Michael and Jules Iavarone: You Know Them, You Love Them, You Won’t Believe How Much They Want a Derby Again
Michael and Jules Iavarone, stars of Netflix’s Race for the Crown, are back in the high-stakes world of horse racing. Their flashy style and strong presence made this couple a power couple, having rebuilt their lives after the Kentucky Derby victory and legal woes.
They now combine racing ambition with an elegant, unpretentious lifestyle. This article highlights their journey, their return to the racetrack, and the understated heroism behind the glamour, providing a beacon of hope for equestrian sports enthusiasts and fans of comeback tales alike.
From Wall Street To Winner’s Circle: Michael Lavarone’s Racing Passion
Michael Iavarone’s passion for racing started in 1985, when he watched the Breeders’ Cup with his father. That spark transformed into a full-fledged pursuit once he left his mark as an investment banker.
In 2003, he founded International Equine Acquisitions Holding (IEAH). By winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 2008 under the banner of Big Brown, Michael secured a place in the horse racing canon.
But things took a sharp turn. IEAH went up in smoke, and its financial backer, James Tagliaferri, got into legal trouble. Though Iavarone was not implicated in the scandal, the fallout affected his career. He retreated and started over in the security sector.
This phase was also the one that brought him Jules, the woman who would later share both his personal life and professional resurgence. Their relationship rekindled his fire to race horses and sprinkled glitter dust across his road back to the tracks.
The Lavarones Return To The Track In Style
Two years later, Michael and Jules Iavarone were scouting for a racing do-over. This time, they had a more hands-on approach, managing horses with fewer partners and more individual involvement.
Michael retained his primary role as an asset manager, but he put his heart into horse ownership. In 2024, their focus was on major races, including the Pegasus World Cup and the Kentucky Derby.
Their dreams of a Derby didn’t come true in 2024, but their horse, Steal Sunshine, ran in the 2025 Pegasus. Their presence alone, even without a victory, served to remind fans they were back — and in earnest.
Michael’s encyclopedic mind and Jules’s stylish energy make this on-air team one to watch. Their comeback story is not just about racing; it’s also about passion, partnership, and perseverance.
Behind The Glamour: Luxury And Quiet Life In Balance
The Iavarone family is well-known for its glamorous lifestyle. You see them on social media dressed in designer clothes, making the rounds of elite bashes, whether it’s a day of car racing or a Halloween party.
Coordinating outfits, globetrotting weekends, and partying at the beach reveal their style. Their coordinated black and silver outfit turned some heads at Pegasus 2025, as did their Halloween pilot-jet duo costume.
But behind this more flamboyant side, there is a quieter rhythm. Michael prefers quiet nights at home during the week, and Jules, who is spiritually inclined, appreciates solitude and peace.
They have just as much fun with their cat as they do at high-energy gatherings. This tension between high fashion and domesticity is reflected in their brand identity, making them both human and extraordinary.
FAQs
Who are Michael and Jules Iavarone?
Michael is a former investment banker and horse owner, while Jules is his wife and racing sparring partner. They appear in Netflix’s Race for the Crown.
What is IEAH?
IEAH is short for International Equine Acquisitions Holding, a racing syndicate Michael founded in 2003 that owned the Derby winner Big Brown.
What happened to IEAH?
The syndicate was shut down when it ran into legal trouble with a major financier. Michael wasn’t involved directly but benefited from the fallout.
Is Michael and Jules still fine racing?
Yes, they returned to the races in 2017 and remain active owners and racers of horses with select partners.
Do the Iavarones live a high life?
Yes, they post their stylin’ life online — but they also love a quiet evening at home.
Final Words
Michael and Jules Iavarone’s story speaks to reinvention and resilience. From Derby highs to business hurdles, they have remained true to their passions and each other. The amalgamation of their horse-racing aspirations and lively lifestyle continues to perplex and amuse. With new races to come, this dynamic duo is not done yet, and fans can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon.
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