You’ve seen her thundering down the stretch at Saratoga or making a bold move at Gulfstream Park. The "Smiling Assassin," as they call her, is basically a whirlwind of energy on horseback. But if you’re standing at the rail watching her guide a 1,200-pound animal to the finish line, one question almost always pops up: how tall is katie davis jockey?
It’s a fair question. Jockeys are famous for being small, but there’s a lot of confusion out there because several famous "Katie Davises" exist in the sports world. Honestly, if you Google it, you might find a 5-foot-10 judo champion or a 5-foot-2 equestrian.
But for our Katie Davis—the professional Thoroughbred jockey and star of the Netflix series Race for the Crown—the reality is much closer to the standard jockey build. While official racing programs don't always list a "program height" like the NBA does, those close to the NYRA and Gulfstream circuits generally place her around 5 feet tall.
She’s compact. She’s strong. And she has to be.
Why Katie Davis Jockey Height Matters on the Track
In the world of horse racing, height is mostly a proxy for weight. Most jockeys, including Katie, have to maintain a riding weight between 110 and 118 pounds. If you’re taller, that becomes a nightmare. Every extra inch of bone and muscle makes hitting that scale target a grueling task of "flipping" (purging) or extreme dieting.
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Katie comes from a literal dynasty of riders. Her dad, Robbie Davis, was a legend. Her siblings, Jackie and Dylan, are also in the irons. Growing up in that environment, you learn early that your frame is your tool.
Being around 5 feet tall gives her a distinct mechanical advantage. She can tuck into a tight, aerodynamic crouch that reduces wind resistance. It’s about leverage. You've got to have the core strength to stay balanced while a horse is hitting 40 miles per hour under you.
The Weight Struggle vs. The Height Advantage
Katie has been open about the grind. She’s a mom now—she and her husband, former jockey Trevor McCarthy, have a daughter named Riley. Balancing the physical demands of being a professional athlete with motherhood is something she talked about extensively on her 2025 appearance on the Smiling Assassin podcast.
Basically, her height allows her to stay competitive without the health-shattering weight cuts that plague taller riders. While a 5-foot-4 jockey might be constantly fighting their own biology, Katie’s frame is naturally suited for the long haul.
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A Career Defined by More Than Inches
If you only focus on how tall is katie davis jockey, you’re missing the actual story. She’s currently riding the 2025-2026 Championship Meet at Gulfstream Park. She moved down there to be closer to Trevor’s parents in Delray Beach and to find a "new challenge" in the sun.
She isn't just "the girl on Netflix" or Robbie Davis's daughter anymore. She hit her 300th career win in late 2024 at the Big A (Aqueduct) on a horse named Bobby M's Girl. That’s a massive milestone. It proves that regardless of stature, she has the "clock in her head"—that internal sense of pace that tells a rider when to wait and when to go.
Fast Facts About Katie Davis
- Birthplace: Saratoga Springs, NY (born into the heart of racing).
- First Win: February 21, 2014, at Aqueduct.
- Current Circuit: Gulfstream Park (Winter 2025-2026).
- Nickname: "Smiling Assassin" (because she’s nice until the gates open).
- Family: Married to Trevor McCarthy; daughter Riley.
Breaking the "Short" Stereotype
People think jockeys are just "short people who like horses." It’s way more intense than that. Katie’s height is backed by a level of fitness that would make most CrossFit athletes weep. She’s frequently seen in the gym or working horses at dawn.
Kinda funny thing: her husband Trevor actually transitioned out of racing recently to work in real estate investment. So, in their household, the "short" professional athlete is the one still carrying the torch on the track while he manages house flips.
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What’s Next for Katie Davis?
Looking ahead through 2026, Katie is focused on expanding her business. She’s working with agent Ryan Bond and has been picking up mounts for big-name trainers like Barclay Tagg and Michael Maker.
She’s also keeping an eye on the reopening of Belmont Park in late 2026. She’s mentioned she wants to get experience on synthetic surfaces (like the Tapeta at Gulfstream) because Belmont is adding one. She's always thinking three steps ahead.
Actionable Takeaways for Racing Fans
If you’re following Katie’s career or betting on her mounts this season, keep these things in mind:
- Check the Surface: She loves the Tapeta and turf. She’s mentioned she "thrives" on the all-weather tracks because they ride like grass.
- Look for the "Davis" Energy: She rides with a lot of heart. If a horse is a "grinder" that needs encouragement, she’s a great fit.
- Follow the Gulfstream Results: She’s currently building momentum in Florida. Watch her stats on Equibase to see if she's forming "winning pairs" with specific trainers this winter.
Knowing how tall is katie davis jockey tells you she has the physical build for the sport, but it’s her 12 years of experience and that "Smiling Assassin" grit that actually gets her to the winner's circle. Keep an eye on her at Gulfstream through March 2026—she’s just getting started.