🎙️ In this captivating episode of Boundless, Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron sits down with Dr. Ferrin Peterson to share the extraordinary journey behind one of horse racing’s most legendary careers. 🏆🐎

From being inspired by his older brother Gregg McCarron to becoming one of the all-time greats himself, Chris opens up about the moments that shaped him. He reflects on the strength it took to race and win in honor of his mother just days after her passing—a deeply emotional victory that exemplified his resilience.

Chris also dives into his historic Breeders’ Cup triumphs aboard Tiznow in 2000 and 2001, including the challenges of riding such a headstrong horse and the pride of winning during a time when America needed hope after 9/11.

But the conversation doesn’t stop there—Chris shares his thoughts on how the racing style has evolved over the years. He discusses how the straight-legged, high-seated style some jockeys use today creates unnecessary drag and wind resistance, offering insight into the nuances of technique and efficiency that separate the good from the great.

This episode is filled with heartfelt stories, expert advice, and behind-the-scenes perspectives that go far beyond the racetrack. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of racing or simply love hearing from those who have achieved greatness, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.

Timestamps

00:09 Intro

00:43 Gregg McCarron - Brother and Mentor

03:20 Was it important to have the foundation as a hotwalker?

04:20 First Race

05:25 Beating Sandy Hawley’s record for most wins in a year

06:09 Were you self taught or did you have a mentor?

07:45 Were you a well rounded athlete? Family of athletes

08:40 Born with balance

10:10 Being in the horses center of gravity

11:05 The importance of getting along with a horse

12:07 Riding the Mid-Atlantic Circuit - Establishing trust with 5-10 minute warmup

17:28 Tiznow has a mind of his own!

23:25 “Don’t be surprised if you don’t see me hitting him coming down through the stretch.”

26:17 The Comeback King - Fitness and Balance

27:26 Winning the Travers Stakes in Honor of His Mother

35:20 Developing your mindset to thrive under pressure?

38:06 Aerodynamic Colors - Rhonda Allen 1987

40:20 The riding styles of Irad Ortiz Jr. & Tyler Gaffalione - “Straight legs down the stretch”

43:53 One of the few jockeys who tactically adapted their riding style

45:40 Southern California Jockey Colony - 12 Hall of Famers

47:21 1980-81 Winning Streaks

49:20 Competitive up until the last race

50:35 Retirement - Injuries

53:55 Came Home - Final Race

55:18 Doing the math on horses mounted: over 50,000 legs over a horses back

55:53 Advice to younger self

59:14 Riding a horse well past the finish line

1:00:25 What advice would you give to a young rider starting their career?

1:03:33 Next Episode: Dana Zook

1:04:12 AM Wager Ad

#BoundlessPodcast #ChrisMcCarron #HorseRacingLegends #Tiznow #BreedersCup #RacingTechnique #EquestrianInspiration #JockeyLife #Jockey #Horse #Horses #Horseriding