In this episode of The Beat The Odds Horse Racing Show, Tony Manzella sits down with Zac Purton — Hong Kong’s all-time winningest jockey — for a rare look inside the mindset of one of the sport’s greatest riders.
From his early dreams of becoming a jockey to dominating Hong Kong racing, Zac opens up about the journey that made him a global star. He shares memories of his first win, his move to Hong Kong, and what a typical day looks like for a top-class rider in one of the toughest racing jurisdictions in the world.
🏇 Topics Covered:

• When Zac knew he wanted to be a jockey — and who inspired him early on
• His first victory and how it shaped his career
• The move to Hong Kong and adapting to an intense racing culture
• How training, preparation, and race-day routines differ from other countries
• Mental preparation before big races and how he studies replays and pace setups
• The highs and lows of being a jockey — best and worst parts of the job
• His major career goals after achieving almost everything in Hong Kong

🐎 Legendary Horses Discussed:

• Military Attack – the G1 powerhouse that launched him to stardom
• Beauty Generation – the once-in-a-lifetime champion he calls “the horse of my career”
• Lucky Sweynesse – a winning machine who went 5-for-5 under Purton early on
• Ka Ying Rising – 14-for-16 and heading to The Everest Stakes 2025 in Australia

🏌️‍♂️ Plus, we step away from racing for a bit as Zac talks golf, life away from the saddle, and the horses he wishes he could’ve ridden in history.

📺 Watch until the end as Zac shares what one race best defines who he is as a world-class jockey.

Subscribe for more interviews with the legends of the sport!

#ZacPurton #TheEverest2025 #KaYingRising #HongKongRacing #HorseRacingPodcast #BeatTheOddsHorseRacing #TonyManzella #BeautyGeneration #LuckySweynesse #MilitaryAttack #TheEverest #HKJC

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In this episode of The Beat The Odds Horse Racing Show, host Tony Manzella sits down with Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, one of the greatest riders in the history of horse racing. From Zenyatta to Justify, from Holy Bull to Arrogate, Mike has ridden a list of legends that few in the sport can even imagine. This conversation takes fans deep inside the life, mindset, and legacy of the man who has defined greatness in the irons for over four decades.

FULL EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
Mike opens up about when he first knew he wanted to become a jockey, what brought him to the sport, and the early influences that shaped his journey. He reflects on the riders he looked up to as a young horseman, the feeling of that first win, and the track and horse that started it all.
From there, Mike gives fans a rare look behind the curtain at what a race day actually looks like for a top jockey — from the early wake-ups and race prep to what he eats and how he mentally gets ready for a Grade 1 mount. He explains how much research goes into each big race — watching replays, studying pace projections, reading the Racing Form, and understanding every horse in the field.
He also shares his candid thoughts on the highs and lows of being a jockey — the pressure, the injuries, the travel, and what still keeps him motivated after thousands of wins. You’ll hear about his favorite and least favorite racetracks, and what makes each place unique from the saddle.
Then the episode dives into the horses that built Mike Smith’s legend

Beyond the famous names, Mike reveals some personal favorites — the horses that weren’t household names but that he simply loved to ride. He also answers fun questions about what he might have done if he hadn’t become a jockey, whether he’d still be involved in the racing world, and which of his countless victories mean the most to him.

To wrap things up, Mike Smith gives his Top 5 Breeders’ Cup wins — a remarkable look back at the moments where skill, instinct, and greatness all came together on the biggest stage in racing.

About The Beat The Odds Horse Racing Show
Hosted by Tony Manzella, The Beat The Odds Horse Racing Show brings fans closer to the sport’s biggest names, greatest stories, and most powerful moments. Each week, Tony sits down with jockeys, trainers, owners, and legends to go beyond the headlines and explore what makes this sport so special.
If you love horse racing, this is the show for you.

Subscribe to The Beat The Odds Horse Racing Show and never miss a conversation with racing’s best.

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🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen.

This is one of the most insightful interviews ever with a Hall of Fame legend. From Zenyatta to Justify, Mike Smith gives a masterclass in what it takes to stay at the top of horse racing for decades.

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Brian Hernandez Jr. Talks Injury, Derby Winner Mystik Dan & Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna

In this exclusive episode of The Beat The Odds Horse Racing Show, we sit down with one of the top jockeys in the game — Brian Hernandez Jr. — to talk about his career, his recent injury, and his incredible success on horses like Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan, Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna, and Breeders’ Cup Classic champion Fort Larned.
Brian has won some of the sport’s biggest races, including the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and Breeders’ Cup Classic, and he did the unthinkable in 2024 by winning both the Derby and Oaks in the same year on back-to-back days. In this wide-ranging conversation, he opens up about his journey, the highs and lows of being a jockey, and what it takes to perform at the highest level in horse racing.

📌 Topics Covered in This Episode
How Brian is recovering from his recent injury and what the road back looks like
His early passion for racing and when he knew he wanted to be a jockey
Memories of his first career win and the horse that gave it to him
The daily routine of a top jockey on a busy race day
How he prepares for a Grade 1 race (film study, pace projections, and mental focus)
The challenges and dangers of being a jockey — best and worst parts of the job
Why the Fair Grounds and Kentucky circuit mean so much to him
A deep dive into Fort Larned’s Breeders’ Cup Classic victory in 2012
Breaking down Thorpedo Anna’s magical 2024 campaign — Oaks, Acorn, Coaching Club Oaks, Travers, Cotillion, and Breeders’ Cup
His thoughts on whether Thorpedo Anna is even better as a 4-year-old
What it felt like to guide Mystik Dan to Kentucky Derby glory in one of the best rides of his career
Comparing his top mounts: Mystik Dan, Thorpedo Anna, McCraken, Fort Larned
The horses that weren’t superstars but still meant the most to him

🏆 About Brian Hernandez Jr.
Brian Hernandez Jr. is a multiple Grade 1–winning jockey who has ridden champions across decades. His biggest wins include:
2012 Breeders’ Cup Classic (Fort Larned)
2024 Kentucky Derby (Mystik Dan)
2024 Kentucky Oaks (Thorpedo Anna)

Known for his professionalism, patience, and ability to rise to the moment, Hernandez has become one of the most respected riders in American horse racing.

📺 Watch More From The Beat The Odds Horse Racing Show
We bring you interviews with the biggest names in horse racing — jockeys, trainers, owners, and more — along with betting picks, previews, and recaps of the sport’s biggest races.
Subscribe now so you don’t miss anything!

Keywords
Brian Hernandez Jr., Mystik Dan, Thorpedo Anna, Kentucky Derby 2024, Kentucky Oaks 2024, Breeders’ Cup Classic, Fort Larned, horse racing interview, jockey interview, Beat The Odds Horse Racing, Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Fair Grounds, Saratoga, Travers Stakes, Cotillion Stakes, Acorn Stakes, Coaching Club American Oaks.

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Welcome to The Beat The Odds Horse Racing Show! 🏇💰


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Discount Code: BEATTHEODDS25

For 25% Off ALL Orders



Your ultimate destination for in-depth horse racing previews and race recaps from the biggest events in the sport. Whether it’s the Kentucky Derby, Breeders’ Cup, Triple Crown, or major stakes races worldwide, we break down the fields, analyze key contenders, and recap the most thrilling finishes.

 New episodes every tuesday and Thursday covering the biggest races before and after they happen!

WHAT YOU’LL GET ON THIS SHOW:
Race Previews – Full-field breakdowns, pace analysis & expert picks
Race Recaps – Post-race analysis, key takeaways & betting lessons
Major Stakes Coverage – From the Derby Trail to international championships

 Biggest Upsets & Surprises – What we learned & what it means moving forward
Sharp Betting Insights – How to play the race, find value, and cash tickets

 OUR MISSION:

We go beyond just picking horses—we dive deep into the strategy, trends, and insights that define the biggest races in horse racing. Whether you’re a serious handicapper or a casual fan, The Beat The Odds Horse Racing Show gives you the information you need to stay ahead of the game.

 MAJOR RACES WE COVER:

Triple Crown Series 🏇 (Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes)

Breeders’ Cup World Championships 🌎 (Classic, Turf, Sprint & more)

Pegasus World Cup 🏆

Saudi Cup & Dubai World Cup 💰

Travers Stakes & Summer Classics 🌞

Road to the Kentucky Derby – Key prep races & Derby trail insights

International Racing (Melbourne Cup, Arc de Triomphe, Japan Cup & more)

HOW TO BET THE BIGGEST RACES:

 Pace & Trip Analysis – Who gets the right setup? Who’s in trouble?
Speed Figures & Form Cycles – Identifying improving & declining horses
Track Bias & Trends – How the surface plays & what it means for betting
Value Hunting – Finding live longshots & beating the public favorites
Ticket Construction – Structuring bets for maximum profit

 RACE RECAPS – WHAT HAPPENED & WHAT’S NEXT?

Biggest takeaways from the race – What went right, what went wrong?

Star Performances – Who stamped themselves as a future champion?

Betting Recap – What bets hit? What lessons can we take forward?

What’s next? – How each performance impacts upcoming races



ABOUT US:
The Beat The Odds Horse Racing Show is dedicated to deep-dive race analysis, helping you understand every angle of the biggest races. We don’t just give picks—we explain the why behind the wagers, helping you become a sharper bettor and a more informed fan.

🎯 SUBSCRIBE & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS so you never miss a deep dive into the world’s biggest horse races!

#HorseRacing #BetTheOdds #Handicapping #KentuckyDerby #BreedersCup #TripleCrown #Preakness #BelmontStakes #DubaiWorldCup #SaudiCup #MelbourneCup #HorseRacingTips #RacePreview #RaceRecap

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Welcome back to The Beat The Odds Horse Racing Show! In this episode, we sit down with one of the top jockeys in the game today – Junior Alvarado – for a deep dive into his career, daily life, and the incredible horses he has had the privilege to ride. From his early beginnings in racing to riding Kentucky Derby winners and fan favorites like Cody’s Wish, this is a can’t-miss conversation for anyone who loves horse racing.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to Beat The Odds Horse Racing for more interviews, picks, analysis, and behind-the-scenes looks at the sport we love. Drop your thoughts below – which horse do you think wins our “King of the Hill” matchup? 

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#HorseRacing #KentuckyDerby #JuniorAlvarado #BelmontStakes #Sovereignty #Codyswish #Olympiad #ArtCollector #SenorBuscador #JockeyLife #BeatTheOddsHorseRacing #viral #trending

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Welcome to Beat The Odds Sports – your ultimate destination for bold predictions, expert breakdowns, and game-changing insights across the world of sports.
From the NFL to the NBA, Premier League to PGA, and NASCAR to NCAA – we don’t just cover the games, we beat the odds.

Every video is packed with smart analysis, betting angles, deep-dive stats, and entertaining commentary. Whether you're here for previews, recaps, picks, or just pure passion — you're in the right place.

Subscribe now and join a fast-growing community of fans who don’t just watch sports — they live it, love it, and beat the odds.

Follow Us Everywhere:
X: @btosportshq

Want to work with us or be featured?
Email: [email protected]

Support the show

Welcome to Beat The Odds Sports – your ultimate destination for bold predictions, expert breakdowns, and game-changing insights across the world of sports.
From the NFL to the NBA, Premier League to PGA, and NASCAR to NCAA – we don’t just cover the games, we beat the odds.

Every video is packed with smart analysis, betting angles, deep-dive stats, and entertaining commentary. Whether you're here for previews, recaps, picks, or just pure passion — you're in the right place.

Subscribe now and join a fast-growing community of fans who don’t just watch sports — they live it, love it, and beat the odds.

Follow Us Everywhere:
X: @btosportshq

Want to work with us or be featured?
Email: [email protected]

Support the show

Welcome to Beat The Odds Sports – your ultimate destination for bold predictions, expert breakdowns, and game-changing insights across the world of sports.
From the NFL to the NBA, Premier League to PGA, and NASCAR to NCAA – we don’t just cover the games, we beat the odds.

Every video is packed with smart analysis, betting angles, deep-dive stats, and entertaining commentary. Whether you're here for previews, recaps, picks, or just pure passion — you're in the right place.

Subscribe now and join a fast-growing community of fans who don’t just watch sports — they live it, love it, and beat the odds.

Follow Us Everywhere:
X: @btosportshq

Want to work with us or be featured?
Email: [email protected]

Support the show

Welcome to Beat The Odds Sports – your ultimate destination for bold predictions, expert breakdowns, and game-changing insights across the world of sports.
From the NFL to the NBA, Premier League to PGA, and NASCAR to NCAA – we don’t just cover the games, we beat the odds.

Every video is packed with smart analysis, betting angles, deep-dive stats, and entertaining commentary. Whether you're here for previews, recaps, picks, or just pure passion — you're in the right place.

Subscribe now and join a fast-growing community of fans who don’t just watch sports — they live it, love it, and beat the odds.

Follow Us Everywhere:
X: @btosportshq

Want to work with us or be featured?
Email: [email protected]

Support the show

Welcome to Beat The Odds Sports – your ultimate destination for bold predictions, expert breakdowns, and game-changing insights across the world of sports.
From the NFL to the NBA, Premier League to PGA, and NASCAR to NCAA – we don’t just cover the games, we beat the odds.

Every video is packed with smart analysis, betting angles, deep-dive stats, and entertaining commentary. Whether you're here for previews, recaps, picks, or just pure passion — you're in the right place.

Subscribe now and join a fast-growing community of fans who don’t just watch sports — they live it, love it, and beat the odds.

Follow Us Everywhere:
X: @btosportshq

Want to work with us or be featured?
Email: [email protected]

Support the show