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.

On this episode of the Horse Whisperer Podcast, we'll hear Randy and the gang's thoughts on the Netflix documentary, Race for the Crown. Then, we are joined by two amazing women from the world of Horse racing!

Carol Cedeno

Born in Puerto Rico and trained at one of the most respected jockey schools in the world, Carol quickly made her mark in U.S. racing, capturing her first win in 2007 and never looking back. She has dominated Delaware Park, earning multiple leading rider titles and even setting a record with seven wins in a single day. With over 1,000 career victories, millions in earnings, and an unmatched work ethic, she is one of the most respected and relentless jockeys in the sport today.

But Carol’s story isn’t just about wins and records. She’s a mother balancing the demanding life of a jockey, a fierce competitor who has overcome challenges, and an inspiration to young riders looking to make their mark. From thrilling victories to the daily grind of the racetrack, today we’re getting an inside look at what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

Mary McDermott

Mary McDermott was practically born in the barn. Growing up in the heart of New Jersey’s harness racing scene, Mary learned the ropes from her parents—her dad, a seasoned trainer with nearly 1,700 career wins, and her mom, his right-hand woman in the stable. Horses aren’t just part of Mary’s life—they are her life.

From mucking stalls as a kid to helping manage world-class trotters, Mary has lived and breathed this sport from every angle. She's worked for the prestigious Hambletonian Society, trained and rehabbed top-tier racehorses in Saratoga, and now represents Enviro Equine as a thoroughbred sales rep across the Northeast—all while continuing to work side by side with her dad and keep her own trotter in the family stable.

Mary's unique journey bridges the worlds of harness and flat track racing, and she’s a passionate advocate for building more unity between the two. She’s also the driving force behind creative events like the Beckwith vs. Prat charity match race at Saratoga Harness, which brought fans and horsemen together for a great cause.

It's Legend's Day on the Horse Whisperer Podcast as we are joined by not one, but two living legends!

There are legends in horse racing—and then there’s Angel Cordero Jr. He wasn’t just one of the best to ever ride—he changed the game. Fearless, tactical, and impossibly smooth in the saddle, Angel dominated some of the sport’s biggest stages for over two decades. He’s a three-time winner of the Kentucky Derby, the first Puerto Rican jockey inducted into the Hall of Fame, and a name that still commands respect every time it’s mentioned on the backstretch.

Even after a devastating injury ended his riding career, Angel never stepped away from the sport. He became a mentor, a champion for younger riders, and the trusted agent behind stars like John Velazquez. His presence, his passion, and his wisdom continue to shape the future of horse racing.

For over 50 years, Ron Anderson has been the go-to agent for some of the greatest riders in racing history. His roster reads like a Hall of Fame lineup—Gary Stevens, Jerry Bailey, Fernando Toro, Chris Antley, Garrett Gomez, and now John Velazquez, Joel Rosario, and the legendary Frankie Dettori. With 38 Breeders’ Cup victories to his name and multiple Kentucky Derby wins, Ron has had a front-row seat to some of the sport’s most unforgettable moments.

It is a jam-packed episode with two of the greatest to ever do it in the sport of horse racing!