By Neil Schmidt
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LOUISVILLE - HBO's documentary Jockey is notable for a lack of narration. The sad stories of its stars are separated only by piano tones.

The down side: It leaves viewers wanting for explanation.

Kentucky Derby news from The Louisville Courier-Journal

• A wide-open Kentucky Derby • Zito gets Derby Trial win he coveted with Sir Shackleton • Choosing Derby winner is tough task • Notebook: Smarty Jones works 5 furlongs in 58 flat • Kentucky Derby index

The 90-minute film, premiering at 8 p.m. Monday, follows the difficulties of three riders: veterans Shane Sellers and Randy Romero, and 23-year-old apprentice Chris Rosier.

It was filmed largely in Kentucky in 2002, when Sellers was out of commission and pondering retirement. He's back and will ride Saturday in the Kentucky Derby. Rom-ero, 46, had already retired.

Few punches are pulled. The documentary includes photos of Romero's burns after the oil he had rubbed on himself caught fire in a primitive sweatbox filled with heat lamps. It also has grisly footage of his spill in the 1990 Breeders' Cup Distaff aboard Go For Wand, plus a graphic tumble by Rosier in a race at Turfway Park.

There isn't enough context provided for why jockeys must keep their weight so low and why so many riders have a hard time making money in a $17 billion industry.

The emotions speak clearly, though. Jockey's moving moments include Sellers and Romero watching a news report about Romero's condition from his hospital room, and Rosier's mother, Kim, speaking with fear of his limited prospects after his riding career.

Rosier is out of racing now. Sellers said Rosier has recently been diagnosed with diabetes.

Jockey Robby Albarado said of the film, "It's very actual. It's as genuine as you're going to get."

Jockey showings

Jockey, a 90-minute HBO documentary, premieres Monday and will be shown six times:

• 8 p.m. Monday

• 2 p.m. Friday

• 2:30 p.m. Saturday

• 11 a.m. May 4

• 9 a.m. May 9

• 5:30 p.m. May 17

---

E-mail nschmidt@enquirer.com