Calvin Borel

Brought to you by: OCD Pellets

Calvin Borel, the hard-working and unassuming jockey who won his second Kentucky Derby aboard 50-1 longshot Mine That Bird, will be the guest on BloodHorse.com’s Talkin’ Horses podcast this Thursday, May 7.

A 42-year-old Louisiana native whose brother, Cecil, is a successful trainer on the Louisiana and Midwest circuits, Borel used the same path to the winner’s circle – along the inside rail – with Mine That Bird that he took with Street Sense two years ago. Not only did Borel win his second Derby on May 2, but the previous day he was aboard for a 20 ¼ length triumph in the Kentucky Oaks with Rachel Alexandra, becoming only the seventh jockey in history to accomplish that feat.

That Borel enjoys riding and winning was evident in his romp aboard Rachel Alexandra, as he played to the crowd following the race. His work ethic was in evidence following the Derby when, rather than shirking duty in favor a celebration, he rode in the next race.

“All I ever wanted to be was a jockey,” he has been quoted as saying. “A lot of kids make plans to be firemen, cowboys or astronauts, but I knew by eight that I wanted to ride races."  Borel, who credits agent Jerry Hissam for much of his success, is a Louisville resident and is engaged to Lisa Funk.

So far in 2009, Borel’s mounts have earned more than $3.6 million. In 2007, he won his 800th race at Churchill Downs and in 2005 became the 45th jockey to reach the 4,000-win plateau.

We thank everyone for their questions; the podcast will be available Thursday, May 7.