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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On this episode, Randy and Zack dive into the jockey lineup for the Kentucky Derby—breaking down who’s riding which horse, why it matters, and who may have been left out. Then, things get interesting when the guys place a friendly wager on Ari’s Magic.

Later on in the show we’re joined by fan-favorite jockey Kendrick Carmouche.

Born in Louisiana and raised in a family of riders, Kendrick began racing professionally at just 16. A four-time riding champion at Parx Racing and the first Black jockey in nearly a decade to compete in the Kentucky Derby, Kendrick is also the proud recipient of the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award—an honor recognizing not only talent on the track but outstanding character off of it.

Known for his grit, charisma, and that signature smile, Kendrick is as respected in the community as he is in the winner’s circle. He’s a passionate advocate for inclusion in horse racing, a supporter of retired racehorses, and a dedicated fundraiser for causes close to his heart.

Oh and you won't want to miss the legendary story he shares about his jockey father!

On this episode, we’re welcoming not just one but two rising stars in horse racing, Keiber Coa and Sofia Vives. They’re fast, fearless, and fiercely dedicated to their craft—and to each other.

But first, Randy and the gang discuss Randy's handicapping prowess, more on Netflix's Race for the Crown, and the NHL and NBA Playoffs!

Keiber Coa comes from a legendary racing family. Born in Venezuela, he followed in the footsteps of his father, renowned jockey Eibar Coa. Keiber’s grit, talent, and relentless work ethic have earned him wins across the country, and he’s showing the racing world that legacy is just the starting line.

Sofia Vives was practically born in the saddle. Hailing from a racing family in South Carolina and raised in Ocala, Florida, she’s already made a huge mark on Canadian racing. With over 100 wins in a single year and two Sovereign Awards for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey, Sofia is proving that youth and determination are a powerful combination.