KYLEE JORDAN
Kylee Jordan is a young jockey that just started riding in 2021 and since I interview jockeys that are retired all the way up to the present ones, I reached out to her and here is the chat we had:
FOTH: Where were you born and where did you grow up?
KJ: I was born and raised in small town Fredericksburg, Iowa.
FOTH: What sort of girl were you growing up?
KJ: I was somewhat involved with school activities, but almost always would drop everything to go to the track and if I wasn’t at the track, you could find me at home doing something else with horses!
FOTH: Which track was this and your thoughts on it? Was there any female riders there?
KJ: When I was young my family raced horses in Nebraska, and soon made the switch to Prairie Meadows in Iowa. Cindy Murphy has rode in Iowa since I can remember and there has been a few others that have came for an occasional meet.
FOTH: So when did you seriously decide you wanted to be a jockey?
KJ: I’ve galloped horses, ever since I could get my license at the track and even before that at the farm. I never really dreamed of being a jockey, it all kind of just happened and I’m going with it and enjoying the ride!
FOTH: So what was it like for you having in your jockey license in your hand?
KJ: I couldn’t really believe it, but it didn’t seem real until my name showed up on the overnight.
FOTH: So tell me about your first race. What track was it at? How nervous were you?
KJ: My first race was at Will Rogers Downs for Francisco Bravo, who has helped me out a lot. I wasn’t nervous at all! I was more intimated by the jocks room, but everyone was very nice and I settled in quickly!
FOTH: Are there other female riders there?
KJ: Yes, there were two other female riders there, but they were moving out as I was moving in!
FOTH: Oh who?
KJ: Shaunda Larsen and Jaleina Farrell.
FOTH: I'll have to look them up. So now you’re in the paddock looking around, how much was the adrenaline rush for you?
KJ: I was still very calm; it honestly didn’t feel like it was my first time. My only instructions from Bravo were to not fall off and I was sure I could handle that!!
FOTH: So they are loading you in the gate. Thoughts at that time?
KJ: I was ready, very excited! My sister was actually my pony person, so I stayed pretty relaxed throughout the post parade!
FOTH: So how did you finish?
KJ: I finished a very good second, lost by a nose at the wire!
FOTH: Ouch. So tell me about your first win.
KJ: I won my first race a week after I rode my first race! I won my first race for a small trainer, Jack Young, who I’ve known for a while! I was all smiles for sure!
FOTH: Win by a lot or in photo?
KJ: I won the race very easily! I was looking all over for the other horses and I really couldn’t believe I was that far in front!!
FOTH: Good for you. What was it like jogging the horse back to the winner's circle?
KJ: I still couldn’t believe it! I couldn’t stop smiling!
FOTH: Did the jockeys get you good after the race and did you know it was coming?
KJ: I got sprayed right after I weighed in after the race and then I was expecting more! Cold water and baby powder!
FOTH: Ha Ha classic. Now I know you have not ridden long, but tell me about Will Rogers Downs.
KJ: It’s been really really good for me! I know a lot of the trainers from Iowa. I am very grateful for everyone that has helped me and given me a chance there!
FOTH: Tell me about the track and the surrounding area.
KJ: The track is smaller and the town is too! But that’s how I like because that’s how I grew up! And everyone there is very nice.
FOTH: So what is a typical race day like for you?
KJ: I wake up and gallop/work horses, then go to the gym if I need to or just go home, play with my dog, and take a nap until I have to go to the jocks room.
FOTH: If it's a non-race day, what some hobbies or things you like to do? Do you follow any other sports?
KJ: Cookout and spend time with friends and family.
FOTH: As we do this interview can you believe your a jockey?
KJ: It still doesn’t feel real to me, but I’m definitely enjoying the new adventures and grateful for the opportunities!
FOTH: Now if a young girl, younger than you lol, came up and said she wanted to become a jockey, what advice would you give her?
KJ: Follow your dreams! Hard work will get you the furthest in life!
FOTH: After Will Rogers closes, where are you off too?
KJ: Prairie Meadows in Iowa, which I am excited for because I grew up there!
FOTH: I am to assume you plan on riding for a while right?
KJ: Yes, for sure.
FOTH: Thumbs up for doing this interview. Any last words to wrap this up?
KJ: I appreciate your time with this interview and wish you the best with your website! Oh, I almost forgot footboy, I had better see you puckering up and seeing you kissing many female feet in the near future. Don’t be shy, just pucker up and kiss those female soles baby lol.