Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Evan Sandhu, owner of Amplify Stables, who joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time to discuss the growth of the family-run operation based in Loretto, Ontario. Operating from the former Ballycroy Farm, Amplify Stables provides breaking, training, boarding, and a variety of equine services while continuing to expand its presence within Ontario's horse racing industry. Evan discusses taking over the family business, the vision behind Amplify Stables, and the day-to-day responsibilities of managing a modern horse operation. He also reflects on how he became involved in horse racing, the opportunities and challenges facing new owners and horsepeople, and shares his plans for the future as Amplify Stables continues to grow.
Also today, Meadowlands Racetrack CEO Jason Settlemoir returns to the show as the spotlight turns to one of harness racing's most prestigious events, the one hundred first Hambletonian Stakes. Jason previews today's one million dollar classic, discusses the leading contenders in both the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks, and explains what makes the race one of the sport's true championship events. He also reflects on the history of the Hambletonian, previews the outstanding stakes-filled card at The Meadowlands, and discusses the success of the championship meet, Meadowlands Pace Night, and operations at Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs. Jason also shares insight into the process of hosting the Hambletonian and looks ahead to what fans can expect following the conclusion of the Meadowlands meet.
Then, Woodbine jockey Romero Maragh returns to Ponies 24-7 after an outstanding start to his first full season riding at Woodbine. Currently sitting fourth in the jockey standings with more than seventeen and a half million dollars in career purse earnings, Maragh reflects on his decision to move his tack to Toronto and explains how the Empire-Trillium Series played a major role in that choice. He discusses adapting to Woodbine's Tapeta surface, the resilience required to overcome serious riding injuries that cost him mounts in several major races, and the support he has received from agent Jordan Millar throughout the season. Romero also previews his mount, Very Special, in next week's King's Plate and shares what it would mean to capture Canada's most prestigious Thoroughbred race for the first time.
In our feature “In Case You Missed It,” Larry recaps the biggest racing headlines from the past week across North America. Later, he delivers his Ponies Picks of the Day, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, highlighting potential wagering opportunities at Woodbine, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and several other tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, powered by Amplify Logistics and The Cargo Group, Larry heads to Saratoga Race Course for the Grade one one million dollar Whitney Stakes, a mile-and-an-eighth test on the dirt for older horses and one of the premier races of the summer season.