MoxieTalk with Kirt Jacobs

Bill Mott is 1 of the greatest American Thoroughbred horse trainers of the modern era — a Hall of Famer, multiple Eclipse Award winner, and the trainer of some truly elite racehorses.

He was born July 29, 1953, in Mobridge, South Dakota, and got started absurdly young: one of his early wins came at age 16 with a horse named Kosmic Tour.

He later worked under Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg, then opened his own public stable in 1978.

Why he's a big deal:

1. Hall of Fame trainer: Mott was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 1998, becoming 1 of the youngest trainers ever voted in.

2. Trainer of Cigar His most famous horse historically is probably Cigar, one of the all-time greats, who won 16 consecutive races in the 1990s & became a racing icon.

3. Kentucky Derby winner — twice Mott trained Country House, the official winner of the 2019 Kentucky Derby, after Maximum Security was disqualified. He then won the Derby again in 2025 with Sovereignty, this time in clean, emphatic fashion.

4. Triple Crown race wins His Triple Crown wins include the Kentucky Derby with Country House and Sovereignty, plus the Belmont Stakes with Drosselmeyer and Sovereignty.

5. Breeders' Cup success He has trained numerous Breeders' Cup winners and is especially respected for developing older horses and keeping elite horses sound over time.

In plain English:

Bill Mott is the quiet master craftsman of American racing — not a carnival-barker personality, not a hype machine, just a deeply respected horseman whose horses often get better with patience, distance, and maturity.

Very "old-school excellence," which makes sense, given that Riley Mott carries a serious racing pedigree!

Brad H. Cox is one of the leading American Thoroughbred racehorse trainers, based in Kentucky & strongly associated with Churchill Downs.

A Louisville native, he grew up near Churchill Downs & worked his way up from the racetrack and backstretch, including time with trainers Burk Kessinger & Jimmy Baker, and later as an assistant to Dallas Stewart.

His national profile exploded in the late 2010s and early 2020s. Cox is a 2-time Eclipse Award winner for Outstanding Trainer, winning the honor for 2020 & 2021.

His most famous horses include:

*Mandalou: the official winner of the 2021 KY. Derby, after Medina Spirit was disqualified. Cox became the first Louisville-born trainer credited with a Kentucky Derby win.

*Monomoy Girl: Champion filly; won the 2018 KY. Oaks & Breeders' Cup Distaff, giving Cox major breakthrough wins.

*Essential Quality : Champion racehorse; won the 2021 Belmont Stakes.

*Knicks Go: Won the 2021 Breeders' Cup Classic and was Horse of the Year caliber; one of Cox's signature older dirt horses.

*Shedaresthedevil: Won the 2020 Kentucky Oaks, giving Cox another major filly classic.

As of the current 2026 racing coverage, Cox remains among the top North American trainers. America's Best Racing's 2026 leaderboard showed him ranked No. 1 by earnings at the time, with listed 2026 earnings of $11,089,862, overall earnings of $235,225,430, and a 26% overall win rate.

The straightforward read: Brad Cox is not just "a good trainer"; he is 1 of the elite American trainers of the modern era, especially on dirt, in major Kentucky races, and in Breeders' Cup-level competition. His only odd footnote is the Kentucky Derby: he is officially a Derby-winning trainer through Mandaloun, but that victory came by disqualification months after the race, not by standing in the winner's circle on Derby Day.

Bill Carstanjen—Formally known as William C. Carstanjen—is the Chief Executive Officer of Churchill Downs Inc., the Louisville-based public company behind Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby, & a broader portfolio of racing, gaming, and entertainment assets. He was named CEO of Churchill Downs Inc. in August 2014 & appointed to the co.'s Board of Directors in July 2015. Before becoming CEO, he served as President & COO and earlier as Exec. VP, General Counsel, & CDO. He joined Churchill Downs in July 2005 after serving as an exec at General Electric. Carstanjen is not merely the "Derby CEO." He is the exec leading the corporate parent co. that owns/operates major assets connected to Thoroughbred racing, casino gaming, historical racing machines, online wagering, & premium live-event hospitality. Churchill Downs remains the company's emotional/symbolic center, but CDI under Carstanjen has become a much broader gaming/entertainment enterprise. The WSJ reported that CDI has increasingly invested beyond traditional racetracks, with gaming & related businesses becoming major growth engines. For Kentucky Derby purposes, he matters because he is the top corporate decision-maker over the co. that controls the event's long-term business strategy, capital investment, brand positioning, guest experience, & media/commercial direction. Churchill Downs' own 2026 Derby announcement quoted Carstanjen discussing the 152nd Derby & Derby Week programming, including the Spring Meet, Derby Week racing, & NBC coverage. Bill Carstanjen—Formally known as William C. Carstanjen—is the Chief Executive Officer of Churchill Downs Inc., the Louisville-based public company behind Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby, & a broader portfolio of racing, gaming, and entertainment assets. He was named CEO of Churchill Downs Inc. in August 2014 & appointed to the co.'s Board of Directors in July 2015. Before becoming CEO, he served as President & COO and earlier as Exec. VP, General Counsel, & CDO. He joined Churchill Downs in July 2005 after serving as an exec at General Electric. Carstanjen is not merely the "Derby CEO." He is the exec leading the corporate parent co. that owns/operates major assets connected to Thoroughbred racing, casino gaming, historical racing machines, online wagering, & premium live-event hospitality. Churchill Downs remains the company's emotional/symbolic center, but CDI under Carstanjen has become a much broader gaming/entertainment enterprise. The WSJ reported that CDI has increasingly invested beyond traditional racetracks, with gaming & related businesses becoming major growth engines. For Kentucky Derby purposes, he matters because he is the top corporate decision-maker over the co. that controls the event's long-term business strategy, capital investment, brand positioning, guest experience, & media/commercial direction. Churchill Downs' own 2026 Derby announcement quoted Carstanjen discussing the 152nd Derby & Derby Week programming, including the Spring Meet, Derby Week racing, & NBC coverage. He hBill Carstanjen—Formally known as William C. Carstanjen—is the Chief Executive Officer of Churchill Downs Inc., the Louisville-based public company behind Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby, & a broader portfolio of racing, gaming, and entertainment assets. He was named CEO of Churchill Downs Inc. in August 2014 & appointed to the co.'s Board of Directors in July 2015. Before becoming CEO, he served as President & COO and earlier as Exec. VP, General Counsel, & CDO. He joined Churchill Downs in July 2005 after serving as an exec at General Electric. Carstanjen is not merely the "Derby CEO." He is the exec leading the corporate parent co. that owns/operates major assets connected to Thoroughbred racing, casino gaming, historical racing machines, online wagering, & premium live-event hospitality. Churchill Downs remains the company's emotional/symbolic center, but CDI under Carstanjen has become a much broader gaming/entertainment enterprise. The WSJ reported that CDI has increasingly invested beyond traditional racetracks, with gaming & related businesses becoming major growth engines. For Kentucky Derby purposes, he matters because he is the top corporate decision-maker over the co. that controls the event's long-term business strategy, capital investment, brand positioning, guest experience, & media/commercial direction. Churchill Downs' own 2026 Derby announcement quoted Carstanjen discussing the 152nd Derby & Derby Week programming, including the Spring Meet, Derby Week racing, & NBC coverage. HBill Carstanjen—Formally known as William C. Carstanjen—is the Chief Executive Officer of Churchill Downs Inc., the Louisville-based public company behind Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby, & a broader portfolio of racing, gaming, and entertainment assets. He was named CEO of Churchill Downs Inc. in August 2014 & appointed to the co.'s Board of Directors in July 2015. Before becoming CEO, he served as President & COO and earlier as Exec. VP, General Counsel, & CDO. He joined Churchill Downs in July 2005 after serving as an exec at General Electric. Carstanjen is not merely the "Derby CEO." He is the exec leading the corporate parent co. that owns/operates major assets connected to Thoroughbred racing, casino gaming, historical racing machines, online wagering, & premium live-event hospitality. Churchill Downs remains the company's emotional/symbolic center, but CDI under Carstanjen has become a much broader gaming/entertainment enterprise. The WSJ reported that CDI has increasingly invested beyond traditional racetracks, with gaming & related businesses becoming major growth engines. For Kentucky Derby purposes, he matters because he is the top corporate decision-maker over the co. that controls the event's long-term business strategy, capital investment, brand positioning, guest experience, & media/commercial direction. Churchill Downs' own 2026 Derby announcement quoted Carstanjen discussing the 152nd Derby & Derby Week programming, including the Spring Meet, Derby Week racing, & NBC coverage. Bill Carstanjen—Formally known as William C. Carstanjen—is the Chief Executive Officer of Churchill Downs Inc., the Louisville-based public company behind Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby, & a broader portfolio of racing, gaming, and entertainment assets. He was named CEO of Churchill Downs Inc. in August 2014 & appointed to the co.'s Board of Directors in July 2015. Before becoming CEO, he served as President & COO and earlier as Exec. VP, General Counsel, & CDO. He joined Churchill Downs in July 2005 after serving as an exec at General Electric. Carstanjen is not merely the "Derby CEO." He is the exec leading the corporate parent co. that owns/operates major assets connected to Thoroughbred racing, casino gaming, historical racing machines, online wagering, & premium live-event hospitality. Churchill Downs remains the company's emotional/symbolic center, but CDI under Carstanjen has become a much broader gaming/entertainment enterprise. The WSJ reported that CDI has increasingly invested beyond traditional racetracks, with gaming & related businesses becoming major growth engines. For Kentucky Derby purposes, he matters because he is the top corporate decision-maker over the co. that controls the event's long-term business strategy, capital investment, brand positioning, guest experience, & media/commercial direction. Churchill Downs' own 2026 Derby announcement quoted Carstanjen discussing the 152nd Derby & Derby Week programming, including the Spring Meet, Derby Week racing, & NBC coverage. HeBill Carstanjen—Formally known as William C. Carstanjen—is the Chief Executive Officer of Churchill Downs Inc., the Louisville-based public company behind Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby, & a broader portfolio of racing, gaming, and entertainment assets. He was named CEO of Churchill Downs Inc. in August 2014 & appointed to the co.'s Board of Directors in July 2015. Before becoming CEO, he served as President & COO and earlier as Exec. VP, General Counsel, & CDO. He joined Churchill Downs in July 2005 after serving as an exec at General Electric. Carstanjen is not merely the "Derby CEO." He is the exec leading the corporate parent co. that owns/operates major assets connected to Thoroughbred racing, casino gaming, historical racing machines, online wagering, & premium live-event hospitality. Churchill Downs remains the company's emotional/symbolic center, but CDI under Carstanjen has become a much broader gaming/entertainment enterprise. The WSJ reported that CDI has increasingly invested beyond traditional racetracks, with gaming & related businesses becoming major growth engines. For Kentucky Derby purposes, he matters because he is the top corporate decision-maker over the co. that controls the event's long-term business strategy, capital investment, brand positioning, guest experience, & media/commercial direction. Churchill Downs' own 2026 Derby announcement quoted Carstanjen discussing the 152nd Derby & Derby Week programming, including the Spring Meet, Derby Week racing, & NBC coverage. He has also become relevant nationally in horse racing because Churchill Downs recently agreed to acquire the IP rights to the Preakness & Black-Eyed Susan Stakes for $85 million-a move that could further consolidate CDI's influence over masdajor Triple Crown-related assets. Carstanjen is the corporate architect steering Churchill Downs Inc. through a period of brand expansion, gaming-sector growth, Derby modernization, & broader control of premier American horse-racingasd properties. For anyone seeking Churchill Downs/Kentucky Derby media access, sponsorship relationships, or insights into strategic partnerships, he is 1 of the most important figures in the entire ecosystem. has also become relevant nationally in horse racing because Churchill Downs recently agreed to acquire the IP rights to the Preakness & Black-Eyed Susan Stakes for $85 million-a move that could further consolidate CDI's influence over major Triple Crown-related assets. Carstanjen is the corporate architect steering Churchill Downs Inc. through a period of brand expansion, gaming-sector growth, Derby modernization, & broader control of premier American horse-racing properties. For anyone seeking Churchill Downs/Kentucky Derby media access, sponsorship relationships, or insights into strategic partnerships, he is 1 of the most important figures in the entire ecosystem.He has also become relevant nationally in horse racing because Churchill Downs recently agreed to acquire the IP rights to the Preakness & Black-Eyed Susan Stakes for $85 million-a move that could further consolidate CDI's influence over major Triple Crown-related assets. Carstanjen is the corporate architect steering Churchill Downs Inc. through a period of brand expansion, gaming-sector growth, Derby modernization, & broader control of premier American horse-racing properties. For anyone seeking Churchill Downs/Kentucky Derby media access, sponsorship relationships, or insights into strategic partnerships, he is 1 of the most important figures in the entire ecosystem.e has also become relevant nationally in horse racing because Churchill Downs recently agreed to acquire the IP rights to the Preakness & Black-Eyed Susan Stakes for $85 million-a move that could further consolidate CDI's influence over major Triple Crown-related assets. Carstanjen is the corporate architect steering Churchill Downs Inc. through a period of brand expansion, gaming-sector growth, Derby modernization, & broader control of premier American horse-racing properties. For anyone seeking Churchill Downs/Kentucky Derby media access, sponsorship relationships, or insights into strategic partnerships, he is 1 of the most important figures in the entire ecosystem.as also become relevant nationally in horse racing because Churchill Downs recently agreed to acquire the IP rights to the Preakness & Black-Eyed Susan Stakes for $85 million-a move that could further consolidate CDI's influence over major Triple Crown-related assets. Carstanjen is the corporate architect steering Churchill Downs Inc. through a period of brand expansion, gaming-sector growth, Derby modernization, & broader control of premier American horse-racing properties. For anyone seeking Churchill Downs/Kentucky Derby media access, sponsorship relationships, or insights into strategic partnerships, he is 1 of the most important figures in the entire ecosystem.He has also become relevant nationally in horse racing because Churchill Downs recently agreed to acquire the IP rights to the Preakness & Black-Eyed Susan Stakes for $85 million-a move that could further consolidate CDI's influence over major Triple Crown-related assets. Carstanjen is the corporate architect steering Churchill Downs Inc. through a period of brand expansion, gaming-sector growth, Derby modernization, & broader control of premier American horse-racing properties. For anyone seeking Churchill Downs/Kentucky Derby media access, sponsorship relationships, or insights into strategic partnerships, he is 1 of the most important figures in the entire ecosystem.

Kirt Jacobs chats with Travis Stone, the voice of Churchill Dns. They discuss this year's highly competitive KY Derby, noting it's Stone's 12th time calling the prominent horse race. This interview offers a direct look into the excitement & challenges in thoroughbred racing.

Morgan McGarvey, born December 23, 1979, in Louisville, Kentucky, comes from a family rooted in public service. Influenced by his father, attorney and former Jeffersontown city attorney John McGarvey, he developed an early interest in law and governance. After graduating from DuPont Manual High School, he earned a journalism degree from the University of Missouri and a law degree from the University of Kentucky.

McGarvey gained public-sector experience through internships with Congressman Ben Chandler and the Kentucky Attorney General's Office before working as an attorney at Morgan Pottinger McGarvey and serving as a Special Assistant Attorney General. In 2012, he was elected to the Kentucky State Senate, representing Louisville's 19th District. He became known for his work on education, healthcare, criminal justice reform, voting rights, and other progressive priorities. In 2019, he was elected Senate Minority Leader, becoming the youngest person to hold that role.

After Congressman John Yarmuth announced his retirement, McGarvey ran for Kentucky's 3rd Congressional District, won the Democratic primary and general election, and took office in January 2023. In Congress, he serves on committees including Small Business, Veterans Affairs, and Oversight and Accountability. His priorities include supporting small businesses, improving veterans' healthcare, promoting economic equity, protecting democratic institutions, advancing gun safety, reproductive rights, climate action, LGBTQ+ rights, and expanding access to education and healthcare.

As Kentucky's only Democratic member of Congress, McGarvey represents Louisville while working to bridge urban and rural concerns. He lives in Louisville with his wife, Chris, and their three children, and is regarded as a pragmatic progressive and rising Democratic leader.

Mike Tomes, inadvertently, and one could say by sheer karma, became MoxieTalk's quincentenary (500th) guest in our series!

is a fashion-forward style influencer based in Louisville, Kentucky, who frequently describes himself as a "dabbler in fashion, travel, marketing, and events", positioning himself clearly in the style and lifestyle influencer space, and he consistently shares bold and expressive outfits that blend elegance with flair. He operates locally and is embedded in the Louisville fashion and events community.

Described by many as a "bold style tastemaker and designer," he appeared alongside fashion figures such as Amanda Dare in local media reels, signaling his role in regional fashion events & gatherings.

Beyond Instagram, his fashion presence appears at Louisville lifestyle and design events, notably in local reels and posts that suggest collaboration and visibility within the community.

He Stands Out because he is often seen contributing to Louisville fashion conversations, from derby style to couture events, by utilizing dramatic styling and high-fashion photo shoots to amplify his personal style voice.

Though not celebrity-level, his consistent presence and collaborations hint at influence within local trendsetting circles.

He blends travel, design, and curated style into his brand, contributing to the city's creative scene.

Host Kirt Jacobs catches up with a lucky lottery winner at the First Turn Club during the annual derby party at Churchill Downs.

She's attending her first horse-racing event and is all dressed up for the occasion, representing Southern living with style!

Host Kirt Jacobs catches up with Mark Simms at Churchill Downs, diving into the vibrant world of Derby fashion.

Mark shares his love for colorful hats and his unique custom outfits, making every year a lively derby party event!

It's all about what to wear and how to dress up for this iconic horse racing event!

Join host KIrt Jacobs at historic Churchill Downs on a soggy Derby Day for some engaging interviews!

We chat with a stylish couple from Lexington, Kentucky, who have attended their 17th horse race, sharing their favorite Derby drinks and horse picks.

This segment captures the lively atmosphere and unique traditions of horse racing at Churchill Downs.