"Jockeys" Premieres Tomorrow Night on Animal Planet

The much anticipated docu-drama JOCKEYS premieres Friday, Feb. 6 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on Animal Planet. The series will chronicle the lives and careers of seven jockeys -- "The Icon" Mike Smith, "The Elder Statesman" Jon Court, "The Comeback Kid" Alex Solis, "The Working Man" Aaron Gryder, "The Breakout Female Star Chantal Sutherland, "The Hotshot" Joe Talamo, and "The New Girl" Kayla Stra (not pictured).

"The world of the racetrack is complex and controversial. Horse racing is one of the most popular sports in the country, and this series is charged with the high stakes, big risks, strong personalities and drama of the sport on and off the track," says Marjorie Kaplan, president and general manager of Animal Planet. "The lives of these jockeys and their mounts are on the line in every race. It's an intense existence that makes for exciting television."

Cameras will take viewers on and off the track -- from the jockeys' homes to the jock's room for a close-up look at how these athletes physically and emotionally prepare for each race. Audiences will get to know the lives of these seven jockeys, their personalities, strengths and flaws.

"So little is known about what goes into becoming a jockey, but these athletes couldn't triumph without the strength, speed and spirit of their equine partners," says Kaplan. "I think audiences will be surprised by what unfolds throughout the series."

One thing that unfolds is a love story, the relationship between Chantal Sutherland and Mike Smith. Here's a little preview:



Chantal Sutherland also spoke briefly about the show recently, after working the filly Well Monied for trainer Howard Zucker at Santa Anita.

I for one am excited and anxiously awaiting tomorrow night's show!