On DVD or VHS: Above picture is of legendary jockeys BILL SHOEMAKER and EDDIE ARCARO

 

Few know the feeling of race-riding on a Thoroughbred- it takes a very special person; one with great strength to control and maneuver an animal that outweighs them 10-1 and going at speeds of up to 40 M.P.H....but at the same time it takes a light touch; an ability to communicate through the hands. With the best there is little movement to distract the Thoroughbred; they work in perfect harmony. The best jockeys enjoy fame and fortune but they must give 100%on every mount to earn their 10% and every time they get a leg up they live with the very real threat of injury, paralysis and even death.

 

To the outsider, a jockey is just a small man or woman on average just over 5' in height and about 110 pounds, but in studies comparing jockeys to other professional athletes they are way above average in performance. Next to long-distance runners, jockeys did better than any other athletic group in cardiovascular endurance testing. Strength relative to body size for race riders was remarkable; especially upper body and leg strength. Their reflexes are amazing with a combination of speed and strength.

 

On average a jockey's career is about six years but most are cut short by injury of the constant battle with weight. But besides the physical requirements and limitations there are many intangibles that go into making a top jockey.

 

The opinions of some of the sports top jockeys are given: JORGE VELAZQUEZ, CHRIS McCARRON, LAFFIT PINCAY JR., and extensive interviews and highlights of the careers of EDDIE ARCARO, JOHNNY LONGDEN and WILLIE SHOEMAKER are shown.

 

Some of the sports biggest stars have come from such tiny nations as Panama and Puerto Rico: MANUEL YCAZA, BRAULIO BAEZA, LAFFIT PINCAY JR., JORGE VELAZQUEZ, and ANGEL CORDERO.

 

Through the years there have been so many great jockeys: ISAAC MURPHY, TOD SLOAN, EARL SANDE, CHARLIE KURTSINGER, GEORGE WOOLF, TED ATKINSON, BILL HARTACK, STEVE CAUTHEN and JULIE KRONE. A salute to these much admired men and women is due; the strongest and most courageous pro athletes in sports. For those who do work hard, have the talent and racing luck...the rewards can be great.

 

Re-live these historic racing moments!  

 

 

 

30 Minutes.

 

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