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Trevor McCarthy, HISA Jockey Wellness Consultant / James MacDonald, World Driving Champion / Bill Tharrenos, Woodbine Trainer
Today, Larry goes one-on-one with former jockey Trevor McCarthy, who joins us for the first time this year. Trevor recorded more than one thousand eight hundred wins and over seventy six million dollars in purse earnings before stepping away from riding last season. He explains the signs that led him to pause a highly successful career, the physical and mental exhaustion he experienced, and how a conversation with Colonial Downs chaplain Jay Hurley became the catalyst for change. Trevor discusses the challenges riders face with mental health, the importance of support systems, and how these experiences motivated him to accept a newly created role with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority as a Jockey Wellness Consultant. He also talks about the goals of the position, how he plans to strengthen resources available to riders, and provides an update on his brother-in-law Dylan Davis following a recent injury.
Also today, James MacDonald joins the show fresh off being crowned World Driving Champion for the second time. James talks about his experience competing in the six-leg international championship across tracks in New Zealand and how he navigated different horses, conditions, and driving styles throughout the event. He explains the process for being named Canada’s representative, the camaraderie among drivers, and how quickly he had to adjust back to regular nightly racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park. James also looks back on his tremendous 2025 season that includes more than three hundred wins, over seven million dollars in earnings, and a win percentage above twenty percent. He outlines his goals for the remainder of the season and highlights the races that meant the most to him this year.
Then, Woodbine trainer Bill Tharrenos stops by as he closes out another strong campaign. Bill discusses his 2025 season, which includes thirty one wins, nearly one million dollars in purse earnings, and an impressive eighteen percent strike rate. He talks about his improving filly Zabarta, who enters today’s Shady Well Stakes on a two-race win streak following a dominant victory in the South Ocean Stakes. Bill explains what has fueled her rapid progression, how he evaluates whether a horse has another level to give, and what plans may follow after today’s race. Bill also shares his background in the sport, the influence of training in Florida, the advantages of winter conditioning programs, and the young horses he is excited about heading into next season.
In our feature “In Case You Missed It,” Larry reviews the biggest racing headlines from the past week. Later, he presents his Ponies Picks of the Day, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, offering potential wagering gems at Woodbine, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and other North American tracks. And in this week’s Road Trip, powered by Pineview Hyundai, Larry heads to Churchill Downs for the Grade 3, three hundred thousand dollar Commonwealth Turf Stakes, a mile and a sixteenth turf event for three-year-olds.
Bullet Points of Key Topics, Guests and Time Stamps
● Trevor McCarthy discusses stepping away from riding, the mental and physical strain of the jockey lifestyle, his conversation with chaplain Jay Hurley, and his new role with HISA as a Jockey Wellness Consultant. He also shares thoughts on improving rider support systems and provides an update on Dylan Davis.
● James MacDonald breaks down his second World Driving Championship title, talks about the six-leg international format, competing overseas, transitioning back to the North American driving schedule, and reviews his standout 2025 season.
● Bill Tharrenos reflects on his 2025 Woodbine campaign, discusses the rise of his filly Zabarta, looks at stable plans for the winter and 2026 season, and talks about his training background and Florida program.
● Feature Segments — “In Case You Missed It” recaps the week in racing. “Road Trip,” powered by Pineview Hyundai, previews the Grade 3 Commonwealth Turf Stakes at Churchill Downs. “Ponies Picks of the Day,” sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, highlights Larry’s top betting opportunities.
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By Local Radio LabToday, Larry goes one-on-one with former jockey Trevor McCarthy, who joins us for the first time this year. Trevor recorded more than one thousand eight hundred wins and over seventy six million dollars in purse earnings before stepping away from riding last season. He explains the signs that led him to pause a highly successful career, the physical and mental exhaustion he experienced, and how a conversation with Colonial Downs chaplain Jay Hurley became the catalyst for change. Trevor discusses the challenges riders face with mental health, the importance of support systems, and how these experiences motivated him to accept a newly created role with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority as a Jockey Wellness Consultant. He also talks about the goals of the position, how he plans to strengthen resources available to riders, and provides an update on his brother-in-law Dylan Davis following a recent injury.
Also today, James MacDonald joins the show fresh off being crowned World Driving Champion for the second time. James talks about his experience competing in the six-leg international championship across tracks in New Zealand and how he navigated different horses, conditions, and driving styles throughout the event. He explains the process for being named Canada’s representative, the camaraderie among drivers, and how quickly he had to adjust back to regular nightly racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park. James also looks back on his tremendous 2025 season that includes more than three hundred wins, over seven million dollars in earnings, and a win percentage above twenty percent. He outlines his goals for the remainder of the season and highlights the races that meant the most to him this year.
Then, Woodbine trainer Bill Tharrenos stops by as he closes out another strong campaign. Bill discusses his 2025 season, which includes thirty one wins, nearly one million dollars in purse earnings, and an impressive eighteen percent strike rate. He talks about his improving filly Zabarta, who enters today’s Shady Well Stakes on a two-race win streak following a dominant victory in the South Ocean Stakes. Bill explains what has fueled her rapid progression, how he evaluates whether a horse has another level to give, and what plans may follow after today’s race. Bill also shares his background in the sport, the influence of training in Florida, the advantages of winter conditioning programs, and the young horses he is excited about heading into next season.
In our feature “In Case You Missed It,” Larry reviews the biggest racing headlines from the past week. Later, he presents his Ponies Picks of the Day, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, offering potential wagering gems at Woodbine, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and other North American tracks. And in this week’s Road Trip, powered by Pineview Hyundai, Larry heads to Churchill Downs for the Grade 3, three hundred thousand dollar Commonwealth Turf Stakes, a mile and a sixteenth turf event for three-year-olds.
Bullet Points of Key Topics, Guests and Time Stamps
● Trevor McCarthy discusses stepping away from riding, the mental and physical strain of the jockey lifestyle, his conversation with chaplain Jay Hurley, and his new role with HISA as a Jockey Wellness Consultant. He also shares thoughts on improving rider support systems and provides an update on Dylan Davis.
● James MacDonald breaks down his second World Driving Championship title, talks about the six-leg international format, competing overseas, transitioning back to the North American driving schedule, and reviews his standout 2025 season.
● Bill Tharrenos reflects on his 2025 Woodbine campaign, discusses the rise of his filly Zabarta, looks at stable plans for the winter and 2026 season, and talks about his training background and Florida program.
● Feature Segments — “In Case You Missed It” recaps the week in racing. “Road Trip,” powered by Pineview Hyundai, previews the Grade 3 Commonwealth Turf Stakes at Churchill Downs. “Ponies Picks of the Day,” sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, highlights Larry’s top betting opportunities.