Jose Martinez Jr. talks about his experience as an Exercise Rider.
As you can see, not every job at the track is glamorous, however, each job is certainly crucial to my family’s business.
It is the Exercise Rider’s responsibility to evaluate how the horses felt during the workouts (Click to watch video), and how cooperative they were in terms of handling. The rider and the trainer communicate through a headset during the workout. Without Exercise Riders, horses are unable to achieve their potential and stay in top shape.
Jockeys can also be exercise riders in the morning. But not every exercise rider can be a jockey for several reasons. Exercise Riders could be inexperienced, overweight, or too competitive and dangerous for them.
Jose Martinez Jr. galloping Positive Ways at Belmont Racetrack.
Dutrow's Barn 