I had heard that Season Two was going to focus on the Road to the Derby. If that is the case, many of the plot lines might end with the Santa Anita Derby on April 4th, including Chantal's decision to move her tack back to Woodbine.

Have they announced which jockeys will be in Season Two?

Smith and Sutherland got their pictures taken Saturday with the producers, so it's a good bet that they will be back. I assume Talamo, Gryder and Stra are returning, but not Court since he has moved to the midwest.

I also heard that Tyler and Mike Baze might be featured this time around. Solis' quest for the HOF would make for a good story, as would his Derby quest with The Pamplemousse.

skatepixie

Mar. 9, 2009, 07:47 PM

OTOH, if Chantal really wants to have children, she probably should do it within the next few years. Like she says, it sucks that men can't get pregnant.

I was struck by Mike Smith saying that the only reason he'd get married (to her?) was to have a family. If that's the only reason someone wants to marry you, I'd say that breaking up is probably a good idea. Then again, I don't want kids. But I think I'd feel the same way if I did.

Honestly, I can't blame the man for being honest with her re his desire to have kids. If he takes marriage seriously at all, he should ask her to be honest so that he knows if they are a good match, etc. I didn't see it as much as that he would literally only marry her for kids so much as that he only wanted to marry someone who would give him a family. If that's not her, then he's good to be honest with both of them about it. Doesn't make him a pig as some have called him.

Honestly, if Chantal doesn't know what she wants...she can't commit to marriage.

AiryFairy

Mar. 14, 2009, 11:43 PM

Alibhai's Alibar

Mar. 15, 2009, 02:52 PM

I understand that the show needed to end with a bang with Zenyatta winning the Distaff (Ladies' Classic is such an awful name), but the mixed-up Breeders' Cup days and races drove me nuts!

crthunder

Mar. 15, 2009, 04:51 PM

I understand that the show needed to end with a bang with Zenyatta winning the Distaff (Ladies' Classic is such an awful name), but the mixed-up Breeders' Cup days and races drove me nuts!

I agree! I was watching Jockeys through on-demand so I actually watched the show's finale before the Curlin episode because silly me thought they wouldn't mess with the order of the races!

:/
B

SuperSTB

Mar. 15, 2009, 06:52 PM

So now that the first season is over and I've digested my thoughts...

Yeah for friggin TIVO or On-Demand. Let me tell you, it was worth it to be able to zoom through the extras!

It was pretty good- I actually enjoyed it. I also realized that there would be staged scenes so... any instance that the crew would have ample time was ripe for staging.

I was amazed at how many snipits of different trainers, jockeys, etc were in on the show too. Racing is entertainment so it didn't bother me at all about making it more commercial :)

Definetly watch the next season.

justalittlex

Mar. 15, 2009, 07:02 PM

I saw a cameraman stalking Chantal as she was walking to the paddock area today, with camera close and focussed on her rear, which seemed a little tacky. She's prettier in person than on the show. Also creating a whole new fan base with requests for autographs.

Glimmerglass

Mar. 16, 2009, 11:06 AM

I understand that the show needed to end with a bang with Zenyatta winning the Distaff (Ladies' Classic is such an awful name), but the mixed-up Breeders' Cup days and races drove me nuts!

Agreed that was just silly. The time sequence of the Breeders' Cup Classic being portrayed as held the day before Zenyatta would run was really wasn't necessary. The show somewhat flopped towards the end. For the last episode why not cite where the various jocks ended up in the standings for the meet?

Blinkers On

Mar. 16, 2009, 11:54 AM

So is she not with Mike Smith anymore? (I don't know the racing gossip!)

Shecomes here for the winter and returns home yearly.. or atleast the last two years. They survive it.

AZ Native

Mar. 16, 2009, 12:17 PM

She gets many quality mounts in SoCal but will never surpass Gomez or Mike Smith to get to the top.

She is obviously attractive, has charisma and is a good jockey. Although watching Jockey's and how folks gushed that she'll be the next Julie Krone is just not the case.

Frankly jockey Anna Napravnik who went 17-for-98 in February at Aqueduct and winning at least one race on nine straight cards from Feb. 19 to 28 has more of an edge. She is tough as they get in a very competitive jockey colony.

As a viewer of the show, but knowing very little about racing, or what it takes to be a good race rider,would you be kind enough to elaborate on the above ? What does Chantel lack , for example, that Julie and the others mentioned , have ? Thanks in advance.:)

Coral

Mar. 16, 2009, 01:33 PM

DickHertz

Mar. 16, 2009, 02:52 PM

They should just take out the drama angle and make it an hour long show because it's way too choppy right now when it's split into half hours. One of the most annoying things on TV is when they do "coming up" or "last time on.." with shows that are an obvious niche/dedicated audience. We know what happened on the last "jockeys" because it just took place five minutes ago.

RedMare01

Mar. 16, 2009, 07:48 PM

I don't think they needed to change up the time line of the Breeder's Cup either and in fact that ruined the entire last episode(s) for me. I don't see what was gained by doing that, even for people who didn't know how it all turned out in the end. For people who knew the actual order of events it was nothing but distracting.

Overall I was not all that impressed. It seemed like they were making obvious attempts to add drama where there probably wasn't any in real life. I agree with everyone who said that they overused the accident footage in ways that wasn't really all that appropriate.

Don't get me wrong, I love the fact that more racing was on TV even if it was all drama-ed out and think that anything that gets the industry more TV time is great, but it lacked something for me. Will I watch the second season? Sure, if only to see Zenyatta some more :D

I agree. I also thought the last few episodes weren't as good as the ones in the middle. As for the accident footage-the one that they showed in the opening credits where the horse runs into the hedge (on grass) and the jockey flips over it-isn't even Santa Anita (I don't think, correct me if I'm wrong) and wasn't ever in the actual show. It's like they just said, hey, that's a cool looking wreck, lets just add it in here for some spice.

Caitlin

iloverocky

Mar. 16, 2009, 07:56 PM

As for the accident footage-the one that they showed in the opening credits where the horse runs into the hedge (on grass) and the jockey flips over it-isn't even Santa Anita (I don't think, correct me if I'm wrong) and wasn't ever in the actual show. It's like they just said, hey, that's a cool looking wreck, lets just add it in here for some spice.

I might be wrong, but I thought that accident footage was the accident in which Mike Smith broke his back in late '90s.

terasa

Mar. 16, 2009, 08:29 PM

I might be wrong, but I thought that accident footage was the accident in which Mike Smith broke his back in late '90s.

They showed it on last weeks episode, I think? And, yes, it was an older video of a wreck where Mike Smith broke his back. They just threw it in as a 'here's what can happen to a jockey' sorta thing while they talked about his injuries. Kinda silly they had it on the opening credits all that time when it wasnt really directly related to the show.

Acertainsmile

Mar. 16, 2009, 08:51 PM

As a viewer of the show, but knowing very little about racing, or what it takes to be a good race rider,would you be kind enough to elaborate on the above ? What does Chantel lack , for example, that Julie and the others mentioned , have ? Thanks in advance.:)

Seperating the good from the great can be a fine line... as far as women riders, Julie had grit, she rode like a guy, and you couldnt tell her apart from them. She was a very strong rider, and made few mistakes... horses ran for her, more so than not she "moved them up".

ShowMeTheGlory

Mar. 17, 2009, 07:02 PM

They showed it on last weeks episode, I think? And, yes, it was an older video of a wreck where Mike Smith broke his back. They just threw it in as a 'here's what can happen to a jockey' sorta thing while they talked about his injuries. Kinda silly they had it on the opening credits all that time when it wasnt really directly related to the show.

When they show that clip in the opening credits it is when Mike Smith says "it can be all over in a matter of a minute" or something like that. So it is relevant.

2LaZ2race

Mar. 17, 2009, 08:19 PM

What about the clip of A Gryder and Joe Talamo (sp?) wrestling on the track? did that ever actually happen?

Foxtrot's

Mar. 17, 2009, 08:36 PM

It didn't keep me - watched a few episodes, but the fake race calling got me. Nice horses though.

AliCat

Mar. 17, 2009, 08:51 PM

I enjoyed it but got annoyed with the fake race calls.

nickers@dawn

Mar. 17, 2009, 08:55 PM

2LaZ2race

Mar. 17, 2009, 09:10 PM

iloverocky

Mar. 17, 2009, 09:13 PM

I just want to know does Chantal shop for her clothes at The Disney store? I certainly respect her riding ability, but I am dumbfounded at her strange outfits, ponytails, and pink eyeshadow. Anyone???

:lol: Every episode I found myself pondering where in the world she got those horrible outfits ... the necklace with the pink bows, that silver poof jacket; it was bizarre.

Blinkers On

Mar. 17, 2009, 09:17 PM

She is a really nice girl

nickers@dawn

Mar. 17, 2009, 09:18 PM

It's odd though, because a few of the times she's gone out to dinner in stylish dresses and looked great. So why the Jekyll and Hyde?

nickers@dawn

Mar. 17, 2009, 09:21 PM

She is a really nice girl

Now I feel bad, I really do like her and I'm sure she is great. I just think she needs to be on an episode of What Not to Wear.

Blinkers On

Mar. 17, 2009, 09:59 PM

LOL.... She's from Toronto... that's the excuse for the wardrobe issues:)

2LaZ2race

Mar. 17, 2009, 11:39 PM

She is a really nice girl

:yes: It's fun to tease, but at the end of the day she really does dress with more style than most horse woman that would walk around in a burlap bag if it let them get done their barn work more efficiently! (not that there's anything wrong with that!)

AiryFairy

Mar. 18, 2009, 06:28 AM

Will I watch the second season? Sure, if only to see Zenyatta some more :D

She is a gorgeous mare, but I laughed out loud at her 'crab walk' as she left the saddling area before the race in last week's episode. She walked just like Brentina did at the Olympics, with the odd reaching of the hind legs. IIRC they said she does that when she's excited. Maybe it's mare thing?

Blinkers On

Mar. 19, 2009, 02:26 PM

:yes: It's fun to tease, but at the end of the day she really does dress with more style than most horse woman that would walk around in a burlap bag if it let them get done their barn work more efficiently! (not that there's anything wrong with that!)

LOL! True that!!
Not always time to pretty up! I can often be seen with a stinky pooh stained knee or poultice or Kopertox on my face... no matter how hard I try to stay clean...:(

jetandmegs4

Mar. 19, 2009, 02:51 PM

When does season two start?

emaren

Mar. 19, 2009, 02:59 PM

I went to Oaklawn (in Arkansas) this weekend. My mom was visiting me on vacation and Friday night I made her watch Jockeys with me. Then on Saturday it was really exciting to be there and actually see Jon Court ride in person, although he only had one winning ride, I bet a few people were betting on him just because of the show (my mom was). A real live celebrity!

The big race was the Rebel. It was really awesome to be there with all the triple crown nominees. I had a bet on the winner Win Willy and it paid $11. I was wishing I had bet to win because the take home on a $2 bet was $115! Everyone bet on Old Fashioned since he was on the news all week, but the longshot pulled it off. Really exciting day and makes me want to go back for the Arkansas Derby.

EquineRacers

Mar. 19, 2009, 03:01 PM

I saw the TV crew down last weekend at Los Alamitos filming a 4 1/2 FL claiming race that Kayla Straw rode in. I'll be watching the next season.

DickHertz

Mar. 19, 2009, 03:08 PM

I saw the TV crew down last weekend at Los Alamitos filming a 4 1/2 FL claiming race that Kayla Straw rode in. I'll be watching the next season.

I watched the race. She got outridden - those 4 1/2 dashes are a completely different type of race than 5 1/2 at Santa Anita.

Blinkers On

Mar. 19, 2009, 03:24 PM

outridden at Los Al. There's something to add to a resume!

DickHertz

Mar. 19, 2009, 03:34 PM

outridden at Los Al. There's something to add to a resume!

Those jocks down there - for that type of racing - are really good ! I'll bet others at SA would have the same fate as Kayla. She just didn't urge her horse enough and was sititng chilly as if she had 1/4 mile to make up the ground in the stretch.

Blinkers On

Mar. 19, 2009, 04:04 PM

Many of those riders have tried SA and remain at Los Al on purpose. The distinct standout who is able to cross over is Agapito Delgadio. Other than that, they do try and they all stay with the mixed breeds or individual breeds at Los Al. Nothing wrong with recognizing one's "home" and limitation. Kayla ought to follow suit.

EquineRacers

Mar. 19, 2009, 07:51 PM

Kayla ought to follow suit.

Seems like a sweet girl, but I really have to agree with you. Or even better, if she would veture out to the East Coast, I'd bet she'd do a bit better.

justalittlex

Mar. 19, 2009, 08:55 PM

Agapito has had a few nice wins at SA lately.

Blinkers On

Mar. 19, 2009, 09:59 PM

I agree. East would be better, and Agapito can be money! He is a d rider. Works as hard as anyone at any and every track. Gets on some bad horses and gets it done at a price. I am a fan of sorts.
In all honestly, in the "Magna" environment we might all be looking to head east. Kayla might be wise to go somewhere and establish some business before the knee jerk mass exodus. We are concerned in a big way.

DickHertz

Mar. 20, 2009, 09:31 AM

The series will return in late summer, and yes, they've done away with the stupid back-to-back half hour programs. They've added Garrett Gomez and Corey Nakatani as some of the jockeys they follow.

From the Bloodhorse

----------------------------

Animal Planet announced March 19 that the network’s popular docu-drama “Jockeys” would be renewed for a second season of programs. The first season, which concluded March 13, brought Animal Planet viewers into the lives of seven jockeys who raced at Santa Anita Park during its Oak Tree Meet last fall.

Following the successful first season, which brought in more than 9.2 million unique viewers, Animal Planet has ordered a second season of seven hour-long episodes set to premiere late this summer.

“It's our goal in the second season to bring viewers even deeper into the exciting, challenging and complex lives of the jockeys," said Marjorie Kaplan, President and general manager of Animal Planet. "Hour-long episodes give us a broader palette to do so and to create a richer experience of the whole world of racing, horses, and the track.”

For season two, the network, in conjunction with entertainment production house Go Go Luckey, will bring back six of the jockeys previously featured and introduce viewers to two new jockeys, Garrett Gomez and Corey Nakatani.

“The addition of Gomez and Nakatani will round out a class of jockeys whose professional and personal stories will pull viewers further into the enticing world of horse racing,” said Jason Carey, executive producer at Animal Planet. “We hope viewers will not only connect with the intense love of competition apparent in these athletes, but also appreciate the relationships the jockeys share with each other and with the horses they partner with in every thrilling victory.”

Returning to the show after appearing on season one are Chantal Sutherland, Mike Smith, Kayla Stra, Alex Solis, Joe Talamo, and Aaron Gryder. Jockey Jon Court will depart the show during the first episode of season two as he moves his riding base from California to the Midwest.

Coral

Mar. 20, 2009, 12:49 PM

She is a gorgeous mare, but I laughed out loud at her 'crab walk' as she left the saddling area before the race in last week's episode. She walked just like Brentina did at the Olympics, with the odd reaching of the hind legs. IIRC they said she does that when she's excited. Maybe it's mare thing?

Apparently Zenyatta is VERY quirky, especially pre-race. She's got that crazy spanish walk thing she does that no one can figure out. She also doesn't warm up when the rest of the horses do before the race, she just stands in the track while the others are jogging which I find really hilarious. She's always dawdling in the gate after the bell as if to give the other horses a head start. I guess overall they figure it's not worth getting in her way to make her do things she doesn't want to do since she is so spectacular.

Glimmerglass

Mar. 31, 2009, 11:17 AM

With Aaron being one of the featured jocks with the show - and winning the Dubai World Cup on "Well Armed" - the producers will look to incorporate this into the 2nd season:

The Animal Planet provided Gryder with a nifty hand-held recording device that he would use to document his experience in Dubai. Needless to write, the Animal Planet crew had to be head-over-heels with Well Armed’s emphatic 14-length victory in the World Cup.

In regards to rating for the show - the original debut 1-hour episode did very well for Animal Planet:

"Animal Planet was thrilled with the premiere" (http://saratogatrack.blogspot.com/2009/02/animal-planet-jockeys-premiere-garners.html)

Thali Kouperstein of Discovery:
"The back to back premiere episodes (9-10pm) brought in more than 1 million unique P2+* viewers (1.014M). The ratings were a .6** household; a 50% increase from the year-ago timeslot average."

Notes:
*: P2t means all persons over the age of 2

**:A household rating is the estimate of the size of a television audience relative to the total universe, expressed as a percentage

***: Live and DVR Same Day Viewing includes DVR playback on the same day, defined as 3 a.m.-3 a.m.

Overall the since concluded Season 1 pulled in solid viewership: (http://www.worldscreen.com/articles/display/20228)

The first season, which brought in more than 9.2 million unique viewers ages 2 and up, wrapped on March 13. The second cycle will bring seven new hour-long episodes to Animal Planet, which will launch the series' return late this summer. The sophomore season brings back six of the jockeys who were previously featured, alongside two new jockeys who are at the height of their careers.

"It's our goal in the second season to bring viewers even deeper into the exciting, challenging and complex lives of the jockeys," said Marjorie Kaplan, the president and general manager of Animal Planet. "Hour-long episodes give us a broader palette to do so and to create a richer experience of the whole world of racing, horses and the track."

Gone it would appear are the 30-minute espisode format which is a good thing.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 1, 2009, 10:50 AM

On Chantal's departure from Southern California ...

LA Times 4/1/09 "Jockies' relationship will go the extra distance to reach the winner's circle" (http://www.latimes.com/sports/horseracing/la-sp-dwyre-mike-smith1-2009apr01,0,2571054.column?track=rss)

Sadly, for him and for horse gamblers who love how Sutherland brings in the longshots, he is getting back some of that closet space. Sutherland is moving out. She won two races over the weekend at Santa Anita, including Sunday's first aboard Bullybullybully, and will ride one horse today in the last race before boarding an airplane and flying away.

The Woodbine meeting starts Friday and will run each Friday, Saturday and Sunday until May, when it adds Wednesday and Thursday and continues through early December.

Smith says he will see lots of her by flying red-eyes -- Sunday nights to Toronto, Tuesday nights back. (Gamblers beware of plunking your money down on Smith in early Wednesday races).

"We have done the red-eye so often between here and Toronto that the flight attendants started calling us by name," Sutherland says. "Pretty soon, we'd seen all the movies twice."

Smith won't race at Woodbine as much as he will visit. He doesn't have a Canadian work visa and can only ride American-owned horses at that track.

Interesting - I never knew that American jockey's would be restricted to riding only American-owned horses in such a circumstance.

justalittlex

Apr. 1, 2009, 12:42 PM

Nice that the L.A. Times gave it so much ink, inside sports cover in actual paper. For awhile this year they dropped racing coverage entirely.

jengersnap

Apr. 1, 2009, 02:19 PM

Ah, but would he be riding, or just visiting?

Not that this American owner living in Canada with a horse or two looking toward Woodbine would be wondering... :D

satan

Apr. 1, 2009, 02:40 PM

I enjoyed watching this show with my daughter. It was a fun show. I can't wait for season 2 to start. It's so hard to find good shows anymore that aren't abusing animals or have sex and swear words in them. I like reality shows too. I live around Philly so I go to Philly park when I can. Does anyone race? I would love to chat with you about that. I find it very interesting

DickHertz

Apr. 1, 2009, 05:30 PM

Nice that the L.A. Times gave it so much ink, inside sports cover in actual paper. For awhile this year they dropped racing coverage entirely.

Yeah, too bad hardly anyone is reading the paper anymore. But yeah, its still a good thing.

Las Olas

Apr. 1, 2009, 09:20 PM

Yeah, too bad hardly anyone is reading the paper anymore. But yeah, its still a good thing.

Here it is on the L.A. Times website.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/

justalittlex

Apr. 1, 2009, 10:19 PM

You learn so much more reading an actual newspaper than you'll ever get on the web: not just talking about racing. So unfortunate that newspapers are dropping away.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 30, 2009, 12:45 PM

Several of the "Jockey's" season 2 cast are in the Kentucky Derby so too are the Animal Planet series cameras.

Courier-Journal 4-30-09 "'Jockeys' getting nice ride on TV" (http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090430/SPORTS08/904300424) - excerpts:

The show has made it to the backside at Churchill Downs this week. A film crew is shooting scenes for the second season, which will begin in August. Talamo, Smith and Garrett Gomez -- all of whom will be riding in the Derby -- will be on the show.

"We're so excited because we have Garrett and Mike and Joe all riding in the Derby," said Animal Planet director of communications Tahli Kouperstein, who is at the Downs with a team promoting the series. "Obviously, we have our eyes on them."

A lot of eyes have been on "Jockeys." More than 9.2 million viewers watched the initial run of 12 half-hour episodes, which ended March 13 (it still can be viewed at animal.discovery.com).

Kouperstein said Animal Planet was elated with the first-year response and predicted that the addition of veterans Gomez and Nakatani will be a huge boost.

"People were drawn to this," she said. "It's a different type of show for us. We're all over the board, but this is a real strong show because it shows the real strong relationships, and not just with the jockeys themselves but also with the jockey and horse.

This week the cameras are following every move of Smith, Talamo and Gomez. Smith, who will be aboard Chocolate Candy, said a Derby victory would be a fitting finale for season two.

"Wouldn't it be something if one of the jocks won the Derby?" he said. "I hope it works out for us -- especially for me."