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.
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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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