Ponies 24/7 The Radio Magazine

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Ponies 24/7 Horse Racing Lifestyle Experience.

  1. 4d ago

    Andrew Gaughan, Ontario Racing Independent Chair / Jose Ferrer, Jockey / Mark McKelvie, Woodbine Senior Manager of Communications

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Ontario Racing Independent Chair Andrew Gaughan, who returns to Ponies 24-7 with plenty to discuss as he prepares to step down from his role in late October after nearly four years. Andrew provides an update on the state of Ontario Racing and discusses the recent commitment of an additional thirty-five million dollars annually in provincial government funding for each of the next five years and what that support means for the province’s horse racing industry. He reflects on the challenges the Ontario Racing Board has faced during his tenure, his more than three decades of experience in the horse racing and gaming industries, and the goals that remain for the organization through the remainder of twenty twenty-six and into twenty twenty-seven. Andrew also discusses his decision to step down, what he is most proud of from his time as Independent Chair, and the initiatives he wishes the organization had been able to accomplish.  Also today, veteran jockey Jose Ferrer joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time following his recent decision to put retirement plans on hold and remain in the saddle. Since beginning his career in nineteen eighty-three, Ferrer has accumulated more than thirty-two thousand mounts, four thousand eight hundred eighty-five victories, twenty-nine graded stakes wins and more than eighty-nine million dollars in career purse earnings. Jose discusses why he originally planned to retire after reaching four thousand nine hundred wins and pursue a second career as a steward, what changed his mind following a strong summer at Monmouth Park, and why he now has his sights set on reaching five thousand victories. He also reflects on the beginnings of his riding career, the best horses and jockeys he has encountered along the way, the mentors who helped shape him as a rider, and the advice he now shares with younger jockeys in the room.  Then, Woodbine Senior Manager of Communications Mark McKelvie returns to the show on a huge afternoon of racing at Woodbine as the track hosts Turf Champions Day. Mark previews a quartet of Grade one Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series races, headlined by the thirtieth running of the one million dollar Woodbine Mile, where Deterministic and defending champion Notable Speech are among the major names to watch. He also breaks down the five hundred thousand dollar Natalma Stakes and five hundred thousand dollar Summer Stakes, discusses television coverage for the day, and reflects on the success of this year’s King’s Plate and Woodbine meet. Mark also looks ahead to the Breeders’ Stakes before turning his attention to Woodbine Mohawk Park, where the Grand Circuit season continues with several major race days still to come, including the Mohawk Million.  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 Woodbine for the Grade one one million dollar Woodbine Mile, a one-mile turf test for three-year-olds and upward. LINK TO NEW MAGAZINE   https://tinyurl.com/Ponies247August2026  https://tinyurl.com/Ponies247August2026  https://tinyurl.com/Ponies247August2026

    Andrew Gaughan, Ontario Racing Independent Chair / Jose Ferrer, Jockey / Mark McKelvie, Woodbine Senior Manager of Communications
  2. Sep 4

    Ashley Mailloux, Handicapper / Kendrick Carmouche, Jockey / Rachel Halden, Thoroughbred Trainer

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with handicapper Ashley Mailloux, who returns to Ponies 24-7 ahead of Monday’s Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie, the second jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown. Ashley breaks down the eight-horse field, including King’s Plate runner-up Military Time and third-place finisher Fire and Wine, and discusses the important transition from Woodbine’s synthetic surface to the dirt at Fort Erie. She also takes a closer look at Highwaytothemoon and whether the shorter distance could help him rebound from the King’s Plate. Beyond Monday’s race, Ashley discusses her life as a professional handicapper, the tracks she covers, the amount of preparation that goes into breaking down a race card, and some of the go-to handicapping angles and speed figures she relies on when searching for winners.  Also today, jockey Kendrick Carmouche returns to the show in the midst of another outstanding season. A winner of more than four thousand career races and over one hundred seventy-eight million dollars in purse earnings, Carmouche has already earned more than seven million dollars in twenty twenty-six while adding major graded stakes victories to his résumé. Kendrick reflects on reaching the four-thousand-win milestone, his early days as a jockey, and the remarkable run at Parx Racing that saw him record five consecutive seasons with more than two hundred victories and capture four straight riding titles. He also discusses his move to the New York circuit, his partnership with multiple Grade one winner Deterministic, a memorable Saratoga weekend that included victories in the Fourstardave and Troy Stakes, and why interacting with young racing fans and giving back to the sport remains so important to him.  Then, Woodbine Thoroughbred trainer Rachel Halden returns to Ponies 24-7 following a terrific start to her twenty twenty-six campaign. Halden has recorded ten wins, eleven seconds and six thirds from forty-eight starters, putting more than fifty-six percent of her starters in the money while continuing a career that has generated nearly eight million dollars in purse earnings. Rachel discusses what has contributed to her recent success, the goals she establishes for her stable each season, and the path that led her to becoming a trainer, including the valuable experience she gained working for Hall of Famer Roger Attfield. She also reflects on finishing first and second in the twenty twenty-four Breeders’ Stakes, her relationship with Chiefswood Stables, and previews two Woodbine starters on today’s card, including first-time starter Tea Biscuit and Side Street in the Grade three Singspiel Stakes.  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 Kentucky Downs for the Grade two two million dollar Kentucky Turf Cup, a mile-and-a-half test on the turf for three-year-olds and upward

    Ashley Mailloux, Handicapper / Kendrick Carmouche, Jockey / Rachel Halden, Thoroughbred Trainer
  3. Aug 28

    David Anderson, CTHS Ontario President / Paul MacDonell, Hall of Fame Standardbred Driver & Trainer / Santino Di Paola, Thoroughbred Trainer

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society Ontario Division President David Anderson, who returns to Ponies 24-7 ahead of the twenty twenty-six CTHS Premier Yearling Sale at the Woodbine Sales Pavilion. With nearly two hundred yearlings set to go under the hammer Wednesday, David discusses the importance of the annual sale to Ontario’s Thoroughbred industry, its history, and some of the outstanding horses that have passed through the sale over the years. He also previews the four-day festival leading into Wednesday’s sale, discusses the significance of E.P. Taylor, Northern Dancer, Nijinsky and The Minstrel being featured on this year’s catalogue cover, and explains how prospective owners can attend, connect with trainers and potentially purchase a yearling of their own. David also reflects on his role as CTHS Ontario President and his family’s long history on both the Thoroughbred and Standardbred sides of the sport.  Also today, Hall of Fame Standardbred driver and trainer Paul MacDonell joins the show for the first time after bringing his remarkable career to a fitting conclusion last Sunday at Woodbine Mohawk Park. MacDonell drove his own trainee Ungawa to victory in his final drive, closing a career that produced more than one hundred twenty-seven million dollars in driving purses and ultimately led to his induction into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in twenty twenty. Paul reflects on the emotions surrounding his retirement, whether he plans to remain involved in harness racing, and the path that took him from working alongside Hall of Famer Doug Brown to becoming one of Canada’s most accomplished horsemen. He also looks back on his unforgettable partnership with legendary pacer Somebeachsomewhere, discusses some of the other great horses he drove and trained, and shares the races and memories that stand out most from his Hall of Fame career.  Then, Woodbine trainer Santino Di Paola returns to Ponies 24-7 ahead of today’s one hundred fifty thousand dollar Zadracarta Stakes, where he saddles defending champion and morning-line favourite Little Teddy. The consistent mare enters the five-furlong turf sprint with eight victories from seventeen lifetime starts and a perfect two-for-two record at the distance. Santino discusses what has made Little Teddy such a reliable performer, her successful partnership with jockey Austin Adams, and why she has become one of the stars of his stable. He also reflects on how he became involved in racing, the mentors who influenced his career, and a strong twenty twenty-six season that has seen his stable win with fifteen percent of its starters while finishing in the money forty percent of the time. Santino also looks ahead to Wednesday’s CTHS Yearling Sale and discusses whether he may be adding another young prospect to his stable.  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 for the Grade one one million two hundred fifty thousand dollar Travers Stakes, a mile-and-a-quarter test on the dirt for three-year-olds and one of the premier races of the summer season.

    David Anderson, CTHS Ontario President / Paul MacDonell, Hall of Fame Standardbred Driver & Trainer / Santino Di Paola, Thoroughbred Trainer
  4. Aug 21

    John Velazquez, Hall of Fame Jockey / Josie Carroll, Hall of Fame Thoroughbred Trainer / Audrey Cheung, Thoroughbred Trainer

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, who returns to Ponies 24-7 following his impressive victory aboard Luster in last Saturday’s one million dollar King’s Plate at Woodbine. Despite breaking from the tricky inside post, Velazquez guided the filly to a dominant seven-and-a-quarter-length victory over the boys, earning his second King’s Plate after previously winning aboard another filly, Wonder Gadot, in two thousand eighteen. Johnny breaks down his ride aboard Luster, discusses when he knew he had the race won, and shares how she compares with some of the outstanding fillies he has ridden throughout his legendary career. He also reflects on more than six thousand seven hundred career victories, over five hundred million dollars in purse earnings, his Triple Crown race successes, and his longtime role as chairman of the Jockeys’ Guild.  Also today, Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame trainer Josie Carroll returns to the show after capturing her fourth King’s Plate with Luster. Carroll, who previously won the Plate with Edenwold in two thousand six, Inglorious in two thousand eleven, and Mighty Heart in two thousand twenty, discusses Luster’s spectacular performance and the progression that has made the filly one of Canada’s most exciting Thoroughbreds. Josie reflects on when she first realized Luster might be special, the excitement of watching her defeat the colts in Canada’s most prestigious race, and what a fourth Plate victory means at this stage of her accomplished career. She also discusses her journey into training, the importance of the King’s Plate to Canadian racing, and what could be next for Luster, including a possible appearance in the Prince of Wales Stakes or a trip south of the border.  Then, Woodbine trainer Audrey Cheung joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time after recording the first stakes victory of her training career with veteran Artemus Citylimits in last Sunday’s Vice Regent Stakes. The nine-year-old successfully defended his title in the race, giving Audrey a milestone victory during her first season as a trainer. She discusses the experience of winning her first stakes race, what makes Artemus Citylimits such a special horse to have in her barn, and the veteran campaigner’s personality away from the racetrack. Audrey also shares the story of how she became involved with horses, the path that led her to training at Woodbine, the people who helped her along the way, and what she has learned during her first season operating her own stable.  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 Del Mar for the one million dollar Pacific Classic, a mile-and-a-quarter test on the dirt for three-year-olds and upward and one of the premier races of the summer season.

    John Velazquez, Hall of Fame Jockey / Josie Carroll, Hall of Fame Thoroughbred Trainer / Audrey Cheung, Thoroughbred Trainer
  5. Aug 14

    Michael Copeland, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment / Todd Pletcher, Hall of Fame Thoroughbred Trainer / Brian O’Leary, Owner, Polo Management Services

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Woodbine Entertainment CEO Michael Copeland as the spotlight shines on the one hundred sixty-seventh running of the King’s Plate, Canada’s most prestigious Thoroughbred race. Copeland previews everything surrounding King’s Plate Day, discusses why the historic race continues to hold such an important place in Canadian racing, and reflects on some of his favourite memories from previous editions of the classic. He also provides an update on the newly renovated E.P. Taylor Turf Course, discusses the continued growth of Woodbine’s partnerships with OLG and Bet365, and looks ahead to the launch of the MyRacehorse fractional ownership program. Michael also shares updates on upcoming marquee events at both Woodbine Racetrack and Woodbine Mohawk Park, including the Mohawk Million and the remainder of the Grand Circuit season.  Also today, Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time following another remarkable career milestone after recording his six thousandth training victory at Saratoga on Whitney Day. Widely regarded as one of the greatest Thoroughbred trainers in history, Pletcher has accumulated more than five hundred twenty-six million dollars in purse earnings, two Kentucky Derby victories, four Belmont Stakes, sixteen Breeders’ Cup wins, and a record eight Eclipse Awards as North America’s outstanding trainer. Todd reflects on reaching six thousand victories, discusses the influence of legendary mentor D. Wayne Lukas and his father, trainer Jake Pletcher, and shares stories from a Hall of Fame career that continues to set the standard in the sport. He also talks about Saratoga’s special place in his career, the goals he continues to set for himself, and the one horse he wishes he could have trained.  Then, Woodbine owner Brian O’Leary joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time as he prepares for an unforgettable King’s Plate Day. O’Leary discusses the excitement surrounding Bond Market, the lightly raced colt owned by Polo Management Services who enters Canada’s premier Thoroughbred race following an impressive maiden victory at Woodbine in just his lone career start. Brian explains the strategy behind bringing Bond Market directly into the King’s Plate, introduces listeners to the team behind the colt, including trainer Carlos Grant and jockey Zerel Ford, and discusses his passion for both Thoroughbred racing and the sport of polo. He also talks about operating the Toronto Polo School, balancing a busy day that includes hosting a polo tournament before heading to Woodbine, and shares what it would mean to capture the King’s Plate in just his horse’s second lifetime start.  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 Woodbine for the one million dollar King’s Plate, a mile-and-a-quarter test on the Tapeta surface for Canada’s top three-year-old Thoroughbreds foaled in Canada.

    Michael Copeland, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment / Todd Pletcher, Hall of Fame Thoroughbred Trainer / Brian O’Leary, Owner, Polo Management Services
  6. Aug 7

    Evan Sandhu, Owner, Amplify Stables / Jason Settlemoir, CEO, Meadowlands Racetrack / Romero Maragh, Jockey

    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.

    Evan Sandhu, Owner, Amplify Stables / Jason Settlemoir, CEO, Meadowlands Racetrack / Romero Maragh, Jockey
  7. Jul 31

    Kaitlin Free, Racing Analyst & Handicapper / Jody Jamieson, Harness Driver / Christine Fairhall, Grand River Raceway Racing Manager

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with racing analyst and handicapper Kaitlin Free, who returns to Ponies 24-7 to preview one of the biggest turf race days of the summer at Colonial Downs. Kaitlin breaks down the prestigious Arlington Million, now contested at Colonial Downs, along with the five hundred thousand dollar Beverly D Stakes and the five hundred thousand dollar Secretariat Stakes, three marquee races that headline an outstanding afternoon of racing in Virginia. She also discusses the unique characteristics of Colonial Downs, explains how she approaches handicapping multiple racing surfaces including dirt, turf, and Tapeta, and shares her thoughts on the current three-year-old division as the road to the Breeders' Cup begins to take shape. Kaitlin also reflects on her career path into horse racing and the role she now plays across Churchill Downs, Turfway Park, Ellis Park, and Colonial Downs.  Also today, Hall of Fame-calibre harness driver Jody Jamieson returns to the show following one of the hottest stretches of his remarkable career. Jamieson reflects on an unforgettable month of July that included eight victories in a single day at Dresden Raceway and Woodbine Mohawk Park, multiple Ontario Sires Stakes Gold wins, and his third National Driving Championship title after previous victories in two thousand one and two thousand eleven. Jody discusses whether he has ever experienced a run quite like this, talks about the special feeling of winning several races for horses trained by his father, Carl Jamieson, and looks ahead to representing Canada once again at the World Driving Championship. He also reflects on growing up in harness racing, the horses that have defined his career, and the races he still hopes to win.  Then, Grand River Raceway Racing Manager Christine Fairhall joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time as Grand River prepares for its signature event of the season, the thirty-seventh annual Industry Day on Holiday Monday. Christine previews the festivities surrounding one of Ontario harness racing's premier family events, including the Battle of Waterloo and Battle of the Belles, two of the province's most prestigious races for two-year-old pacers. She discusses the history of Industry Day, which originated at Elmira Raceway before moving to Grand River, explains the importance of attracting new families and fans to the sport, and shares what visitors can expect throughout the day. Christine also reflects on her transition into the role of Racing Manager and provides an update on the twenty twenty-six Grand River meet.  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, Larry heads to Saratoga Race Course for the Grade two five hundred thousand dollar Jim Dandy Stakes, a mile-and-an-eighth test for three-year-olds and one of the premier summer prep races for the Travers Stakes.

    Kaitlin Free, Racing Analyst & Handicapper / Jody Jamieson, Harness Driver / Christine Fairhall, Grand River Raceway Racing Manager
  8. Jul 24

    Rob Conway, Woodbine Senior Manager, Betting Content / Jorge Vargas Jr., Jockey / Jessica Carnochan, Clinton Raceway Marketing Manager

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Woodbine Senior Manager of Betting Content Rob Conway, who returns to Ponies 24-7 to discuss one of Woodbine’s fastest-growing digital initiatives, Railbirds. Designed to introduce casual sports bettors to the excitement of horse racing, Railbirds delivers audio, video, and written handicapping content across multiple digital platforms while providing wagering tools and educational resources for both new and experienced bettors. Rob explains how Railbirds came to life, the audience it is designed to reach, and the features that continue to make it a valuable resource for racing fans. He also discusses his role at Woodbine, his approach to handicapping, the future of betting content, and shares his thoughts on last weekend’s King’s Plate Trial and Woodbine Oaks, including the horses that impressed him the most.  Also today, jockey Jorge Vargas Jr. joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time after capturing the biggest victory of his career aboard twenty-eight-to-one longshot Baby Vino in last weekend’s Grade one Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park. Vargas, who has now surpassed forty-three million dollars in career purse earnings and recorded his tenth graded stakes victory, reflects on the unexpected opportunity to ride Baby Vino after a late rider change and describes what it felt like crossing the finish line first in his maiden Grade one triumph. He also discusses his journey into horse racing, the family influences that led him into the saddle, the tracks he rides throughout the week, and the goals he has set for himself as he looks to build on one of the most memorable moments of his riding career.  Then, Clinton Raceway Marketing Manager Jessica Carnochan returns to the show to preview one of the busiest weekends of the season at the historic Ontario harness track. Jessica discusses the inaugural Junior National Driving Championship, an event featuring miniature horses that aims to introduce younger fans to harness racing, before turning her attention to Sunday’s National Driving Championship and the twenty-fifth anniversary of the popular Legends Day. She also previews the fiftieth anniversary celebrations of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame taking place at Clinton Raceway, provides an update on the meet’s strong attendance and wagering numbers, and highlights several special events still to come before the conclusion of the twenty twenty-six racing season.  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, Larry heads to Saratoga Race Course for the Grade one five hundred thousand dollar Coaching Club American Oaks, a mile-and-an-eighth test on the dirt for three-year-old fillies.

    Rob Conway, Woodbine Senior Manager, Betting Content / Jorge Vargas Jr., Jockey / Jessica Carnochan, Clinton Raceway Marketing Manager

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