Jockey John McKee Guest On Radio Show

Rider John McKee is the special guest on Thursday night's "Winning Ponies Radio Show."

McKee's father, David, had been a jockey in the late 1970s and early '80s. John was inspired to become a jockey after seeing his father's win pictures.

He grew up in the Cincinnati area where learned to ride at an early age. His parents tried to discourage his desire to become a jockey, but at 17 he got his start with Thoroughbreds at Poplar Creek Farm near Bethel, Ohio, and learned to be an exercise rider.

John followed Pat Day's career when he was a youngster and the two later became good friends. "He's set a lot of examples for me," McKee said several months prior to Day's retirement in 2005. "I try to copy him and be the person and the jockey he is now. There's so much to learn from somebody like him.

The show airs at 8:00 p.m., and you may call-in and ask questions at: 1-888-346-9144.