Two Worlds, One Grind: Behind the Scenes with Harness Driver Ridge Warren and Thoroughbred Jockey Jorge Vargas, Jr.

Join us for a thoroughbred/harness racing crossover episode with driver Ridge Warren and jockey Jorge Vargas, Jr. Despite being athletes in the same industry, Ridge and Warren have vastly different experiences when it’s time to race. Ashley talks with them about the demands of the sport, how drivers and jockeys differ, and how they got started in the horse racing industry. Find out who has the harder job, their tips for making it in this industry, and how they balance work and family on this episode of Hot 2 Trot! 

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & Jockey vs. Driver Debate

02:17 – Growing Up in Horse Racing Families

04:34 – Life on the Road & Racing Grind

12:37 – Understanding the Horses

18:31 – Risks, Injuries & Mental Toughness

27:00 – Family Life Outside the Track

31:34 – Career Highlights & Defining Success

37:37 – Funny Rapid Fire Questions & Outro