Ponies 24-7 The Radio Magazine 105.9 The Region

Larry and Ann are joined by Harness Driver Jody Jamieson, who discusses tonight’s Pepsi North America Cup, and particularly his horse Captains Quarters, who was a winner of one of the eliminations for the race last Saturday. He also discusses his career and first win and what he wanted as a career instead of a Harness Driver. Woodbine’s Manager, Racing and Brand Content Alanna Nolan, who discusses a recent ‘Hashtag Sports Award’ for a Docuseries entitled ‘Woodbine: Free Rein’ in the category of ‘Best Women’s Sports Content.’ She also talks about being part of the livestream team covering the Pepsi North America Cup tonight at Woodbine Mohawk Park and some of the festivities already planned for the King’s Plate this Summer.  Robert Reid Jr., who analyzes tonight’s Pepsi North America Cup race and also talks about the Roses are Red Stake that features Canadian Standardbred Horse of the Year, Sylvia Hanover. Robert also discusses how long he usually spends handicapping the Mohawk Racing Program and editing his ‘Horseplayers Journal, which is included as part of the Woodbine Mohawk Program. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look at The Way It Was in Horse Racing News, Larry discusses the recent King’s Plate prep race, the Woodstock Stakes, and particularly the convincing winner, My Boy Prince, and why he remains the early favorite for this year’s King’s Plate. In our new regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about tonight’s Pepsi North America Cup at Woodbine Mohawk Park and mentions about some of the history behind the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ later today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show. 
Key Points: 
Jody talks first about his horse that he is driving in tonight’s Pepsi North America Cup race at Woodbine Park, Captains Quarters and whether he believes the horse will improve on his impressive performance in last Saturday’s elimination race. Jody also talks about how he had family ties to the harness racing industry and if he remembers his first win s a driver. Jody also mentions who he believes was the best horse that he ever sat behind and what it would be like to win a third North America Cup tonight and how he originally had other aspirations for a career. 
Alanna discusses the recent ‘Hashtag Sports Award ‘that the Woodbine team were part of and how the Docuseries that they produced entitled ‘Woodbine: Free Rein’ was entered in the category of best Women’s Sports Content’ against some very ‘stiff’ competition. She also talks about how she will be part of the team tonight livestreaming the Pepsi North America Cup and whether there are any more Docuseries In the works for her and the Woodbine team and any plans for the upcoming King’s Plate that she can share.
Robert speaks in depth about tonight’s Pepsi North America Cup and breaks down the three Elimination races from last weekend. He also makes a selection for the North America Cup and discusses the Roses are Red Stakes race also tonight and Sylvia Hanover, Canadian Standardbred Horse of the Year who is one of the entrants. Robert also mentions how long it typically takes him to handicap a card of racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park and editing the ‘Horseplayer’s Journal’ which is part of the Woodbine Mohawk Park, Past Performance Program and how he became involved with producing the Journal. He also mentions why he will be at Dresden Raceway tomorrow.

Larry and Ann are joined by Ontario Racing’s Independent Chair Andrew Gaughan, who discusses his role as Independent Chair which he has held since November 2022 and whether the job is what he expected when he signed on, or whether there have been any surprises. He also talks about the assistance he has received from his predecessor John Hayes and another colleague, Jamie Martin, who has been a major help to him settling in. Andrew also talks about his prior experience to becoming Independent Chair and his career stops over the past 30 years. NYRA’s Director of Communication’s Keith McCalmont, who discusses what the atmosphere is like at Saratoga today as they get ready to host the Belmont Stakes for the first time ever. Keith also talks about the field for the Belmont Stakes and who he likes to win the race and discusses the upcoming schedule of racing Saratoga and Aqueduct over the next couple of months. Keith also talks about the undercard races at Saratoga today. Lynne O’Brien, Executive Director of Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre, who discusses their upcoming ‘Celebrate Sunrise’ fund raiser on June 23rd and mentions what visitors to the event can expect to see. Lynne also talks about the rehabilitation work that Sunrise does on- site and mentions some of the horses and special cases and why it’s important that they host such an event like ‘Celebrate Sunrise’.;  In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look At The Way It Was In Horse Racing News, Larry discusses the stakes victory that local Apprentice Jockey Pietro Moran  had at Woodbine last Saturday and some of the connections involved with the winning horse, Fabulously Fab. In our new regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about todays Belmont Stakes at Saratoga today and mentions about some of the history behind the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ later today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show. 
Key Points:
Andrew talks first about his role as Independent Chair for Ontario Racing and whether the role has come with any extra challenges or even surprises. He also discusses some of the many roles that he has held over the past 30 years in the horse racing and gaming industries and whether any one of the roles helped prepare for him for the Independent Chairperson position. He also mentions how long-time horse-racing industry person Jamie Martin has continued to be a major help to his position as well as former Chair John Hayes and mentions what the role of an Independent Chair consists of. Andrew also adds that his introduction to the business side of horse racing and gaming was quite different than other people and talks about the Ontario Racing board and why he believes they could be considered a highly active Board.  
Keith discusses todays Belmont Stakes which is being held for the first time at Saratoga and how the atmosphere surrounding the race is and whether the fans have accepted the track change. He also discusses the Belmont itself and who he likes to win and mentions who has trained well leading up to today and whether we could see an upset winner today. Keith also talks briefly about some of the other stake’s events at Saratoga today and discusses whether the new distance of the Belmont Stakes will hinder or help any of the entrants. He also mentions the NYRA racing schedule going forward at Saratoga and Aqueduct over the next few months and gives his opinion on whether todays Belmont Stakes winner could be the front runner for Horse of the Year honors or is there maybe another race coming up that may be more influential.
Lynne discusses Sunrise’s upcoming fund raiser, ‘Celebrate Sunrise’ on Sunday June 23rd and why it is so important in helping to sustain the facility. She also talks about the itinerary on June 23rd, the cost and how someone can buy tickets and mentions the many pro

Larry and Ann are joined by the newest member of the Woodbine Jockey Colony, Soufiane Saadi, who arrives fresh from winning the 2024 Grade 1 Bahrain Gold Cup and discusses why he made the move to Woodbine and whether riding here where the horses race counterclockwise is a concern for him. He also talks about some of the places that he has ridden at and whether the Woodbine Tapeta surface will pose any challenges for him and mentions what he knew about Woodbine in general before he arrived. He also discusses his Woodbine debut this past Thursday. Retired Woodbine Jockey and now Racing Steward Gunnar Lindberg, who discusses his reaction when he found out that he was the winner of the prestigious Avelino Gomez award and why the award was extra special to him because he rode with Avelino Gomez. He also discusses how he became associated as the contract rider for the famed Sam Son Farms and talks about his Father, Herb who was also a successful rider and mentions some of the great Jockeys he had the opportunity to ride against. Gunnar also mentions what is a typical day in the life of a Racing Steward, Hanover Raceway’s General Manager Scott Price, who discusses todays Opening Day festivities to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the harness track. Scott also discusses some of the other special race days taking place at Hanover Raceway this Summer. He also talks about growing up nearby and how this accounted for his interest in harness racing and discusses last season at Hanover, as that was his first in the role as General Manager for the track. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look at The Way It Was in Horse Racing News, Larry discusses the stakes victory that local Jockey Kazushi Kimura had at Santa Anita this past Monday and talks about what happened in a recent race at Aqueduct that was run at the wrong distance. In our new regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about todays Blame Stakes at Churchill Downs and mentions about some of the history behind the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ later today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show. 
Key Points: 

Soufiane talks first about why he made the decision to move his tack to Woodbine and whether it was a difficult decision. He also discusses some of the major stake’s races that he has won in his career, including the Grade 1 Bahrain Cup this past April. And mentions whether he was able to adjust to the Woodbine style of racing quickly and talks about what he knew about Woodbine, before arriving here. Soufiane also talks about whether he feels more comfortable riding a horse on the front end or a closer and what have been some of the adjustments he has had to make at Woodbine so far and whether he has felt comfortable riding on the Tapeta surface, including his first ride this past Thursday.
Gunnar discusses how he felt when he found out that he was winner of the prestigious Avelino Gomez Award and why it was extra special for him as he rode against Avelino. He also mentions how he became a contract rider for the famous Sam Son Farms and how that arrangement came about and mentions some of their great horses that he was able to ride. Gunnar also mentions how he rode at many tracks in the United States and talks about some of the great riders that he had the opportunity to  ride against and talks about his Father, who was also a top Jockey in his day, and some of the Hall of Fame riders he regularly raced against.  Gunnar also talks about how he knew it was time to retire and why he ended up as a Racing Steward and what is a typical day in the life of a Racing Steward 
Scott discusses todays Opening Day at Hanover Raceway and some of the special festivities planned this afternoon to celebrate the track’s 60th Anniversary, including a special non-wagering mini-horse race. He also talks about the advertising and sponsorship support that

Larry and Ann are joined by Woodbine Executive Chair Jim Lawson, who discusses the planned ‘International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities Global Summit on Equine Safety and Equine Welfare,’ which will be hosted by Woodbine Entertainment from June 12th until the 14th. Jim also discusses the importance of having such a conference that promotes the safety and welfare for the equine athletes and discusses his new role as Executive Chair and what it entails. He also shares whether he is satisfied with the build out on the Woodbine property, to date.  Grand River Raceway’s new Raceway Manager Jenna MacDonell, who discusses the plans so far in place for the track’s Opening Day  on June 5th and whether the new 5/8th’s mile track that the track has built will be ready for Opening Day. She also talks about some of the other special events planned for  the Grand River racing season and  talks about growing up with a Hall of Fame Driver and Trainer for a Father.  Woodbine Thoroughbred Trainer Steve Attard who talks about what it was like to finally get his 500th win as a Trainer at Woodbine and discusses if winning 500 races was actually something that was on his radar for a long period of time. He also talks about being a Trainer for 48 years and what it is like being part of the ‘Attard family’ and mentions in detail the family tree. He also talks about the horse that he won his first race with as a Trainer and where the win took place. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look at The Way It Was in Horse Racing News, Larry discusses the recent announcement of former Jockey Gunnar Lindberg being named the winner of the prestigious Avelino Gomez Award. In our new regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about todays Pennine Ridge Stakes at Aqueduct Racecourse and mentions about some of the history behind the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ later today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show.
Key Points: 
Jim talks first about the upcoming International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities Global Summit on Equine Safety and Technology from June 12th to the 14th at Woodbine Racetrack and the importance of having such a conference that promotes the safety and welfare of the equine athletes. Jim also talks about some of the topics that the Summit will examine, including the most critical horse welfare issues as well as recent technological advances. Jim mentions too about his new role at Woodbine as Executive Chair and whether he misses his former role as CEO and if he is satisfied with the status of the Woodbine build-out so far. He also talks about why he is extremely excited about this years King’s Plate and how he believes Woodbine should be able to sell 15 to 20,000 tickets, prior to the day itself. Jim also mentions why he is looking forward to some of the stake’s races coming up shortly at Woodbine, which are ‘prep races’ for the August King’s Plate.
Jenna discusses the status of Grand River’s Opening Day and how plans have moved forward in the construction of their new 5/8th’s mile racetrack. On this topic Jenna also mentions what the response has been so far from the horsemen who have been training over the new racing service and also talks about growing up in a harness racing family and the steps she has taken in her career, which included  a stint at Woodbine Entertainment ,before becoming Raceway Manager at Grand River. She is also asked if her Hall of Fame Driver/Trainer Paul, encouraged her to apply for the new role and discusses why she gave up a successful Real Estate career to ‘throw her hat in the ring’ for the position of Raceway Manager. She also mentions some of the major race days at Grand River this season, including the extremely popular ‘Wiener Dog Races’ and Industry Day in August and   mentions what was the best advice her Hall of Fam

Larry and Ann are joined by Trainer Kenny McPeek, who recently won the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby on the same weekend and who talks about his horse Mystik Dan, who won the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago and is favored today to win the Preakness Stakes. Kenny also discusses in quite detail the path to becoming a Trainer and his various career choices before and mentions when did he know that Mystik Dan was a special type of horse. He also discusses Jockey Brian Hernandez and why he believes that Mystik Dan get’s along with him so well. Woodbine’s Senior Manager Communications, Mark McKelvie, who initially discusses the current Woodbine Thoroughbred meet and some of the social events so far, including the recent opening of the  Stella Artois Terrace on  the Woodbine 3rd Floor of the Grandstand. He also talks about the King’s Plate and whether moving it to a Saturday this year will help to exceed last years record betting handles for the day and discusses Woodbine Mohawk Park and the upcoming stakes season and in particular the final for the Pepsi North America Cup to be raced on Saturday June 15th.  Truro Raceway’s General Manager Steve Fitzsimmons, who discusses Opening Day at the track on Sunday and mentions some of the feature days at the track this season. He also discusses a horse by the name of Mappos Lion who has recently qualified twice at Truro, as he prepares probably for a season of racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park and mentions whether there are any major differences in working at Truro as compared to his former track, Hanover Raceway in Ontario. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look at The Way It Was in Horse Racing News, Larry discusses last weeks press release from Woodbine, asking for National Anthem singers to sing at Woodbine Mohawk Park this Summer. In our new feature, ‘Road Trip’, Larry talks about todays Preakness Stakes  at Pimlico Racecourse and mentions about   some of the   history behind the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ later today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show. 
Key Points: 

Kenny talks first about what it meant to win both the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky on the same weekend and both with the same Jockey. He also says how he felt when watching the Kentucky Derby and when in Mystik Dan’s career, did he realize that he was a better than normal horse. He also talks about how Mystik Dan has been training up to todays Preakness and discusses in depth the path he took to becoming a successful Trainer and the significant influence that some of his family also had on him. Kenny also discusses  why he and Mystik Dan’s Jockey  Brian Hernandez work so well together, which has  accounted for some tremendous  success to date and mentions an App, ‘Horses Now’ that he is involved in, which helps to inform racing fans more about Thoroughbred racing, while also providing an additional new option to attract more racing fans.
Mark discusses the current Thoroughbred racing season and in particular the various events that have been hosted at Woodbine, including a successful Kentucky Derby party two weeks ago. He also mentions about the popular Stella Artois Terrace opening this past week and some of its features and discusses the King’s Plate which is set for Saturday August 17th and whether moving it to a Saturday will help eclipse last years record handle on Plate Day. Mark also talks about Woodbine Mohawk Park, namely the $ Million Pepsi North America Cup and how some of the horses nominated to that race are competing at Woodbine Mohawk Park this evening. He also mentions what makes winning the Final of the North America Cup so special and that this year there will be free admission to the race night, to be held on June 15th. Mark also discusses the special fireworks shows at Woodbine Mohawk Park tonight and that there is a special post time

Larry and Ann are joined by Trainer Mark Casse, who recently won his 16th Sovereign Award for leading Trainer in Canada, and he discusses what it means to be recognized with this award and what he attributes its success to. He also discusses his two racing companies, one in Canada and the other in the United States and how his wife Tina plays a significant role in running both with him and discusses in depth his stable at Woodbine and some of the major stakes races he is pointing to this summer. Woodbine, Apprentice Jockey Sofia Vives, who discusses what it meant to win her Sovereign Award for Leading Apprentice in Canada for 2023 and to be considered for the Eclipse Award for Leading Apprentice in North America and she also explains why the other two finalists had more winners in 2023 than she had. Sofia also talks about the great start she has had at Woodbine so far this year and discusses her riding style and whether there was a Jockey that she followed when she was younger that she looked up to and why she respected their riding style. Woodbine’s Assistant Clerk of Scales Dino Luciani, who talks about his position and what it entails and what would be a typical race day for him now. He also talks about his riding career and how he knew it was time to retire and what it is about horse racing that makes him so excited about being part of the industry in some form. He also touches upon some of his other career paths after retiring from race riding and why he was happy to be back at Woodbine on a full-time scale again. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look At The Way It Was In Horse Racing News, Larry discusses last weeks Kentucky Derby and also touches upon Canadian born Jockey Stewart Elliott and how his 18-year-old son is following him into the Thoroughbred industry as a Jockey and actually won with his first mount recently. In our new feature, ‘Road Trip’, Larry talks about todays Peter Pan Stakes   at Aqueduct and mentions about   some of the   history behind the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ later today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show.
Key Points: 

Mark talks first about winning the recent Sovereign Award for Canadian Trainer of the year for the 16th time and why the award still means so much to him and talks about the crew working for him, that helped make the 2023 season so successful. He also mentions about his two racing divisions, one in Canada and the other in the United States and how his wife Tina has been instrumental in assisting him with the day-to-day business and how she helps keep him grounded in a sense. Mark also mentions what race he would still like to win and add to his Training accomplishments and discusses his Canadian division at Woodbine and some of the Stake’s events that he is looking forward to over the Summer including the King’s Plate. Mark also talks about the influence that his father had on his career and is asked if he remembers his first win as a Trainer and where it took place.
Sofia discusses winning her first Sovereign Award as leading Apprentice Jockey in Canada and how why she was thrilled to finish second in the Eclipse Award voting for Leading Apprentice Jockey in North America. She also discusses the early success she has had at Woodbine so far this year and talks about her riding style and why she excels at getting a horse to leave the Starting Gate quickly. Sofia also mentions the influence her father has had on her career and whether there was a Jockey that she followed growing up that also influenced how she prepared for and then actually ride a race. For our listeners, Sofia also discusses the process of going from an Apprentice rider to a Journeyman and when this will happen for her. She also adds why it would be nice to have a mount in this years King’s Plate. 
Dino speaks about his role at Woodbine as Assistant Clerk