# Episode 41: Ray Handal - The Surprising Journey from Jamaica Handicapping to Training Elite Racehorses

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/first-rodeo-radio-7022295/episode-41-ray-handal-the-surprising-journey-from-jamaica-handicapping-to-training-elite-racehorses
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/first-rodeo-radio-7022295/episode-41-ray-handal-the-surprising-journey-from-jamaica-handicapping-to-training-elite-racehorses.md
Podcast: [First Rodeo Radio](https://stenobird.com/podcast/first-rodeo-radio-7022295)
Published: 2026-05-28T12:58:57+00:00
Episode link: https://www.firstrodeoracing.com/podcast/episode-28-jonathan-rapp-twin-sports-racing-from-the-craps-table-at-18-to-winning-stakes-races-7mcyt-w8skh-mzw9d-chtk7-d2bz2-ekz26-f78f5-62djg-xxcx9-x8ykm-ezp4c-jcwjn-2sdet
Audio file: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6503a88b0ea1501409c6eac1/t/6a183a017863fa7f790bccd6/1781609403898/riverside_ray_%26+matthew+magic+episode+_+apr+21%2C+2026_matthew_s_studio.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/first-rodeo-radio-7022295/episodes/episode-41-ray-handal-the-surprising-journey-from-jamaica-handicapping-to-training-elite-racehorses
Duration seconds: 3138

## Resource

Most trainers wait years for a breakthrough, Ray Handal got his in just his second start, winning at 75-1 and instantly commanding attention. It was the kind of upset that makes the racing world take notice. But that moment wasn’t lightning in a bottle. It was years in the making, rooted in resilience, early independence, and a childhood in Jamaica where he learned the game by handicapping races with his visually impaired father. Ray’s story is less about a single longshot win, and more about the discipline and vision it takes to build something that lasts. Interested in owning part of a team of racehorses? Learn more at firstrodeoracing.com In this episode, Ray takes us deep into a journey that began on the backstretch of Calder Race Course, where at just 15, he was hot walking for legendary trainers and dreaming of one day training winners. From early mornings in Colonial Downs’ dorms to riding in Kentucky, Ray shares how he transformed from a kid skipping school for his passion into a top trainer whose horses are competing at the highest levels. He discusses the importance of adaptability across surfaces, from dirt to Tapeta to synthetic, revealing how his extensive experience helps him prepare horses for any track or challenge. Discover how Ray’s focus on long-term vision and diversifying experiences—working with great mentors like Kenny McPeak and Tony Dutrow—gave him insights into both the horseman’s art and the business side of racing. He shares the lessons learned from his most influential trainers and why staying hungry kept him pushing through initial setbacks. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at how he’s preparing for a rising star—an Oscar Performance colt heading to his barn soon—where pedigree meets strategy, and surface versatility is key. Why does thi…

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## Transcript

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