March 30, 2009 — Animal Planet announces the return of JOCKEYS, the network’s popular docu-drama that introduced viewers to the high-stakes world of horse racing. The freshman season, which crossed the finish line March 13, brought Animal Planet viewers into the lives of seven jockeys who raced at the Santa Anita Race Track during the 30-day Oak Tree Meet.
On the hooves of the successful first season, which brought in more than 9.2 million unique viewers, Animal Planet boasts a second season order of seven hour-long episodes set to premiere late this summer.
“It’s our goal in the second season to bring viewers even deeper into the exciting, challenging and complex lives of the jockeys,” says Marjorie Kaplan, president and general manager of Animal Planet. “Hour-long episodes give us a broader palette to do so and to create a richer experience of the whole world of racing, horses and the track.”
For the sophomore season, the network, in conjunction with entertainment production house Go Go Luckey, brings back six of the jockeys previously featured and introduces viewers to two new jockeys, Garrett Gomez and Corey Nakatani, who are at the height of their careers. Jockey Jon Court departs in the first episode of season two as he makes his way to the racetrack in Kentucky.
This season, viewers also can expect to see more of professional handicapper Jimmy the Hat and West Coast Regional Manager of the Jockeys’ Guild, Darrell Haire.
The first season of JOCKEYS will be available for $19.95 at discoverystore.com and select retailers starting June 30.
Jason Carey is executive producer for Animal Planet on JOCKEYS. Liz Bronstein, Tina Gazzerro and Gary Auerbach are executive producers for Go Go Luckey.
