In this long-awaited episode of The Horse Whisperer Podcast, we sit down with Irad Ortiz Jr. and José Ortiz, two of the most dominant jockeys in modern horse racing.

Today’s guests aren’t just two of the best jockeys in the world — they’re brothers, they’re rivals, and they’re walking highlight reels in the sport of kings. Together, they’ve won just about every major race you can name — the Kentucky Oaks, the Belmont Stakes, the Travers, Breeders’ Cup, and a staggering number of Grade 1s between them. They’ve each earned Eclipse Awards as Outstanding Jockey, and they’ve both been leading riders at some of the most competitive meets in the country.

From their roots in Puerto Rico to breaking records on the biggest stages in the world, this conversation pulls back the reins on their sibling rivalry, family bond, and what it takes to win—again and again.

Please welcome to the podcast — the pride of Puerto Rico, the fiercest sibling rivalry in horse racing, and two absolute legends in the irons — Irad and Jose Ortiz.

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In an absolutely jam-packed episode of the Horse Whisperer Podcast, we hear from three of the world’s most elite jockeys - Umberto Rispoli, Flavien Prat, and Luan Machado - fresh off their incredible performances at the 2025 Kentucky Derby, where they finished 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, respectively.

This is not a press conference. It’s not a recap you’ll see on TV. This is the raw, unfiltered truth from the men who lived it—moments after they crossed the finish line at Churchill Downs. No other podcast gives you this kind of direct access to the jockeys, their emotions, their strategy, and their behind-the-scenes stories.

They’ll share what it was really like inside the starting gate. The chaos of the pack. The decisions that made or broke their chances. The heartbreak of coming so close to the ultimate prize and the Whisperer Bump! This is the stuff they only talk about in the jockeys’ room, and we've got it on The Horse Whisperer Podcast, with not one, not two, but three of the top jockeys in the world on one amazing episode!

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Top Female Jockey Katie Davis + Trainer Rudy Rodriguez Sr. & Agent Rudy Jr. on Racing, Family, and Legacy

We’re taking you trackside for an exclusive chat with friend of the show, Katie Davis, one of the leading female jockeys in American horse racing. She opens up about the highs and challenges of life in the irons, her current rides, and what keeps her focused in a demanding sport.

Then, it’s all in the family as we sit down with trainer Rudy Rodriguez Sr. and his son, jockey agent Rudy Rodriguez Jr. They share what it’s like working behind the scenes, the pressures of keeping a stable running, and how they’ve built a respected name across generations in the racing industry.

If you love horse racing, insider stories, and conversations with people who live and breathe the sport, this one’s for you.

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In this episode of The Horse Whisperer Podcast, we feature an exclusive interview with Kentucky Derby winner Junior Alvarado, who clinched his first Derby win aboard Sovereignty. Alvarado shares his strategy for navigating the muddy track at Churchill Downs and reflects on the significance of this thrilling victory, especially following his recent recovery from a shoulder injury.

Alvarado, sponsored in his historic win by Randy's Ice Cream restaurant, Hilldebrandt's gives us a truly unique taste of the whirlwind 48 hours since his incredible victory.

Later, Randy and the crew delve into the phenomenon they've dubbed the "Whisper Bump," discussing how the top four finishers in this year's Derby—Alvarado on Sovereignty, Umberto Rispoli on Journalism, Flavien Prat on Baeza, and Luan Machado on Final Gambit—were all recent guests on our show.

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Get ready for the ride of the year! In this special Derby Day edition, jockey Maddy Olver joins The Horse Whisperer himself, host and racehorse owner Randy Sarf, for an exclusive, inside-the-rails breakdown of the most thrilling day in horse racing.

From paddock insights to jockey strategy, Maddy shares her rising-star perspective while Randy brings his seasoned owner’s eye to the field. Together, they handicap every race on the card at Churchill Downs, offering sharp takes, bold predictions, and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

Whether you're a seasoned bettor, a racing fanatic, or just along for the gallop, this episode is your all-access pass to the Biggest Day in Racing.

On our 18th episode, Junior Alvarado (Post #18) and Johnny Velazquez (Post #10) join us to discuss their careers and strategies heading into the Kentucky Derby.

Later, Randy and the Gang give their Derby picks, and we hear from all of you, as we get the listeners' picks as well!

Johnny Velazquez

With over 6,500 career wins, three Kentucky Derby victories, and two Eclipse Awards as Outstanding Jockey, Johnny Velazquez is more than a champion — he’s a force.

From the racetracks of Puerto Rico to the grandest stages of Churchill Downs, he's ridden the best of the best, overcome devastating injuries, and come back stronger every time.

Beyond the track, he’s been a powerful voice for rider safety and reform as the longtime Chairman of the Jockeys’ Guild — fighting for the rights and well-being of his fellow athletes.

Now, as he gears up to ride Grande in the 2025 Kentucky Derby, Johnny V is still proving that greatness has no expiration date.

Junior Alvarado

Junior Alvarado is one of the most respected jockeys in the game — a rider known not just for his talent, but for his composure, his instincts, and the way he shows up when it matters most.

Born and raised in Venezuela, he came to the U.S. chasing a dream, and over time, he built a career marked by consistency, grit, and moments of brilliance on some of the sport’s biggest stages.

He’s ridden in the Kentucky Derby, the Breeders’ Cup, and the Belmont Stakes. He’s partnered with some of the most talented horses in recent memory - Art Collector, Zandon, Mohaymen, and FlatOut. And he’s notched over 2,000 career wins, a milestone that speaks to both longevity and mastery.

Now, he's chasing a Derby win atop Sovereignty from the 18th post, and he will tell us about it in our 18th episode!

Get, ready for a jam-packed episode with a super surprise ending!

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Today on the Horse Whisperer Podcast, we are joined by one of the most electrifying and charismatic figures in the world of horse racing.

Born in Naples, Italy, and raised in the gritty neighborhood of Scampia, Umberto Rispoli has defied odds and borders, rising from humble beginnings to become an international jockey sensation. With over 1,500 career wins across Europe, Hong Kong, and the U.S.

Known for his electric personality, quick wit, and karaoke singing, this father of two will look to make history riding the favorite, Journalism, in this year’s Kentucky Derby.

Let’s saddle up with Umberto Rispoli!

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On this episode of The Horse Whisperer Podcast, we are joined by two of the top jockeys in the world.

Luan Machado

Born in Brazil, Luan was riding horses by the time he was 11, and now he’s dominating American tracks. He’s a four-time leading jockey at Turfway Park — taking the crown in 2019, 2023, 2024, and 2025 — with over 600 career wins and more than $26 million in earnings.

And now, the spotlight gets even bigger as Luan is heading to the starting gates at this year’s Kentucky Derby atop Final Gambit!

Florent Geroux

Born and raised in France, Florent built his career in the U.S. with major wins in the Breeders’ Cup, Pegasus World Cup, and Kentucky Oaks, riding champions like Gun Runner and Monomoy Girl.

A delayed winner of the controversial 2021 Kentucky Derby on Mandaloun, Florent will share his unique experience in that race, as well as thoughts on his victory in the 12 million dollar Dubai World Cup on Hit Show earlier this month.

We’re excited to hear about his path to the top, what drives him, and the stories behind the silks.

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