Ep. 12: 149th Kentucky Derby w/ Jorge Abrego, Ana Gonzalez, & Katie Tolbert

On this month’s episode of the Behind the Backstretch podcast, we have an action-packed lineup of individuals who are all playing various roles in this year’s Kentucky Derby & Oaks! First, we get to hear from assistant trainer Jorge Abrego, who works with Brad Cox and has four horses in this year’s Kentucky Derby. He discusses his unique journey, the excitement that comes with being an assistant trainer during the Derby season, and his past involvement with the BLC. We then get to speak with Ana Gonzalez, who is a hot walker for trainer Todd Pletcher with three horses in this year’s Derby. We hear about her role along the backstretch, what’s it like working with this year’s contenders, updates on her brother Jesús who just landed a gig as a jockey, her involvement with the BLC and much more! Finally, we talk with Katie Tolbert who is also an assistant trainer for Brad Cox, as she details her love of horse racing, what it’s like being a woman in the Thoroughbred industry, her excitement in the lead up to Derby, and the importance of backstretch workers.  (0:00) Introduction(2:05) Assistant Trainer Jorge Abrego(12:06) Hot Walker Ana Gonzalez(24:05) Assistant Trainer Katie Tolbert(33:07) OutroSupport the show