The new horse racing reality show which follows the lives of seven jockeys, including Winnipeg Native Chantal Sutherland, debuted this past weekend

on Animal Planet.

Jockeys: Win Or Die Trying, premiered Friday, February 6 at 9:00 p.m. (ET).

As Garth Woolsey of the Toronto Star puts it, "this is reality television or, more accurately, in the parlance of the trade, a docu/soap. Up-close action at the track is combined with close-up action away from it. On first viewing, it looks like a winner – high-quality production, lots of action and interesting, compelling content."

Sutherland, the well known five-foot two-inch jockey that is nearing her 33rd birthday, is contemplating a future in the broadcasting business. She told Woolsey that at first it took her a bit of time to get used to the whole reality television aspect, but it all worked out well in the end.

"At first, it was a bit intrusive," said Sutherland. "It was awkward because you're thinking about everything you say. But then we gradually became friends with the camera guys and everything started to happen naturally. We worked hard, we gave them a lot of our time."

She went on to say that the show is good for horse racing, noting that it is a good marketing tool in the United States.

Click here to find out more about Jockeys: Win Or Die Trying.

To read the Toronto Star article in its entirety, click here.

(With files from the Toronto Star)