Ponies 24-7 The Radio Magazine

Larry and Ann are joined by John Campbell, The Hambletonian Society’s President and CEO, who discusses tonight’s Breeders Crown Championship Harness Racing card at the Meadowlands and what he feels are some of the most interesting matchups in some of the races. John also discusses Trainer the late Bob McIntosh and the special bond that he had with him and mentions why he believes that so many successful horsemen like himself and Bob McIntosh learned the business in Southwest Ontario. HBPA Ontario Executive Director, Steve Lym, who discusses the long path that he took working within the horse racing industry and where he finally ended up with the HBPA Ontario. Steve also talks about the many hats that he has worn working within the horse racing industry in Canada and the United States and whether he has noticed any similarities or differences between horse racing in Canada and the US. Woodbine Jockey Fraser Aebly, who discusses the three stakes’ victories he has had in the month of October so far and what he accounts this recent success to. Fraser also discusses his agent, former Jockey Gerry Olguin and how much he relies on his advice to help his own career and talks about the Woodbine Jockey colony and some of the riders that have helped him to date. Fraser also mentions whether there was an adjustment moving from the smaller Western Canada tracks to riding full time at 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 announcement made by Woodbine that they will be hosting the Breeders Crown in 2025 at Woodbine Mohawk Park .In our newest regular feature, ‘Road Trip’, Larry talks about  today’s $250,000 Forty Niner Stakes at Belmont at Aqueduct   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: 

• John initially discusses tonight’s Breeders Crown Championship racing card at the Meadowlands and pinpoints some of the races that he is looking forward to watching. John also talks about whether there was a race that continued to allude him as a Driver and why he was not able to eventually win it. He also discusses late Trainer Bob McIntosh and why he enjoyed such a special bond with him and mentions who he believes was the best horse that he ever drove. John also discusses a horse that he would have liked to drive during his career and mentions why he believes that so many good horsemen like himself, began their careers in Southwestern Ontario. 

• Steve discusses his many roles that he has had in the horse racing industry before landing at the at the HBPA Ontario as Executive Director this past March, including how in 1975 he was the youngest Trainer to train in Canada. He also mentions how he became interested in horse racing initially and considering how many of his working roles were in horse racing on both sides of the Border, did he notice any differences or similarities in the horse racing business in Canada compared to the United States. He also discusses some of the industry initiatives that he will be working on going forward in the New Year with the HBPA Ontario and if there are any issues that he believes still need to be resolved.

• Fraser discusses how he has been on a roll in the month of October winning three stakes’ races at Woodbine and what he accounts this recent success to. He also talks about the Woodbine Jockey’s room and if there is anyone in ‘the room’ that he can turn to for riding advice and talks about some of the other Jockeys who have helped him along the way. Fraser also talks about why he is no longer an Apprentice Jockey and explains for our listeners what the term ‘losing your bug’ means. He also talks about where it all started for him as a Jockey in BC and some of the other tracks in Western Canada where he was fortunate to ride and whether there was a learning curve for him going from the smaller tracks out West to a bigger facility like Woodbine. Fraser also mentions how his Agent, former Jockey Gerry Olguin has helped his career since he moved East and what was the best piece of advice that Gerry ever gave him so far in his riding career.

Larry and Ann, are joined by Woodbine’s Executive Vice President Brand and Experience,  David Vivenes, who talks about  the many initiatives that he and his team have worked on over the past year, which have resulted in many new  ‘spaces’ within Woodbine and how they have become great places to enjoy the races from. David also talks about his background and how he became part of the Woodbine team and mentions a sport that has taken the art of presentation and production to the next level. Woodbine Trainer Bill Tharrenos, who tomorrow will saddle his two-year-old My Boy Bruce in the Frost King Stakes at Woodbine and mentions why the horse ended up in this stakes event. He also talks about his season so far and the story behind how he became a Thoroughbred Trainer over 40 years ago. He also mentions what he would tell a young person that wanted to become a Trainer and why he still goes to Florida in the Winter. Another Woodbine Trainer, Angus Buntain, who also has a starter in the Frost King, Unbridled Weather and he also discusses todays race and why he supplemented the horse to the stakes event. He also talks about who he learned the art of Training from and mentions whether he believes that all Trainers have a niche where they excel with a certain horse and if so, what does he believe his is. 

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 Jockey Chantal Sutherland, that she will be making a riding comeback shortly and where it will take place. In our newest regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about today’s $135,000 Grade 3, Ontario 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: 

• David initially discusses the new spaces that have been created at Woodbine and how they improve the overall fan experience by offering great views from which to enjoy the races. He also talks about Sports Betting and in particular Woodbine’s relationship with bet365 and whether the relationship is achieving the overall goal of attracting new fans to horse racing. David also talks about his background in branding and how it led to his position at Woodbine and is asked if there is one sport that he believes has really ‘nailed’ the art of branding and presentation. He also talks about his role as Woodbine’s Executive Vice President, Brand & Experience and mentions whether he and his team are working on any initiatives for next year that he may be able to discuss now.

• Bill discusses his two-year-old My Boy Bruce who is entered in tomorrow’s Frost King Stakes at Woodbine and mentions how the horse has been training up to the race. He also mentions what the plans are for My Boy Bruce if he races well tomorrow and whether he may end up in Florida like the rest of his stable over the Winter. Bill also mentions why he goes to Florida in the Winter and talks about the story of how he eventually became a Trainer over 40 years ago. He also mentions what he would tell a younger person if they wanted to make Training horses their occupation and talks about his current season which has seen him saddle forty winners and almost $1 Million in purse earnings so far.

• Angus also discusses tomorrow’s Frost King Stakes at Woodbine and his entrant, Unbridled Weather, and the story behind why the two-year-old had to be supplemented to today’s stakes race. He also mentions whether the two-year old continues to improve going into tomorrow’s race and talks about how he ended up training Unbridled Weather in the first place. Angus also discusses how many horses he is currently training and mentions whether he believes that Trainers find their niche or expertise in training certain types of horses and what he believes his niche is. He also talks about how he started as an Assistannt Trainer and how this led to him finally going out on his own and training his own stable. 

Larry and Ann are joined by Ontario Racing’s Executive Director Gord Thain, who discusses in depth tonight’s Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Finals at Woodbine Mohawk Park and mentions who some of the top horses to watch are in the stake’s events. Gord also talks about the role Ontario Racing plays as Administrator of the Ontario Sires Stakes program and discusses Ontario Racing’s very successful ‘Unfiltered’ series and what he accounts the series success to. Ajax Down’s General Manager Operations, Emilio Trotta, who discusses Monday’s special ‘United Way Day’ at the track and what fans can expect to see when attending. Emilio also talks about the state of Quarter horse racing at Ajax Down’s and in particular the popularity of the ‘Battle of the Breeds’ races with Thoroughbreds racing Quarter Horses and mentions the state of new ownership programs at Ajax Downs this racing season. Woodbine Trainer, John Charalambous, who discusses last Sunday’s Cup and Saucer Stakes, which saw a Stewards’ Inquiry award his horse Scorching first place in the Woodbine stakes event. He also talks about plans for Scorching and talks about how the business of Training horses has changed since he first got involved in the industry. John also discusses his horse Niagara Skyline and why he believes the horse is in a better spot later today at Woodbine after being unplaced in the Woodbine Mile last month. 

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 of a new film called ‘Cody’s Wish’, a true story based on the champion racehorse and his namesake, Cody Dorman, a Kentucky teenager with a rare genetic disorder and a love for racing. In our newest regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about today’s $750,000    Grade 1, Queen Elizabeth ll Challenge Cup Stakes 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: 

• Gord initially discusses tonight’s Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Finals at Woodbine Mohawk Park and mentions some of the horses he believes that you need to keep an eye on. He also mentions about two Ontario Sires Stakes awards that will be settled tonight for Leading Driver and Trainer and outlines Ontario Racing’s role as Ontario Sires Stakes Administrator and how they continue to act as a unified voice of the Ontario horse racing industry. Gord also talks about how he became part of the horse racing industry and discusses in depth Ontario Racing’s newest marketing initiative, a series entitled ‘Unfiltered’ and why he believes it has been so successful and who he believes should receive all the credit for this success. 

• Emilio discusses Ajax Down’s Monday race card and how it is ‘United Way Day’ and why the day is so important to the local community. He also talks about the state of racing at Ajax Downs   and why a shortage of horse supply continues to affect the current racing product. Emilio also mentions about fan engagement and how their ‘Battle of the Breeds’ races which pits Quarter horses against Thoroughbreds continues to be popular with the fans. He also mentions whether he has noticed any new owners getting involved in the Quarter horse industry this year and talks about how plans are moving forward to continue to try to engage new fans and educate them in the wagering process, which they hope to be able to roll out next year.

• John discusses last weeks Cup and Saucer Stakes and in particular his horse Scorching who was elevated to first place because of a Stewards’ Inquiry on the race. John also mentions what the plans are for Scorching going forward and whether these plans may include the King’s Plate next year and does he believe that he is a horse that can stretch out to the mile and a quarter Plate distance. John also talks about his career as a Trainer and mentions how many horses he has in Training and discusses how he believes that the business of Training horses has changed over the years. He also talks about his horse, Niagara Skyline, who is racing at Woodbine later today and why he thinks that the horse is in a better spot today than last time when he was unplaced in the Woodbine Mile. 

Larry and Ann are joined by Kurt Becker, Keeneland Racetrack Announcer who discusses opening weekend at the track and in particular today’s stakes filled card that includes several Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In races. He also discusses the hiring process which would make him the first ever Track Announcer at Keeneland and describes his first day on the job. He also breaks down the $1.25 Million Coolmore Turf Mile for the listeners. Jockey Mike Smith, who discusses last weeks two stakes wins at Santa Anita which included a victory in the first ever California Crown Stakes with a horse by the name of Subsanador. Mike also talks about his training regime which has allowed him to ride  on a highly skilled basis for many years and how he knew when he was young that he wanted to be a Jockey. Woodbine Trainer, Rachel Halden  who discusses last Sunday’s Breeders Stakes at Woodbine where her horses Roscar  and Saccharine, owned by Chiefswood Stable, finished first and second and were followed across the wire by   third place finisher  Side Street , also owned by Chiefswood.  Rachel discusses her two horses and what the plans are for the immediate future for both and talks about how she became involved in horse racing and her experience working for a couple of Hall of Fame Trainers. 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 by the Breeders’ Cup of a scheduling change that will see the Breeders’ Cup Classic being run earlier in the day on the Saturday card. In our newest regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about today’s $1.25 Million Coolmore Turf Mile at Keeneland 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: 

• Kurt initially discusses the opening weekend of the Keeneland Fall meeting and talks about today’s stakes filled card that includes several Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In stakes races, including the Coolmore Turf Mile which is also discussed in detail. Kurt talks about what it was like to be the first ever Track Announcer at Keeneland and mentions what the hiring process was like and if he remembers his first day on the job. Kurt also talks about what makes Keeneland such a special place for horse racing and mentions how he believes that initially   calling Standardbred races and NASCAR helped him adjust quickly to announcing Thoroughbred races. 

• Mike discusses last Saturday’s stakes races at Santa Anita which included the upset victory by Subsanador in the first ever California Crown Stakes. Mike also mentions why Subsanador could do some damage in the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Classic and talks about some of the great horses that he has had the opportunity to ride. Mike also talks about why he became a Jockey and adds whether he had any mentors that he looked up to when he first started riding. He also discusses his own Personal Training regime and how it has helped him to continue to compete at an elite level and mentions who he believes are some of the up-and-coming riders against which he is currently competing. He also adds what it is that still makes the competitive juices flow and if there is anything that he hasn’t accomplished in his riding career to date. 

• Rachel discusses last weeks Breeders Stakes, and particularly her two horses, who finished first and second, Roscar and a Filly by the name of Saccharine and mentions what the immediate plans are for the rest of the Thoroughbred season for the two. Rachel also discusses her stable and how she became involved with Chiefswood Stable and mentions about how she became interested in horses when she was growing up in England. Rachel also talks about how she was fortunate to work for two Hall of Famers, Roger Attfield and Bill Mott and the role that they both played in establishing herself as a Trainer. 

Larry and Ann are joined by Chris Lush, Woodbine’s Executive Vice President, Technology and Core Wagering, who updates the listeners on the various technology initiatives that he is currently immersed in, including furthering the reach of Sports Betting. He also discusses Woodbine’s own product Dark Horse and some of the changes that have been made to the betting product and also provides an update on the status of Historical Horse Racing and where Woodbine is at in getting the betting initiative legalized for Canadian bettors. Mark McKelvie, recaps last Saturday’s stakes races at Woodbine Mohawk Park and recalls some of the better racing performances on the racetrack that night. Mark also discusses tonight’s Woodbine Mohawk Park card of racing which features eight Ontario Sires Stakes Grass Roots Finals and he also  talks about tomorrow’s  Breeders Stakes at Woodbine. Woodbine Trainer, Marty Drexler,  who discusses his Filly Hurricane Clair who is one of the favorites to win the $400,000 Breeders Stakes tomorrow at Woodbine. He also discusses how he originally became part of the horse racing industry and where it all started and discusses why he thinks he has been so successful in running a ‘Claiming Stable’ in the past. 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 that Freehold Raceway in New Jersey, one of the oldest racetracks in North America, will be closing for good on December 28th this year and what partly led to the decision.  In our newest regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about today’s $1 Million California Crown Stakes at Santa Anita 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: 

• Chris initially discusses the impact Sports Betting has had on Woodbine’s business and mentions some of the further initiatives they are working on to improve the delivery of the Sports Betting platform. He also talks about the arrangement Woodbine has with bet365 and whether there will be other arrangements in place with other Sports Betting Companies and if so when we may see this happening. Chris also discusses Woodbine’s Dark Horse product  and some of the updates that have taken place on this betting product and also explains  Historical Horse Racing  and when we may see it become legalized in Canada and mentions too, what is the major reason this product has not become legal in Canada to date. 

• Mark discusses last Saturday’s stakes events held on Mohawk Million Night and mentions some of the stellar performances that took place throughout the evening. Mark also adds what it is that makes Mohawk Million Night so popular and discusses why the Mohawk Million and Metro Pace are so important to the Harness Racing calendar. Mark also talks about tonight’s eight Ontario Sires Stakes Grass Roots Finals at Woodbine Mohawk Park and mentions about a couple of the races and one horse that he believes has a good chance to take all the spoils with a victory tonight. He also switches his attention to Woodbine and in particular the Breeders Stakes tomorrow and discusses some of the top contenders in the race and mentions why he believes it is so difficult to win the Canadian Triple Crown now. 

• Marty discusses tomorrow’s Breeders Stakes, and particularly his Filly Hurricane Clair, who is one of the early favorites for the third leg of the Canadian Triple Crown. He also talks about how he initially got involved in the horse racing industry and where it all started for him and how he originally was known as a Trainer that only ran a Claiming Stable. Marty also discusses some of the major influencers that supported him when he was first breaking into the business and how now he is diversifying his racing stable with more horses like Hurricane Clair. Marty also mentions how he believes hard work and persistence have been part of the keys to running a large racing stable and mentions some of the owners who continued to stick by him during the early years of Training. 

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.