Ann and  Larry interview Gulfstream Park Handicapper and part of the Online broadcasting team Brian Nadeau, who discusses todays Curlin Florida Derby, one of the most important preps for the Kentucky Derby and why the race continues to have such an major impact on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Brian also looks at some of the other stakes races on the card today and explains why the Gulfstream Championship meet  remains very popular with the race fans and in particular the betting public. Brian then talks about the Gulfstream Tapeta track and whether there are any biases handicappers should pay attention to and also talks about handicapping the Gulfstream Turf and Dirt Courses and a special angle that he sometimes will turn to to when handicapping. Equine Artist Michelle Hogan, who discusses why she chose to create her harness art in pen and ink and how harness racing became a life-long passion for her. Michelle also discusses some of her past and present commissions and the racetrack partnerships that she has with several harness tracks and talks about the story behind  a special horse that  attracted her to harness racing  and some of her other roles in harness racing that has enabled her to fine-tune her Equine Art. Woodbine Mohawk Park Race Secretary, Tony O’Sullivan, who discusses why Woodbine Mohawk Park was dark for live racing this past week, where they will only return to racing tonight with a 15-race card and a special 6:00 PM post time for the first race. Tony  also talks about the upcoming stakes schedule at the Woodbine Mohawk Park Spring/Summer race meet  and from a fan’s perspective what race he is most looking forward to watching this year. He also discusses in detail what a typical day as a Racing Secretary consists of for himself. Larry  provides  his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks. 

Key Points: 

• Brian talks about todays Gulfstream Park stakes filled card and in particular the headliner, the Curlin Florida Derby and whether  race favorite Forte can get beat, especially with an outside starting position. He also discusses some of the other stakes races on the Gulfstream card today and a couple of potential wagering plays. Brian  also  mentions about the popularity of the Gulfstream Championship meet which ends on Sunday and why it has remained so  popular throughout the Winter months, that has also included some tremendous betting handles. He also discusses the Gulfstream Tapeta surface and whether he has noticed any track biases and also talks about the Turf and Dirt surfaces and whether there have been any overlying bias throughout the meet. Finally, Brian talks about a go to handicapping angle that he uses  with regularity at Gulfstream Park. 

• Michelle, initially talks about how she became part of harness racing at an early age and how this experience helped lead her to a career as an Equine Artist. She also discusses what attracted her to work predominantly in pen and ink and what this style consists of and talks about some of her current and past art commissions. Michelle also  talks about the racetrack partnerships she has in place and what a partnership consists of and reflects on a special horse that first attracted her to harness racing and why he was such  a major influence on her artwork bck then and how he still is an influence today. She is also asked why the fraternity of Equine Artists is such a small group.

• Tony discusses why there hasn’t been any live racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park this week as the track has been shut down for maintenance work and why he believes that  much of the work will help to  enhance the harness racing product going forward.  He also mentions that tonight’s card at Woodbine Mohawk Park will be a 15 race card with a special 6:00 PM post time for the first race. Tony also discusses the upcoming Spring/Summer stakes schedule at the track and what races he is looking forward to watching from a fans perspective. He also talks about who in his opinion was the greatest Standardbred that he ever saw race and why this horse was so impressive and talks about what a typical day is like in the life of a Racing Secretary and whether after almost two years on the job, he feels like he has settled in now. Finally, Tony is asked whether his experience as a horseman has helped help to adjust to his role of Racing Secretary.

Ann and  Larry  interview HBPA (Ontario) President Sue Leslie, who discusses the recent agreement on a two-year contract with Woodbine for their 2023 and 2024 Thoroughbred race meets and what are the details behind the contract. Sue also explains the reasons behind an additional $300,000 that is contributed to the Woodbine backstretch community and also discusses the Fort Erie Racetrack contract for their 2023 racing season. Sue then talks about the renaming of the Queen’s Plate to the King’s Plate and the process behind the renaming. Thoroughbred Trainer Robertino Diodoro, who talks about the upcoming Arkansas Derby next Saturday at Oaklawn Park and in particular a horse by the name of Airtime, that he claimed for $50,000 and is planning on  entering in the Derby, with the hopes of qualifying for the upcoming Kentucky Derby. Robertino also discusses the fact that should Airtime race well next week, this would not be the first time that he would be on the Kentucky Derby, having raced the horse KEEPMEINMIND in both the Derby and Preakness two years ago. He also talks about how he grew up in Western Canada and had family ties to Thoroughbred racing there and how he occasionally still races at tracks like Century Mile in Alberta and Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg. Ontario Thoroughbred Breeder Colin Davis, who discusses Ontario Racing’s  Thoroughbred Improvement Program’s Mare Purchase Program, which he credits to assisting him in the start-up of his farm’s Breeding Program and he adds too that the Mare Purchase Program is also very unique to the North American Thoroughbred industry. Colin also mentions how he actually has a racing division to his Apricot Valley Thoroughbreds and the story behind winning his first race last year as an owner at Woodbine and how moving forward he would like to make the farm operation a full time business with his family. Larry  provides  his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks. 

Key Points:

• Sue talks about the new contract between the HBPA (Ontario) and Woodbine and how and why it was only for the 2023 and the 2024 Thoroughbred racing seasons. She also discusses how there are other ancillary projects that should help contribute over time and increase the purses at Woodbine going forward and also outlines how an arrangement to support the Woodbine backstretch workers was originally structured and then outlines some of the costs incurred by the backstretch workers, that the program helps to cover. She  also mentions about the HBPA’s arrangement with Fort Erie and how it differs from the one with Woodbine and also talks about the renaming of the Queen’s Plate to the King’s Plate and why it was necessary to do so and what was part of the process behind the renaming. 

• Robertino, initially talks about the upcoming Arkansa Derby at Oaklawn Park next Saturday  and in particular a horse that he initially claimed for $50,000 named Airtime that he will now be entering in the race with hopes of ending up on the Kentucky Derby trail, should the horse race well. He also discusses what attracted him to claiming Airtime and that he believes he is a horse that can ‘run all day’  and mentions  the fact that this would not be his first time racing on the Kentucky Derby trail if Airtime did race well next week, having raced KEEPMEINMIND  in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness two years ago. Robertino is also asked to compare Airtime to KEEPMEINMIND and whether there are any similarities between the two horses and also talks about growing up in Western Canada with family roots in the Thoroughbred industry.  He adds that he still races occasionally at Century Mile in Alberta and Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg and is asked whether he has ever considered racing  at Woodbine. 

• Colin discusses the importance of Ontario Racing’s Mare Purchase Program in helping to kick-start  his Thoroughbred breeding business and also discusses how people in other racing jurisdictions are in ‘awe’ of such a program that currently, is only available in Ontario. Colin also discusses how he was originally interested in Standardbreds at first by attending the races at nearby Kawartha Downs growing up and discusses the fact that he also has a racing division  of his Apricot Valley Thoroughbreds and tells the story behind his first winner at Woodbine last summer. He also talks about how moving forward he would like to make Apricot Valley Thoroughbreds  a full time venture and as he develops the breeding side of his business, how his plan would be to breed both commercially and to race.  Colin also discusses whether he may at sometime possibly get involved again with Standardbreds and also whether he could see his family getting more involved in Apricot Valley Thoroughbreds.

Ann and  Larry  interview Meadowlands Marketing Manager, Rachel Ryan, who discusses the terrific betting handles at the New Jersey racetrack so far in 2023 and what she believes has contributed to this steady increase. Rachel also talks about the upcoming stakes schedule at the Meadowlands which includes the classic events, the Meadowlands Pace and the historic Hambletonian and opens up about the impact sports betting has had on the Meadowlands racing product and how she became involved in the harness racing industry. Woodbine Entertainment’s Director of Thoroughbred Racing Tim Lawson, who talks about the upcoming Thoroughbred racing season which begins April 22nd and in particular the lucrative stakes schedule Woodbine will be hosting in 2023. Tim also discusses the route he took to where he is now with Woodbine, that included working at some racetracks in Western Canada  and also whether it is difficult beng employed by  a large corporation  that his father, Jim,  is the  CEO. Steve Fitzsimmons, the new General Manager of the Maritime harness track, Truro Raceway, who discusses his new role with the track and whether there are any similarities to his former position with Hanover Raceway, in Ontario. Steve also talks about  some of the new inititatives in place at Truro, in order to help revive interest in the track including introducing a Pick 5 wager with the lowest takeout in Canada and the build out of a new Grandstand.  Larry  provides  his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks. 

Key Points:

• Rachel talks about the increase in betting handle at the Meadowlands since the Winter meeting began in January and discusses what she believes has attributed to this overall increase. She also discusses the upcoming Spring/Summer stakes schedule at the  Meadowlands including the Cutler, The Meadowlands Pace and the Hambletonian. Rachel also talks about how growing up, she was always involved with horses and then, how she began her career working on the Thoroughbred side and what contributed to her wanting to work on the harness side and at the Meadowlands.  Finally, Rachel discusses  whether sports betting in New Jersey has brought an upsurge in horse racing bettors to the Meadowlands  and what her current role at the track entails. 
• Tim, initially talks about the upcoming Thoroughbred season and what the activity on the backstretch is like currently. He also discusses thoroughly the 2023 stakes schedule at Woodbine and highlights some of the major races and also talks about the path that he took to where he is now Woodbine’s Director of Thoroughbred Racing, a route  that included stops at several racetracks in the U.S.  and Western Canada. He also discusses how he was introduced through family ties to horse racing at an early age and finally,  he is asked about  working for a corporation that his father, Jim, is CEO  and whether there is any extra pressure on him. 
• Steve  discusses his current position at  Truro Raceway as General Manager and whether there are any similarities to his former role at Hanover Raceway. He adds that currently the Truro track is working on several initiatives to help increase fan and wagering support, including launching a Pick 5 wager with the lowest takeout in Canada, when the track opens for business in May. Steve also discusses the current build out of the Truro Grandstand and how far along it will be when the track opens and how he would like to take some of the marketing and charity ideas he implemented at Hanover and duplicate them at Truro Raceway. Steve also mentions how there are great similarities between Truro and Hanover and discusses about  how he got involved in harness racing at a young age through his father.

Ann and  Larry interview Woodbine Entertainment’s CEO Jim Lawson, who discusses the recently released 2023 Thoroughbred  stakes schedule and talks about the Kings Plate and two popular stakes events, one that has been renamed and the other that has been brought back after a COVID induced hiatus. He also talks about the status of integrating horse racing with sports betting platforms and projected dates for the build-out on the Woodbine property to be completed. Jim also discusses Woodbine Mohawk Park’s 2023 stakes schedule and outlines some of the highlights to take place this season. Ren Carothers, also known as ‘The Pedigeek’, who is a host and online handicapping analyst for Tampa Bay Downs and breaks down todays Tampa Bay Derby and why it is such  an important race to win for someone who is on the Kentucky Derby trail. Ren also discusses her all-time favorite Kentucky Derby  and why it has stood the test of time in her opinion, which then leads to a conversation about how she became known as ‘The Pedigeek’. Chad Rozema, currently Simulcast Host for Woodbine Mohawk Park, but shortly he will be taking over the role of Raceway Manager, Grand River Raceway in Elora, ON. Chad discusses his new role at Grand River and the fact that he has been with Woodbine since 2007 and also mentions someone who he considers to be a mentor throughout his career and how he expects to continue using the experience and knowledge that he has gathered over the years  while with Woodbine, in his new position at Grand River.  Larry provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks. 

Key Points: 

• Jim talks about the 2023 Thoroughbred stakes schedule that was just released and discusses some of the highlights including the Kings Plate in August. He also discusses a stakes race that was a fan favourite , that has been brought back this year but at a new distance and why the change and also a new stakes named after an iconic local racehorse. He also talks about the changing landscape of the Woodbine property and what visitors can look forward to seeing later in the year and also mentions some long term potential changes to the backstretch side of the property. Jim also discusses the current state of sports betting here in the province and when we may see horse racing integrated into the sports betting platforms. Finally, Jim discusses the 2023 Woodbine Mohawk Park stakes schedule and some of the highlights and the current tremendous betting handles recently at Mohawk. 
• Ren initially analyzes the Tampa Bay Derby today and discusses a couple of horses that she believes will ‘make some noise’ in the race and also mentions that in most cases the winner of the Tampa Bay Derby is usually guaranteed entrance to the Kentucky Derby. She also talks about why the Kentucky Derby remains such an important race to win by all horsemen and which Derby is her all-time favourite and why. Ren also talks about why she is sometimes referred to as being the ‘The Pedigeek’  and how growing up she became so involved in horse racing. 
• Chad discusses his current position at Woodbine Mohawk Park, which he will be leaving at the end of the month. He adds that currently he is announcing the Mohawk races as regular announcer Ken Middleton is on vacation currently and then talks about his new role as Raceway Manager at Grand River Raceway that he will begin in April and what the job entails. Chad also discusses about growing up in Elmira and working at the local racetrack when he was 10-years-old and someone who he would consider a mentor that helped him along during his career. Chad also mentions whether there are any challenges going from a large track like Mohawk to a smaller facility like Grand River and discusses some of the initiatives that Grand River Raceway is currently working on that he will now have an opportunity to be part of. 

Ann and  Larry  interview Gulfstream Park On-site Broadcast Handicapper, Brian Nadeau, who discusses the stakes filled racing card at the Florida track and in particular the Fountain of Youth Stakes, which is a major prep for the upcoming Kentucky Derby. He also talks about the reasons behind the great wagering numbers at Gulfstream Park this Winter and the path he took during his career to end up working at Gulfstream. He also gives a handicapping selection on one of the stakes races at Gulfstream today. Rideau Carleton Raceway Trainer John MacMillan, who brings the readers up to speed on the recent fire in the racetrack’s paddock and whether the restructuring will be done in time for the track’s season opener on March 19th.  John also discusses his 2022 racing season as a Trainer and why more than ever, he is looking forward to the 2023 season opening shortly. John also mentions why he is so passionate about harness racing and where he got his start in the business. Mark McKelvie, Woodbine’s Communication Manager, who discusses the current Woodbine Mohawk Park race meet and in particular dealing with inclement weather which at certain times has caused the cancellation of some race nights, including last night. Mark also discusses the significance of the Mohawk Million that will be contested September 23rd and the unique process to entering a horse for the race itself. Finally, Mark talks abot the fact that the Woodbine backstretch is now open with over 100 horses already on site and a race that he is most looking forward to watching as a fan this year at Woodbine Mohawk Park.  Larry  provides  his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks. 

Key Points: 

• Brian talks about the tremendous betting numbers at Gulfstream Park and what he attributes the influx of betting to. He also talks about how he became so passionate  about horse racing and the career path that he took to end up at Gulfstream Park as part of the Handicapping Broadcast Team. Brian discusses todays Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream and whether pre-race favourite Forte may be vulnerable today after coming off a layoff since early November and he also handicaps another stakes race on the card and provides  a horse that he believes is his ‘Best Bet’ of the day. Brian  also mentions a couple of  his favourite racetracks growing up  and why he liked them and mentions that even though he grew up in the Saratoga area, he was actually a late bloomer to the Thoroughbred racing industry. 
• John initially talks about the recent fire in the Paddock at Rideau Carleton Raceway in Ottawa, On. and the reconstruction process that is going on in order for the racetrack to make their season opener on March 19th. John also talks about his career as a Standardbred Trainer and Part -time Race Announcer and why 2022 was not a successful racing season for him. He also discusses why Rideau Carleton plays such a major role in the harness racing industry and how it has become a major institution in the province of Ontario, and also where it all began for him as both a Trainer and a Race Broadcaster. Finally John shares with the listeners a favourite horse that he enjoyed watching on a regular basis.
• Mark discusses the current Woodbine Mohawk Park meet and the challenges winter weather poses and the fact that racing was cancelled on Friday night because of the snow storm. He also talks about the recent announcement regarding the Mohawk Million Stakes race that will be raced on September 23rd and the importance of such a race and also discusses the unique entry strategy to the race itself. Mark also mentions a race that he is most looking forward to watching this year on the Standardbred side  and that the Thoroughbred Stakes Schedule side, should be released  in the next week or so. He also discusses  the opening of the Woodbine backstretch and that everyday more horses are shipping in  with probably over 100 currently stabled on the Woodbine grounds. 

Ann and  Larry  interview the Meadowlands Marketing Coordinator and Online Talent Jessica Otten, who discusses the reasons behind the great wagering numbers during the first few weeks of racing at the New Jersey track for their Winter meet. She also talks about her family ties to the harness racing industry that has accounted for her passion for the sport and has led to her broadcasting career that has included an on-site host position with Fox Sports and their coverage of harness racing. She also gives a handicapping selection on a race at the Meadowlands tonight. Woodbine Trainer Bill Tharrenos, who from a limited amount of starters at Gulfstream Park this Winter, has saddled 26% winners and a 43% in the money success rate and he discusses what has helped contribute to this early success. Bill also talks about how he ended up training Thoroughbreds as a career and also the upcoming Woodbine Thoroughbred season and how many horses he anticipates starting the year with. He also mentions a race that he would still like to win during his career. Tony Elliott, Woodbine Marketing Manager, Racing & Wagering, who discusses his new role and the difference between working at a small track like Western Fair Raceway in London, to Woodbine and Woodbine Mohawk Park. Tony also discusses the significant betting handles at Woodbine Mohawk Park lately and what he believes has accounted for these attractive numbers and his roots that led to the interest in horse racing. Finally, he discusses how Woodbine Entertainment will be focusing on attracting new bettors and fans this year.  Larry  provides some information in the Intro about a potential snow event at Santa Anita Racetrack in California over the weekend and then later in the show offers  his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks. 

Key Points:

• Jessica talks about the tremendous betting numbers at the Meadowlands, which have been aided by the horsemen, track management, race field size and competitive fields. She also discusses her path to becoming  The Meadowlands Marketing Coordinator which included assisting her Father who was a Standardbred Trainer and raced on both sides of the Border. Jessica also talks about how she landed the role as an on-site host for Fox Sports and their coverage of major harness races  and also lists a number of Standardbreds that she watched last year, that she is looking forward to watch them race again this year. Jessica also mentions her favorite racetrack other than the Meadowlands and why and finally, handicaps the second race on the Meadowlands card tonight. 
• Bill talks about his career as a Trainer and why he believes he has had  the early success at the Gulfstream Park meet this winter. He also discusses  the importance of racing horses in a class where they belong and why he races in Florida in the Winter months. He also talks about racing at Woodbine and that  the 2022 was his best year ever and gives an indication of  what his plans are for the 2023 Woodbine season, with the backstretch having just opened this week. 
• Tony discusses his new role as Woodbine’s Marketing Manager, Racing & Wagering and how he originally became engaged into Standardbred racing at an early age through his family ties. He also talks about the excellent wagering numbers at Woodbine Mohawk Park and the major differences between working at tracks like Clinton and Western Fair, to his role now with Woodbine Entertainment.  Tony also mentions a race that he is most looking forward to watching this year and whether being from the Standardbred side of the business, will necessitate a learning curve for him in order to bring him up to speed on Thoroughbred racing in his new position.  Tony shares a horse that he believes helped to attract him to horse racing growing up and finally, he discusses  how critical it is to attract new fans and bettors into horse racing and how going forward, this will be a top priority  to Woodbine. 

Ann and Larry interview leading Jockey Flo Geroux, who discusses Cyberknife’s disappointing race in the Pegasus Stakes at Gulfstream Park last month and what may have been some of the contributing factors to this lacklustre performance. He also talks about a couple of his stakes mounts today at Fair Grounds that include the Risen Star Stakes and the Rachel Alexandra and he is also asked to comment on the recent news that the Chicago Bears Football Team has purchased the property that is the site of the now closed Arlington Park Racetrack, where he rode on a regular basis and the difference in riding styles in North American racing, compared to that of Europe.  Jockey Vernon Bush, who has ridden over 25,000 races in his career and won over 3,200 of them and at 61 years old, he is the the midst of a comeback, after being off for several years. He also discusses the importance of winning the Randy Romero Pure Courage Award given to the Jockey that has overcome injuries or adversities in order to ride again and what the award means to him because of the respect he has for the former jockey that the award is named after. Vernon also talks about the effort that was needed to get himself back into riding shape after being off for four years and rehabilitating from a broken femur and ankle. Woodbine Mohawk Park Handicapper Garnet Barnsdale, who discusses the past Mohawk Season, including the impression left by Bulldog Hanover and talks about some of the major stakes events to  be held at the track later this year. Garnet also reflects back to how it was Greenwood Racetrack in Downtown Toronto that piqued his interest in harness racing and that there was a special horse that in his opinion was the best one ever. Finally, he discusses tonight’s card at Woodbine Mohawk Park and gives a couple of betting plays. Larry provides some information in the Intro about the fire at Rideau Carleton Raceway in Ottawa. ON, this past Wednesday night and then later in the show offers his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today.

Key points:

• Flo talks about how Cyberknife’s race in the Pegasus Stakes was a disappointment and what may have been some of the contributing factors. He also discusses two horses that he is riding at Fair Grounds Racecourse in New Orleans today, Tapit’s Conquest in the Risen Star and Chop Chop in the Rachel Alexandra and why he considers the Fair Grounds dirt track to be one of the best to race over. Flo also talks about how the recent purchase of the now closed Arlington Park to the Chicago Bears Football Team is so sad, especially as this was a racetrack that he rode regularly at, earlier in his career. Finally, Flo mentions a race that has continued to allude him that he would like to win and the largest difference in riding styles in North America and Europe.
• Vernon talks about his career as a Jockey and why he is in the midst of a comeback at 61 years old. He also discusses winning the Randy Romero Pure Courage Award and the special meaning that the award has for him and also mentions some of the highlights of his riding career which has saw him win 3,247 races from over 25,000 mounts. Finally, he talks about the support that he has continued to receive from his family throughout his racing career and the steps he has had to take to get himself back into ‘riding fit’ weight wise.
• Garnet discusses how he became involved in Standardbred racing at an early age through his Father, who would take him regularly to Greenwood Raceway in Downtown Toronto. He also talks about the last season success of Woodbine Mohawk Park which included many record betting handles and superb performances by Bulldog Hanover and outlines some of the major stakes races upcoming in 2023. Garnet also discusses why he believes Mohawk is a great place to enjoy a night of harness racing and relays a story about a special Standardbred that he watched race in his entire career and why in his opinion this horse was probably the best that he ever saw race. Finally, he supplies a couple of possible betting opportunities at Woodbine Mohawk Park tonight.

Ann and Larry interview Woodbine Mohawk Park Driver Doug McNair, who discusses the family ties that drew him into harness racing and why he always wanted to be a Driver all along . He also talks about winning the Canadian Driving Championship last Fall and representing his Country at the World Championships this August and the difference in the style of racing that he is used to Canada, to the other Countries that will be competing. Doug also discusses the major differences in Driving strategies needed at a track like Grand River, as compared to Woodbine Mohawk Park and what race that has continued to allude him and he would still like to win. Retired Woodbine Jockey, now Jockey’s Agent Gerry Olguin, who discusses his career as a Jockey and how he won his 2000th win and then called it a career. He also discusses how he knew it was time to quit riding and how he migrated into a new career as a Jockey’s Agent and discusses the careers of the two Jockey’s that he represents, Luis Contreras and Jose Campos. Gerry also talks about the similarities in his career and that of Jose Campos and goals for both Luis and Jose moving into the 2023 Woodbine Thoroughbred racing season. Jason Beam, Tampa Bay Down’s Track Announcer, who discuses the various stops in his race calling profession and how he finally ended up at Tampa Bay calling races. Jason also reflects back on a special Race Call that he made a few years ago which still resonates now and if there was another Track Announcer that he patterned his Race Calls after. Finally, he discusses two of the stakes races at Tampa Bay today, the Sam F Davis and the Suncoast Stakes and also how he became interested in horse racing at an early age. Larry provides some information in the Intro about two Horsemen who passed away this week and their influence on the Horse Racing Industry and then later in the show offers his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks.

Key Points:

• Doug talks about how he followed his family into harness racing and why the Battle of Waterloo Stakes Final win at Grand River Raceway remains so significant to his career. He also discusses why he considers the 2022 racing season his best so far and talks about winning the Canadian Driving Championship again last Fall and what it will be like representing his Country in the World Championships this August and how different the racing is from that found in North America. Finally, Doug mentions a race that has continued to allude him that he still wants to win and if there is a difference in driving styles from track to track and a harness driver that he has always looked up to as a form of mentor.
• Gerry talks about his career as a Jockey and how he won his 2,000th race and then retired right after. He also discusses the migration to first becoming a Thoroughbred owner and then a Jockey’s agent and the two Jockeys that he represents Luis Contreras and Jose Campos and some goals that he has set out for both Jockeys when the 2023 Woodbine Thoroughbred racing season begins in April. Gerry also talks about what impressed him most about Jockey Jose Campos, who was a leading Jockey in Mexico and what is it that makes Jose a special Rider, and why his career and Jose’s have some similarities. Gerry also mentions some of the great Riders that he had the opportunity to ride against during his career.
• Jason discusses how he became involved in the Thoroughbred industry as a Racetrack Announcer and the many tracks that he has had an opportunity to call races at and the steps it took until he was named Tampa Bay’s Race Caller. He also talks about two of todays stakes races at Tampa Bay, the Sam F. Davis, which is a Kentucky Derby prep and the Suncoast, a Kentucky Oaks prep race for fillies, and how he see’s both of these races playing out. Jason also talks about a race that he called several years ago that still remains special to him today and if there was a Track Announcer that he patterned his race calls after. Finally, Jason talks about what career path he probably would have chosen had he not found horse racing.

Ann and Larry interview Standardbred Trainer Shawn Steacy, who discusses the fact that three of his horses are up for an O’Brien Award tonight, as is he for Trainer of the Year. He also talks about how his family ties helped interest him in horse racing at an early age and a strong bond that he still has with his father and what is his biggest goal as a Trainer for the 2023 harness racing season. Western Fair Raceway Track Announcer, Shannon ‘Sugar’ Doyle, who discusses his career as an announcer that has included calling both Harness and Thoroughbred races across Canada and how his roots in racing began at Summerside Raceway in P.E.I. He also talks about the significance of tonight’s O’Brien Awards to him and discusses the 10 plus years of calling harness races at Western Fair Raceway and several race highlights and how it felt to call a full card of races at Woodbine Mohawk Park, last November. Dan Vella, a recently retired Woodbine Thoroughbred Trainer, who talks about the decision to retire and why he thought it was now a good time. Dan also reflects back on when he first started working at Woodbine as a teenager for famed Trainer Gerry Lavigne and mentions a couple of other mentors that helped establish him as a Trainer. Finally, Dan talks about what it was like training for owners like Frank Stronach and Steve Stavro and also gives his opinion, on what horse was the greatest he ever had the opportunity to train. Larry also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American racetracks.

Key Points:
• Shawn talks about how he followed both his grandfather and father into harness racing and how it all started for him at the now defunct Kingston Park Raceway. He also discusses how 2022 was his best season so far as a Trainer and what helped to contribute to this success. Shawn also talks about tonight’s O’Brien Awards for Standardbred racing and how he is nominated for an award as are three of his horses and discusses one of the horses Sylvia Hanover and the potential that she showed on the track last year. Finally, he mentions about a strong bond that he has with his father and some goals for the 2023 harness racing season.
• Sugar talks about growing up in Summerside, PEI and how going to the harness track was part of life for him and also mentions why people in Prince Edward Island are so passionate about Standardbred racing. He also discusses the differences in style used when calling Thoroughbred and Standardbred races as a Track Announcer and mentions about his 10 years at Western Fair Raceway and recalls some of the great races that he has called there , over the years. Sugar also talks about the significance to
him, of attending tonight's O’Brien Awards and finally, why calling a card of races at Woodbine Mohawk Park last year was so important to his career.
• Dan discusses why he chose to announce his retirement now and whether the decision will remain final. He also talks about when he first started working at the track for Trainer Gerry Lavigne and mentions two other respected Trainers who he considered mentors, early on in his career. Dan also emphasizes the importance of the Stronach family in helping him become a successful trainer and also what is was like to train for another Hall of Famer, Steve Stavro of Knob Hill Stables. Dan also discusses who he believes is the best horse that he ever trained and why and discusses last years Queen’s Plate entrant The Minkster and whether he was disappointed in the horses race that day. Finally, Dan talks about who was the person within the Thoroughbred industry who gave him a fortuitous break to help further his Training career.

Key Points:
• Ron talks about the changes at Gulfstream Park over the years and how they have improved the guest experience for racing fans now. He also discusses how he became interested in horse racing at a young age and how a relative became like a mentor to him and introduced him to the racetrack. Ron also talks about todays $3 Million Pegasus Stakes and who he likes to win the race and also ‘gives out’ his Best Bet of the day. Finally, he mentions what he probably would be doing today if he wasn’t working at Gulfstream and handicapping horses.
• Katerina talks about her horse Roaring Forties , who won the Sunshine Stakes at Gulfstream Park last week. She also mentions some of the Trainers that she had an opportunity to work for and who helped mentor her along and also talks about a special bond she has with Trainer Dan Vella who recently retired from Training. Katerina also talks about her string of horses at Gulfstream and the plans she has for them and also the 2023 Woodbine Thoroughbred season which begins in April. Finally, Katerina talks about being on the Queen’s Plate trail last season and how her stable is shaping up for a run at the King’s Plate this year.
• Sarah discusses the overall mission of Lymphoma Canada and how they are involved in patient support, education, research and advocacy. She also mentions about the many types of lymphoma that exist and whether some may be hereditary and precautions people should take if they are feeling any of the potential symptons. Sara also discusses how important initiatives like Ponies 24-7’s online silent auction are for raising funds for Lymphoma Canada so that they can satisfy their overall mission and discusses with Larry some of the items up for auction and how bidding on them is an enjoyable way of supporting a very good cause. Finally, Sarah talks about her background and her role with Lymphoma Canada.