It might seem tricky, a couple not just working together but also competing against each other. But both riders say they’ve managed it successfully.

Aubrie said, “Since we rode against each other when we were dating it kind of naturally fell into place. There had been some competitive moments that caused a little tension but we talked about it, and we decided we need to leave those moments in the jocks’ room.”

“We have learned to manage those things,” Suarez agreed. “We treat each other in the jocks room with respect as coworkers.”

Two years ago, married riders Katie Davis and Trevor McCarthy were in the news because of a New York rule that required horses ridden by spouses to race as coupled entries – a rule that often meant Davis couldn’t get mounts in races McCarthy did. The rule, since repealed, spoke to the concerns some have about whether married couples will try their very best against each other.

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Suarez and Green say that’s nothing folks should worry about in their case.

“When that has occasionally come up, I let everyone know that we are both competitive and want to win ourselves,” Suarez explained. “We are not going to help each other and hurt our horses’ chances. Anyone who thinks that is just wrong… and I think that is a disrespectful thing for someone to say.”

Through August 9, Suarez is fourth in the Louisiana Downs jockey standings with 34 wins, and Green was sixth with 23. Jointly, they have registered nearly $1.1 million in purse earnings at the meet. Each has had more than 200 mounts at the meet.

The shift from the Mid-Atlantic to the South has been more of a new experience for Angel then Aubrie. He first went to Fairgrounds in the winter of 2020. He got off to a fast start that year before suffering a broken femur on December 26 when his horse stumbled after clipping a fallen horse. That injury came one race after he had won a stake, and it knocked him out of action until the following May.

During his time in Louisiana, he met his future wife, who had ties to the area and was already riding there. In 2021 and 2022, much of their racing time was spent in the Mid-Atlantic and at Tampa. Although she touted the Louisiana circuit to Angel, Aubrie stated she never tried to pressure him to move his tack even after they were engaged last year.

Last year they raced at Delaware during the summer. Suarez won 47 races, good for third in the standings, while Green added 10 wins.

But earlier this year before they got married, Angel suggested they move back to the area and make Louisiana Downs their home base. Aubrie already owned a home nearby, and the pair plan to go to the Fairgrounds for the 2023-2024 meet.

“In comparison to up north, the atmosphere is more laid back and relaxed,” Angel noted. 

Aubrie added, “This is home for me. I love the people, the environment and the camaraderie we have at the track.”

Both jocks described the dirt surface at Louisiana Downs as one of the best they have ever ridden on.

Although they plan to make occasional catch rides at Evangeline, which is a 2 1/2 hour drive from their home, both Aubrie and Angel love the current three-day-a-week schedule at Louisiana. It allows them to devote time to home projects, workouts, and, of course, each other. In addition, they both said they spend a lot of time studying the past performances in preparation for riding their mounts. 

Working and living together obviously leads to many hours in each other’s company. As a respite, each has an individual activity.

“I am a car person. So in my own personal time I take care of our vehicles,” Angel said. That includes a camper that will be their home during the Fairgrounds meet.

For her part, Aubrie’s alone time consists of baking. “When I bake pies, I’ll make seven at a minimum. At Thanksgiving I make 15 to 20.”

Hobbies aside I got the impression that both Aubrie and Angel truly value their time together. Angel said, “Some people might think we are crazy but when you are with the right person, it feels good to be together as much as we are.”

As bettors know, jocks have a hard and dangerous job. In the case of Aubrie Green and Angel Suarez, it is evident they have found a partner to help each other if they have a tough day at the track or in life.