You think you know horse racing? Plenty of people pick up the Daily Racing Form, do their homework and win a race or two. Or they play the amazing Horse Racing Fantasy Game (that brought you here today) and have beaten their friends to a pulp every time, on every track with every available horse.
But what’s missing, and you won’t find anywhere else but in this space, is how to look at horse racing from a jockey’s perspective. We look at each race in a much different way than even the most experienced and dedicated fan of the game. (We have to! we're the ones going at breakneck speed on that big, unstoppable machine!) In the coming days, I’m going to share some information and jockey-style insight that you’ll find fascinating – plus gives you the edge in this game and the world of real horse betting.
I’m going to tell you why the first 30 yards of a race are more important that the last 30, why positioning is so crucial to where a horse finishes, how much track conditions really matter to the horse and jockey, and much more. My blog is going to be all about making you a smarter fan and hopefully, a much more successful player.
Hall of famer Kent Desormeaux is the picture of perseverance. After having his skull fractured in a 1990 spill, many jockeys would have called it a career, but the best was still ahead for this incredibly skilled rider. Kent completed a full recovery from his accident and went on to three Triple Crown victories and three Breeders’ Cup victories before becoming the third youngest jockey in history to win 4,000 races.
Desormeaux was elected to the Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2004, and currently continues to add records to his resume and stories to his legend.
Hi Kent. I'm so glad you're going to be blogging. As is probably the case with most serious racing fans, I've been following your career for several years now. I just wanted to say thanks for sharing your tips and input with all of us - I'm looking forward to learning more.
I am hyped up about talking to you! I never thought I would get the chance to ask this from a professional jockey! How do you ride closers? In all the horse racing games that I have had, I have never been good at riding closers. I would either get boxed in the middle when I tried to move through the pack or my horse would die on the stretch after it had run all of those extra yards trying to go on the outside of the pack. So what is the secret to riding them?
Hi I am excited to learn more from one of my favorite riders in the game. Every thing I learn will help me both in the game and at the track. As you can tell from my account name you are my favorite rider hope you dont mind the knock off of your name.
Dear Mr. Desormeaux,
I can't wait to read all of the blogs you have and are yet to create! I just stumbled upon this website today and I'm VERY excited! When I get a little older, I plan on becoming a jockey myself. But in the mean time, I like to follow you and Big Brown on your racing careers. I thought I might add, that to me, your the GREATEST jockey in the world!!
Thanks again,
Kayla
i wish i could be a jockey but i think im gonna be to tall. :( i guess im just gonna stick to show jumpers or dressage riding cant wait till the blogs
annees - If you'd like some help then you can email me with any questions you may have...I'd love to answer them. :)
-Kayla
I drove out to Kentucky last spring and took lots of photos of Churchill Downs and Keeneland Racecourse. I posted a few of them to the gallery so far. I also went to Rolex Ky Three-Day Event at Ky Horse Park.
Gwin Willis
Thanks for all of the winners over the years, you've made me plenty of money.
I'm really looking forward to your insight. You're one of the best jockeys of ALL TIME!
Ok Kent,you've got our attention mate.
Let's talk racin'
Your one of the best jockies in the biz and it's clearly a privilege to have you here at HRF,we'd love to hear from you
-MoTron-
i would love for just once to be a jocky and ride some of the fatses horses ever! its neat seeing what a jockyes perspective is
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