Ponies 24-7 The Radio Magazine

Larry and Ann, are joined by Jessica Paquette, Racetrack Announcer for PARX Racing, who is preparing to call a stakes filled card at the Pennsylvania racetrack, which includes two $1 Million races, the Cotillion for Fillies and the Pennsylvania Derby, which could see the winners of both  in Breeders’ Cup races in early November. Jessica breaks down the two races for us and talks about what it was like to be the first and only full time female race caller in the United States when PARX hired her. She also talks about her long-time interest in horse racing and some individuals that have helped ease her into the PARX broadcast booth. Mike Romeo of Terra Racing Stable and Pine View Hyundai and he discusses last Saturday’s stakes win by their Fabulously Fab and why the win came with some extra emotional attachment. Mike also breaks down the history of Terra Racing Stable and discusses another form of ‘horsepower’ that the Romeo family have been involved in, that being the automobile industry with two dealerships, Pine View Hyundai and Airport Nissan, both located in Brampton. Standardbred Trainer, Blake MacIntosh, who discusses his two entries in tonight’s Mohawk Million, Go Ahead Makemyday and a Filly, Monalishi and how they both have been racing up to tonight’s major stakes race. Blake also discusses why he believes that 2024 is working out as a career year for him and mentions where his career began originally and talks about  some of his other top horses that he has had the opportunity to train over the years.; In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look At The Way It Was In Horse Racing News, Larry talks about last Saturday’s  outstanding betting handles at Woodbine  on Turf Champions Day, which was headlined by the running of the $1 Million Rogers Woodbine Mile.  In our newest regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about this afternoon’s $1 Million Pennsylvania Derby and mentions about some of the history behind the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show.
 

Key Points:

• Jessica initially talks about both two-Million-dollar races on the PARX racing card today, the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby and the Grade 1 Cotillion for Fillies and why both races could play a major part in several divisions of this year’s Breeders’ Cup race in early November. She also mentions how she has always had an interest in horses and why this led to her becoming the only Female Racetrack Announcer when she was first hired and mentions what the hiring process was like. Jessica also discusses some other Female participants in horse racing that helped to mentor her for the Announcer’s position and how she has always had an interest in horses, including participating in equestrian events. 

• Mike discusses last Saturday’s stakes victory by his Fabulously Fab in the Grade 3 Ontario Matron Stakes at Woodbine and why the Winner’s Circle presentation was very emotional for everyone involved. He also talks about why we have seen Fabulously Fab perform so well in 2024, even though she was forced to move up into open company and what her remaining schedule for this season looks like. Mike also talks about the family history behind Terra Racing Stable and how that same history has carried over to their two automobile dealerships, Pine View Hyundai and Airport Nissan, both located in Brampton He also mentions how many horses Terra has in training and is asked whether Fabulously Fab is the best horse that they have raced to date. 

• Blake discusses tonight’s Mohawk Million Stakes at Woodbine Mohawk Park and in particular talks about his two entrants, Go Ahead Makemyday and Monalishi a Filly, and how they both stamped their ticket for inclusion in tonight’s major stakes event. Blake also discusses his career and where it all began for him and is asked if he remembers his first winner as a Trainer, 24 years ago and the name of the horse. He also discusses some of the other top horses that he has had an opportunity to train throughout his career and being on the verge of having a career year, what does he account this year’s success to. Blake also mentions whether he set any goals for himself prior to the start of the 2024 harness racing season and jokingly, could he be cheering for a dead heat tonight between his two horses, Go Ahead Makemyday and Monalishi.

Larry and Ann are joined by Woodbine Trainer Nathan Squires, who is readying his Cairo Caper for today’s bet365 Summer Stakes, a Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In stakes event. Nathan discusses how he has trained Cairo Caper up to today’s race and what the plans are for the horse for the remainder of the season. Nathan also talks about how he got his start in Thoroughbred racing and if there was someone in particular that assisted him in becoming a Trainer and whether Cairo Caper can be considered the best horse that he has trained to date.  Jeff Musson, Executive Director for ‘Coding For Veterans’ a group that assists Military Veterans from Military service to private lives and he discusses next Saturday’s ‘Heroes and Horses Day’, to be held at Woodbine. He also talks about why there was a collaboration with Woodbine and what visitors to next Saturday’s event, will be able to take in. should they attend. Woodbine Head Clocker and Morning Line Oddsmaker Ernie Perri, who breaks down today’s Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In stakes events at Woodbine. He also discusses workouts and what distinguishes a good workout from one that is not as good and spends some time talking about the value of five furlong works. Ernie also ‘gives’ his two clocker specials  for today, which can be found in the race day program on a regular basis In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look At The Way It Was In Horse Racing News, Larry talks about the recent win by Colebrook Farms, John Brnjas at Kentucky Downs this past week, a win that was his biggest as an owner in the close to 40 years that he has been part of the Thoroughbred industry.  In our new regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about this afternoon’s $1 Million Rogers Woodbine Mile and mentions about some of the history behind the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show. 

Key Points: 

• Nathan initially talks about Cairo Caper and what he thinks of his chances in today’s Summer Stakes and how he has prepped him for this major stakes race. He mentions what the plans will be for this horse for the remainder of the year and discusses whether Cairo Caper is the best horse that he has trained to date. Nathan also mentions how he became interested in training Thoroughbreds and discusses a couple of people that helped him at the very beginning. He also mentions about growing up and how being part of a ‘sporting family’ helped to encourage him to become a Thoroughbred Trainer eventually and whether there was someone that he considered a mentor, earlier in his career and what it would feel like to race in a Breeders’ Cup event again.

• Jeff discusses ‘Coding for Veterans’ special day next Saturday at Woodbine, ‘Heroes and Horses Day,’ that will include an exciting day of horse racing, Military ceremonies and community recognition and mentions where the initiative began and why an event with Woodbine and horse racing. As Executive Director, Jeff discusses the mandate for ‘Coding for Veterans’ and mentions what visitors to Woodbine next Saturday can expect to see a how hopefully the event will engage a new audience. Jeff also explains how ‘Coding for Veterans’ retrains Military Veterans across North America in software development and cybersecurity and how they equip Military members with the skills necessary for second careers in the tech industry. He adds why their program helps Veterans go from Deployment to Employment

• Ernie discusses todays stakes filled card at Woodbine and in particular breaks down the three Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In stakes events, the Woodbine Mile, the Summer Stakes and the Natalma. He also talks about the value of workouts and in particular five furlong works and mentions whether it is difficult handicapping races with European horses as their Trainers don’t work them out as much as our North American Trainers do. Ernie also mentions whether races like the Woodbine Mile are difficult to make a Morning Line on and gives out two of his Clocker Specials on todays card at Woodbine, which are featured in the Woodbine program regularly. Ernie also talks about Moira and whether he likes her chances in todays E. P. Taylor Stakes. 

Larry and Ann are joined by Harness Driver Scott Zeron, who returned home to Woodbine Mohawk Park last Saturday evening and won two prominent stakes races, the Maple Leaf Trot, and the Canadian Pacing Derby. Scott talks about the two wins and the two horses that he sat behind and whether he was surprised that they both were victorious. He also discusses his career season in 2023, which saw him drive the winners of over $10 Million in purses and four major stakes event and whether he set any goals prior to the start of 2024. Scott also mentions how his career started at Woodbine Mohawk Park and who were some of the local drivers that he watched that helped to establish his own driving career.  Fort Erie Race Track’s Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications James Culic, who talks about Tuesday’s Prince of Wales Stakes, the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown. James mentions who the ten potential starters are for this year’s race and who he likes to win this year’s event. James also talks about how he has been part of 18 Prince of Wales Day and talks about some of the food options that racing  fans attending the Prince of Wales trackside on Tuesday can enjoy and mentions a Prince of Wales race that is still one of his favorites and why. Chiefswood Stables General Manager Rob Landry, who talks about tomorrows Wonder Where Stakes race at Woodbine and the two Chiefswood fillies that have been entered, Saccharine and Quality Presence. Robert also discusses last weeks Toronto Cup Stakes and in particular Chiefswood’s Piper Factor who was the upset winner. Robert also mentions why Piper’s Factor was entered in the Toronto Cup and states what are the plans for the Oak’s winner Kins Concerto for the rest of the 2024 season. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look at The Way It Was in Horse Racing News, Larry talks about the recent launch by Woodbine of their Homestretch Bar & Suites, their newest hospitality offering that puts Woodbine guests directly in the heart of the racing action. In our new regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about this afternoon’s $500,000 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs and mentions about some of the history behind the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show. 

Key Points: 

• Scott initially talks about last week’s Maple Leaf Trot and Canadian Pacing Derby, and particularly his two drives, Its My Show and Periculum and why Its My Show was somewhat of a surprise winner to him. He also talks about what it was like to return to Woodbine Mohawk Park and win the two stakes events and discusses his 2023 season where he had his best year of driving with wins in four major stakes races and purse earnings of over $10 Million. He also mentions why he believes Its My Show has not advanced that much as a four-year-old so far and discusses driving styles and whether there is a difference between the style of Mohawk drivers, compared to those at the U.S. tracks where he is currently driving. Scott also talks about growing up and beginning his driving career in Canada and whether he followed the driving style of any of the Canadian drivers. 

• James discusses Tuesday’s Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie Racetrack and mentions who he believes are some of the leading contenders and why several horses entered may have a small advantage. James also talks about how many Prince of Wales Stakes Days he has been part of and mentions if there is one Prince of Wales race that still resonates with him and why. James also talks about some of the supporting features on Tuesday (additional stakes races and food options) and why the race is so important to the Fort Erie community. He also makes a selection for Tuesday’s Prince of Wales and why he believes that this horse is coming up to a possible winning race. 

• Robert discusses tomorrows Wonder Where Stakes at Woodbine and in particular Chiefswood’s two fillies, Saccharine and Quality Presence and how he thinks both will race tomorrow. Robert also talks about last week’s Toronto Cup Stakes and Chiefswood’s Piper’s Factor who was a surprise winner and discusses some of the reasons why the horse performed better than it did in the King’s Plate Trial, which included having a turf pedigree. Robert also discusses Kin’s Concerto, who was the winner of the Woodbine Oaks for Chiefswood and why she didn’t perform as well in her next start the Bison City Stakes and what are the plans for the filly for the rest of this season. Robert also shares how many horses Chiefswood currently has in training and how many Trainers they employ. 

Larry and Ann are joined by Woodbine Trainer Kevin Attard, who discusses his filly, Caitlinhergrtness, winner of last week’s King’s Plate and what his plans are for her going forward, for the rest of this season. Kevin also talks about how Caitlinhergrtness compares to his Plate winning filly Moira and mentions his other Plate entrants and whether he was pleased with the way they raced. Kevin also talks about the plans for Moira this season and discusses the recent CTHS Premier Yearling Sale and how active he was in purchasing Yearlings this year. Standardbred Trainer Rob Fellows, who talks about his Trotter Logan Park who is the early 5/2 Morning Line Favorite for tonight’s $600,000 Maple Leaf Trot Stakes at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Rob also mentions how he ended up with Logan Park and some of his career best performances and discusses Greenwood Racetrack and how racing there early in his career was such a fantastic experience. He also mentions how he eventually became a Standardbred Trainer, rather than a Driver. Woodbine’s My Railbird’s  Andy McNamara, who discusses the Railbird  website and what makes it different from other handicapping sites  and whether it is a site where you need to have a small knowledge of betting or handicapping to take full advantage of the information provided. Also, Andy walks the listeners through the Railbird website and mentions whether Railbirds is a vehicle to attract sports bettors to betting horse racing. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look at The Way It Was in Horse Racing News, Larry talks about last Wednesday’s CTHS Ontario’s Premier Yearling Sale and mentions how well it was attended. In our new regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about this afternoon’s $125,000 Toronto Cup Stakes at Woodbine and mentions about some of the history behind the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show. 

Key Points: 

• Kevin initially talks about last week’s King’s Plate and in particular his horse, Caitlinhergrtness who ˆbeat the boys’ when winning this years Plate. He also mentions what are the plans for the horse going forward and talks about his 2022 Queen’s Plate winner and a filly, Moira and how Caitlinhergrtness compares to Moira at this stage of her career. He also discusses the future racing plans for Moira this year and talks about how his other King’s Plate entrants last week, performed and whether he was satisfied with their results. He also talks about Wednesday’s Yearling Sale and whether he bought any Yearlings this year and when asked, discusses about how he would describe the first half of the Woodbine race meet for his racing stable and whether there is a race that he would still like to win as a Trainer. 

• Rob discusses tonight’s Maple Leaf Trot at Woodbine Mohawk Park and in particular his Trotter, Logan Park, who is one of the early favorites for the race. He also mentions how he ended up with Logan Park and as a winner of thirty-one races and earnings of over $1.2 Million, were there some winning races that remain highlights to him. He also mentions what the plans are for Logan Park going forward after tonight’s race and discusses his own career as a Trainer and talks about   where it all started for him. Rob also recalls what made the days at Greenwood so special and why he concentrated on Training instead of Driving and whether he still remembers his first win as a Trainer and where it happened to take place.

• Andy describes the Woodbine website myrailbirds.com and whether it is a site that anyone could use, despite a persons amount of knowledge about betting or handicapping. He also talks about the demographic that Woodbine is attempting to reach through Railbirds and walks the listener through the website and outlines some of its features that the user will find informative and easy to use. Andy also mentions that Railbirds is also a vehicle to attract sports bettors and talks about himself and how he became interested in horse racing and handicapping and talks about how Woodbine continues to make updates to the Railbirds website, including an interesting new feature, ‘Railbirds on The Road.’ 

Larry and Ann are joined by the ‘Ubercapper,’ handicapper Ellis Starr, who discusses whether handicapping horses is an art or a science. He also talks about some angles that he has developed to help him with his own handicapping and then breaks down the four stakes’ races at Saratoga today that include the Travers, the Ballerina, the Forgo and the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial. Ellis also discusses where the interest in horse racing and in particular handicapping piqued from. David Anderson, who is the new President of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Ontario Division), who discusses the upcoming Premier Yearling Sale this Wednesday at the Woodbine Sales Pavilion and some of the previous sales graduates that went on to successful racing careers. He also discusses how listeners can become involved in ownership packages if they have an interest in buying a portion of a Yearling this year and talks about what the goals are for his Board in 2024. David also discusses his time in the Standardbred industry and some of the success stories and also several Thoroughbred horses that he has been  involved in and had some good success on the track with as well. Author Curtis Stock, who recently was named one of the finalists for the prestigious Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award for his book, ‘THE TURCOTTES, ‘The Remarkable Story Of A Horse Racing Dynasty’. He says what was the inspiration for writing the book and what it meant to him when he received notification that he was one of the three finalists and the only Canadian. Curtis also discusses how he became interested in horse racing in his teens and whether his book on the Turcottes, was his greatest work to date. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look at The Way It Was in Horse Racing News, Larry talks about the cancellation of the recent King’s Plate last Saturday and why it was run on the following Friday and congratulates the winner. In our new regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about this afternoon’s $1,250,000 Travers Stakes at Saratoga and mentions about some of the history behind the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show. 

Key Points: 

• Ellis talks initially about how he originally became interested in not only horse racing but also handicapping Thoroughbreds. He also mentions what his role with the Equibase company involves and talks about whether he believes handicapping is an art or a science, or a combination of both. He also talks about one of Equibase’s Handicapping products ‘Race Lens’ and why he relies so much on it when handicapping a race. Ellis also spends much of the Interview discussing the four stakes’ races at Saratoga today, the Travers, the Ballerina, the Forego and the H Allen Jerkens Memorial and provides some handicapping advice on all four and mentions why the name ‘Ubercapper.’
  
  
• David discusses how he became President of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society’s Ontario Division and what is being done to help promote Wednesday’s Premier Yearling Sale at the Woodbine Sales Pavilion. David also talks about some of the past Sales Graduates that have gone on to successful racing careers and explains how people can become part of a racing stable should they like to become a horse owner on Wednesday. David also discusses in depth why he has always had such a passion for horses and talks about some of the better horses that he has been involved in on both the Thoroughbred and Standardbred side of the business. He also mentions how people can obtain further information should they wish to attend Wednesday’s Yearling Sale and learn more about the Thoroughbred industry.

• Curtis discusses the recent announcement that was made that named him as one of the three finalists for the prestigious Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award for his book, THE TURCOTTES, ‘The Remarkable Story Of A Horse Racing Dynasty’ He also mentions what the inspiration was for writing the book originally and how long it took to complete and talks about how this was a work of passion for himself.  As an award-winning writer, Curtis says whether this would be considered his greatest work to date and is asked whether we may see a sequel to the book in the future. He also mentions how the book will be available in Paperback form next month and discusses how he was a teen when he originally got the ‘bug’ for horse racing.

Larry and Ann are joined by Woodbine’s Executive Chair Jim Lawson, who discusses the King’s Plate, including who he likes to win the $1 Million race. Jim also talks about how long he has been at Woodbine and how many King’s or Queen’s Plates he has watched over the years and whether there was a favorite one and why. He also discusses his new role at Woodbine, as Executive Chair and whether he feels that he has settled into the position now and does he miss his former position of CEO. HBPA’s President Sue Leslie, who is also a horse owner and talks about the King’s Plate today and in particular her horse Friendly Ghost, who is one of the top horses entered in the stakes event. Sue also mentions what it was like to own horses with several NHL hockey players and for our new listeners discusses the role that the HBPA plays within the Ontario Thoroughbred racing industry, which includes Woodbine. Standardbred Trainer Bob Young, who discusses his Trotter Tregaron who will be racing tonight at Woodbine Mohawk Park in an Elimination of the William Wellwood Trotting Stakes. Bob also discusses his son Scott, who is the other half of ‘Team Young’ and how by having him driving the horses, helps in running a top notch racing stable. Bob also mentions some of the better horses that he trained over the years, which many of our listeners are sure to recognize. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look At The Way It Was In Horse Racing News, Larry talks about the recent announcement made by Woodbine concerning entertainment at today’s Kings Plate and also a pop-up venue in downtown Toronto that will also be offering the King’s Plate experience later today. In our new regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about this afternoon’s $1 Million King’s Plate at Woodbine and mentions about some of the history behind the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show. 

Key Points: 

• Jim talks initially about how many King’s or Queen’s Plates he was watched while in the employ of Woodbine and which were some of his favorites. He also mentions that it was 1966 when he watched his first Plate and why he remembers the date so well and what makes Plate Day such a special event for himself and for Woodbine. He also talks about his new role as Executive Chair and what it entails and whether he feels that he has settled into this position and if he misses his former Woodbine CEO role. Jim also talks about today’s King’s Plate and who he believes the race goes through and why and from a fan’s perspective, mentions who he believes was the greatest horse that he ever watched race and was not one of his own or his father’s. 

• Sue talks about today’s King’s Plate and in particular her horse Friendly Ghost that will be her first ever Plate starter. Sue also mentions when she realized that Friendly Ghost was something special and good enough to be considered a King’s Plate starter and says how she will be spending this morning prior to the King’s Plate later today. For our new listeners, Sue outlines her role as President of the HBPA and how she became involved with the Association and the role that the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association plays within the Ontario Thoroughbred industry. She also discusses how in the past she owned horses with several now retired NHL hockey players and whether she still is in contact with any of them.

• Bob discusses his 2-year-old Trotter, Tregaron, who is one of the top contenders in one of tonight’s Elimination races at Woodbine Mohawk Park, for the William Wellwood Stakes, with the Final being raced next Saturday night. Bob also mentions why he is only racing Trotters now and discusses how he became part of the Standardbred industry and why he chose Training over Driving as a career. He also talks about his son Scott, who drives most of his horses and how having him as part of the ‘Team’ is very beneficial, when training horses up to a race. He also mentions some of the top horses he has been involved with over the years that helped account for according to ‘TrackIT from Standardbred Canada,’ career purse earnings nearing $13 Million and if he had to choose one horse, which would be the best that he ever trained and why.

Larry and Ann are joined by Francisco Martinez, an Apprentice Jockey who just won his first race as a rider last week at Monmouth Park and at 30-years-old and discusses how he felt winning his first race and  that he actually also  won the next race on the card to complete the Daily Double. Francisco also discusses why it took awhile to become a Jockey and the steps he took to get to where he is today. He also mentions a couple of people who have helped him along over the years and pushed him to become a Jockey. Woodbine Broadcast Analyst and Handicapper Jeff Bratt, who discusses todays Thoroughbred race card, and particularly the two stakes’ races, the Bison City, and the Canadian Stakes. Jeff also talks about the upcoming King’s Plate and who he believes is the horse to beat and mentions how he originally became involved in horse racing which eventually led to a career with Woodbine. Mark McKelvie, Woodbine’s Senior Manager, Communications, who talks about the upcoming King’s Plate next Saturday and why the day is just as much an event, as a horse race and some of the ticket options that remain available. Mark also talks about the television coverage on King’s Plate Day and why he is looking forward to watching it, then discusses the current meet at Woodbine Mohawk Park and lists some of the major stake’s events that will be forthcoming over the next several weeks there. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look At The Way It Was In Horse Racing News, Larry talks about the recent Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and mentions who the Inductees were and their major  accomplishments in horse racing, that qualified them for a place in the Hall of Fame. In our new regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about this afternoon’s $250,000 Bison City Stakes at Woodbine and mentions about some of the history behind the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show. 

Key Points: 

• Francisco talks initially about his first win as a Jockey and why he was 30 years-old, when he won his first race as an Apprentice. He also talks about how he became interested in horse racing through his father and how Trainers Scott Lake and Jason Servis, were both major supporters of him and encouraged him to become a Jockey. Francisco also explains how he was able to bring his weight down from 120 pounds to riding weight earlier this year and mentions whether he has any goals set for himself for the remainder of the 2024 racing season. He also mentions a person in the Horse Racing industry, who encouraged him to become a Jockey and how it all started for him at Suffolk Downs in Boston.

• Jeff discusses todays Woodbine Stakes races and in particular the Bison City Stakes for three-year-old fillies and mentions some horses that he believes have an excellent chance of racing well in this stakes event. Jeff also discusses the upcoming King’s Plate and reflects on the Plate Trial and whether its winner My Boy Prince will be the horse to beat in next Saturday’s race and discusses how he became part of the Woodbine Broadcast team and where the initial interest in horse racing took place. He also shares which Queen’s Plate was his all-time favourite and why and mentions a horse that helped ‘sell’ him on the sport of Thoroughbred racing initially.

• Mark discusses why he believes that the upcoming King’s Plate is not only a race, but it has now reached event status and talks about some of the ticket options that are still available for King’s Plate Day and how people can purchase them. He also mentions who he believes is the horse to beat in next weeks Plate and why he thinks that the King’s Plate should still have a full field this year despite the presence of horses like My Boy Prince. He also adds why he is looking forward to the King’s Plate television broadcast next week and why and then discusses the current Woodbine Mohawk Park race meet and the upcoming few weeks where they are ‘deep’ into their Grand Circuit Stakes events. He also adds why these Grand Circuit Stakes races offer fans the opportunity to see some of the top performers in North American Harness Racing race on Canadian soil and talks about the Mohawk Million and why it is such a special race and so significant to Canadian Harness Racing.

Today Larry and Ann are joined by Jason Settlemoir, The Meadowlands Chief Operating Officer/General Manager, who discusses in depth todays $1 Million Hambletonian Stakes for three-year-old trotters, some of the horses entered and who he believes has a good chance of winning the stakes event.  Jason also breaks down some of the other 14 stakes events on the afternoon card at the New Jersey racetrack this afternoon and also mentions about his two New York racetracks that he oversees, Vernon Downs and Tioga Downs.; Bernard McCormack, an Ontario Thoroughbred horse breeder and a Director of the CTHS Ontario, who discusses the upcoming Premier Yearling Sale on August 28th at the Woodbine Sales Pavilion. Bernard also mentions how people can become involved in the purchase of a Yearling and provides some information on exactly what the role of a Consignor at a horse auction involves.;  Horse Owner Mary Self,  who talks about her stakes winning horse No More Options and what went wrong in the Plate Trial Stakes at Woodbine a couple of weeks back. Mary also mentions if she is still considering entering No More Options in the King’s Plate later this month and discusses how she actually became interested in Thoroughbred ownership and what it is like having the opportunity to race at a track like Woodbine.. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look At The Way It Was In Horse Racing News, Larry talks about the recent passing of Hall of Fame Standardbred Trainer Bob McIntosh and the great career that he enjoyed, including some of his major accomplishments. In our new regular feature,‘Road Trip’ , Larry talks about this afternoon’s $1 Million Hambletonian Stakes at The Meadowlands and mentions about some of the history behind  the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ today. He also  provides  his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show. 

Larry and Ann are joined by Tony Bitonti, Director Media Relations at Ontario Lottery and Gaming, who discusses in depth the popular recent release of the docuseries ‘Ontario Racing Unfiltered,’ an initiative that was produced through a partnership between OLG and Ontario Racing. Tony explains why the produced docuseries is billed as ‘Horse Racing Like You Have Never Seen It Before ‘and why it was a success in its first season. Nancy LaSala, President of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF), a charity that   provides financial assistance to Jockey’s that have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. Today is ‘PDJF Across America Day’ and Nancy also discusses the importance of today in not only raising funds and awareness, but also why every permanently disabled Jockey deserves to have a comeback story. Chiefswood Stable’s General Manager Robert Landry, who talks about last Saturday’s victory by the Chiefswood-owned Kin’s Concerto in the Woodbine Oaks and whether we may see the Filly in the King’s Plate next month. Robert also talks about Pipers Factor, who finished fourth also last Saturday in the Plate Trial Stakes and what the plans are for this three-year-old going forward. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look At The Way It Was In Horse Racing News, Larry talks about the recent announcement made by Woodbine on a Juno Award winner that will headlining on King’s Plate Day and how this is another example of Woodbine making a significant effort to attract the younger generation to the racetrack. In our new regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about this afternoon’s $500,000 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga Racecourse and mentions about some of the history behind the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show.
 

Key Points: 

• Tony talks first about the success of the ‘Ontario Racing Unfiltered’ docuseries and why it has been well received, that allowed for the second-year renewal and that it is a shared production between OLG and Ontario Racing. He also discusses the show’s content and the fact that they have added the Quarter horse industry to Season Two and why ‘Ontario Racing Unfiltered’ has been billed as ‘Horse Racing Like You Have Never Seen It.’ Tony also mentions how listeners can watch the series and how the ‘Stars of the Sport’ have made themselves available to be part of the production. He also talks about some of the other initiatives that the OLG are involved in that continue to support Horse Racing in Ontario and why the docuseries was developed to introduce a broader audience to horse racing. 

• Nancy discusses the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and its history and how it is a charity that provides financial assistance to Jockey’s that have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. Also, she talks about today being designated the ‘PDJF Across America Day’ and why the day is so important to their fund-raising efforts. Nancy also discusses why the PDJF was formed originally and its mandate and who were the original founders. She also talks about how a celebrity like Bo Derek became part of the PDJF Board and another promotion next week at Saratoga called Casamigos and its significance to the PDJF fund raising efforts. Nancy also mentions that PDJF is not only important to raising funds and awareness, but why it plays an important role in providing every permanently disabled Jockey a well-deserved comeback story.

• Robert discusses last Saturday’s Woodbine Oaks which was won by Chiefswood’s Filly Kin’s Concerto and whether her performance was good enough to consider her for a. berth in the King’s Plate against the boys next month. He also talks about winning Jockey Sofia Vives and what he likes about her as a Rider and talks about Chiefswood’s Pipers Factor, who was fourth in the Plate Trial and what the plans are for him going forward and whether we may also see him in the King’s Plate. Robert also mentions whether he misses riding and who were some of the better horses he had an opportunity to ride in his career and talks about another Chiefswood horse, Weyburn and how he will be embarking on a Stud career this Fall.

Larry and Ann are joined by Brian Skirka, Monmouth Park’s Marketing Manager, who discusses todays $ 1 Million Haskell Stakes for three-year-old's and who he believes are some of the logical contenders to win the race. He also discusses the track itself and why it is doing a good job in attracting new fans and how he became part of Monmouth Park and some of the major promotions and initiatives he has had the opportunity to work on during his time there. Woodbine Trainer Kevin Attard,, who talks about the fact that today he has five horses racing in the Woodbine Oaks and whether he remembers any other time when he had multiple entries like today and how challenging it is to hold  in his emotions when racing several horses in the same race like he is doing today. Kevin also discusses his horse in the Plate Trial today, Jokestar and also mentions about his horse Moira and whether he was pleased with her performance last Saturday at Saratoga when she finished a close second in the Grade 1 Diana Stakes and what the plans call for with Moira going forward this racing season. Equine Assisted Learning Centre’s Danni Canfield, who discusses the work that the facility continues to do and how an arrangement came to fruition with LongRun for supplying horses to the Centre. Danni also talks about how she became involved with the EALC and what the plans are going forward to keep the program viable in the future. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look At The Way It Was In Horse Racing News, Larry talks about the weather conditions in the past week and the interuptions they caused to Woodbine and Woodbine Mohawk Park and also about Jockey Rico Walcott, who  is  battling a brain tumour again and will be taking holistic treatments in the Honduras. In our new regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about this afternoon’s $1 Million Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park and mentions about some of the history behind the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show. 

Key Points: 

• Brian talks first about today’s stakes card at Monmouth Park and in particular the $1 Million Haskell Stakes and drills down on the race and mentions who he believes is the horse to beat and why. He also mentions why winning the Haskell is very important for a starting berth in the Breeders Cup Classic and talks about why there could be a couple of last minute scratched today, from the Haskell field. Bryan also mentions some of the initiatives that they have introduced at the Monmouth that have helped to successfully   improve the racing experience, while serving to continue to attract a new demographic to the horse racing product and how he ended up working at Monmouth Park several years ago. He also talks about the long-time history behind the racetrack and why this history continues to assist Monmouth continues in selling horse racing to more race fans.

• Kevin discusses todays $500,000 Woodbine Oaks, a race that he has five of the fourteen fillies entered and breaks down the chances of each one and mentions how he controls his emotions when he has several horses entered in the same race. Kevin also talks about the Plate Trial, also at Woodbine today and his horse Jokestar and how he thinks this horse will fare against the other 3-year-olds entered. Kevin also discusses his Champion mare Moira and her second-place finish in the Grade 1 Diana Stakes at Saratoga last Saturday and whether he was pleased with the performance off a layoff and what are the plans going forward for her. He also mentions about his current season and whether there have been any disappointments and talks about his horse Fashionably Fab, who is also racing today in a stakes event at Woodbine and why she has continued to improve over the past year and a half. 

• Danni discusses how she became involved with the Equine Assisted Learning Centre in 2019 and talks about some of the work that is being done there. She also mentions how an arrangement with LongRun came about and why the donated LongRun horses have special attributes that seem to work well with the EALC programs. Danni also discusses the Centre’s location and some of the work that is being done with clients and whether these clients eventually leave the Learning Centre and take on new ‘lives. She also talks about what the plans are for the Equine Assisted Learning Centre going forward and how she originally became involved with horses that eventually led to an introduction to the EALC and mentions some of the Client issues that are being worked on regularly.