Animal Planet Picks Up "Jockeys" Reality TV Show for Second Season

By Julie Kent. Published on 03/21/2009 - 8:22am

Jockeys Garrett Gomez & Corey Nakatani will also join the cast.

"Jockeys", a reality television show that gives viewers a peek into the lives of professional jockeys, which debuted on The Animal Planet back in February has been picked up for a second season by the network. The docu-drama was picked up for seven more hour-long episodes, which will premiere in the late summer.

Marjorie Kaplan, president and general manager of Animal Planet said:

"'Jockeys' is all about life lived intensely. There's an intimacy and fundamental relationship between the rider and his/her horse when you ride up to 10 races a day in which you or your horse could be seriously injured, or worse. If you lose, you might clear just $18 and if you win, you can make $100,000. 'Jockeys' takes character moments like these and it sets them in high relief."

The show itself, while about the sport of horse racing, focuses a lot on the relationships between people, as well as the animals and people.

Kaplan continued:

"Animal Planet is all about the profound relationships between animals and people. This is true between the jockeys and horses - it's a dangerous and even controversial sport, but there's a relationship there, and that's the real-life drama we expect will continue to unfold throughout season two."

Six of the seven jockeys from the first season will return for the second, and two new jockeys will be thrown in the the sophomore season's mix. Garrett Gomez, who won this year's "Jockey of the Year" award, and Corey Nakatani, winner of seven Breeders' Cups, will join the regular cast including: Mike Smith, Kayla Stra, Chantal Sutherland, Joe Talamo, Aaron Gryder, and Alex Solis.

Jockey Jon Court will also make a brief appearance in the first episode of the second season, as he makes his way to a Kentucky racetrack. Professional horse race handicapper Jimmy the Hat and West Coast regional manager of the Jockeys' Guild Darrell Haire, will also be returning to the show.

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Comments

Submitted by Guest (not verified) on March 21, 2009 - 1:03pm
#1

An excellent show that deserves more publicity in light of the recent controversy over the death of Derby runner up Eight Belles and the use of steroids. PETA has twisted an elegant sport into one of cruelty and inhumainty. This show brings to light the human side of the game and people can judge for themselves just how much humans care about these horses. A suggestion: (from a 20 year veteran racehorse groom/caretaker) include a groom or 2 during the show, so people can see how people sacrifice their WHOLE LIVES to these animals. In fact a whole show could have been done on how grooms take care of champions as well as lesser horses-day in-day out-7 days a week-all year. If anyone wants some insight feel free to email me at edeech@hotmail.com.

Submitted by Guest (not verified) on June 20, 2009 - 3:08pm
#2

Can't wait for the second season to start. This is a great show and I hope it continues for a long, long time. The horse racing industry needs all the help it can get to stay afloat and this is definitely a way to help. I'm a long time race fan and it's great to see a show like this.

Thanks

Submitted by anders (not verified) on July 9, 2009 - 3:16pm
#3

Jockeys was a great show and glad to hear it is coming back. I had to have a friend of mine tape the shows last season because I didnt have cable at the time but didnt miss an episode, got cable now so wont miss any this years too. I work at Pinnacle Race Track in the detroit area and also worked at Beulah Park in Columbus, I love horse racing even though I dont hardly ever bet. Brandon Meier who was on the show last year, raced at Pinnacle at the other day and won a allowance race.I had a moment to meet him and shake his hand seems like a real nice kid, and you have to give these guys their props cause that are some real tough cookies. Working in the industry I have seen many crashes these guys have to endure, not to mention all the times I seen them get in a ambulance heading to the hospital.You have to be fearless just to be able to do the job, so next time you are at a Horse Track give them the respect they so deserve.

Submitted by Guest (not verified) on September 12, 2009 - 5:28pm
#4

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THAT SHOW<3

Submitted by Brenda (not verified) on October 3, 2009 - 7:07pm
#5

I really hope they continue this series!!! I really love horses and find it fascinating to watch the behind-the-scenes talk and lives of the jockeys. I watch a lot of horse racing on TVG because I just love to see horses run and that relationship between jockey and horse, so keep it going Animal Planet!!!

Submitted by Donna (not verified) on October 11, 2009 - 9:40am
#6

Jockeys is certainly one of the better done reality tv show on the air. I was surprised by the number of people I know that watch it. Did you know in Europe
riders in the sports of jumping and dressage are considered like rock stars?
I would sure love to see a third season.