Blinkers Off

Colton Phillips
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Blinkers Off is your irreverent weekly guide to North American horse racing. Join host Colton Phillips as he follows the biggest races, talks to the sport’s most interesting insiders, and breaks down the industry to answer listener questions. Hosted by a racing fan from the next generation of the sport, Blinkers Off brings a fresh perspective to an old game. Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a casual bettor, or just here for the stories and the action, this is racing as it’s actually lived today. New episodes every other week. Blinkers off, let’s go.

  1. FanDuel TV’s Andie Biancone for a Breeders Cup Retrospective, Dale Romans for Senate and Awesome Hawaiian, Mail from the Rail about CAWs and Early Retirement

    11/17/2025

    FanDuel TV’s Andie Biancone for a Breeders Cup Retrospective, Dale Romans for Senate and Awesome Hawaiian, Mail from the Rail about CAWs and Early Retirement

    In this week’s episode of Blinkers Off, host Colton Phillips dives into a trio of powerful stories shaping the racing world. First, trainer Dale Romans enters the political race with a bid for U.S. Senate, we break down his platform and what it could mean for Kentucky horsemen. Then, the incredible story of Awesome Hawaiian, a $1,000 rescue from a kill pen who went gate-to-wire under the Twin Spires. Finally, Colton sits down with Andie Biancone, FanDuelTV Analyst, for a boots on the ground recap and retrospective of this years Breeders’ Cup. We wrap with Mail from the Rail, tackling late odds shifts and early retirements. Blinkers Off is your weekly deep dive into horse racing, from gate to wire.

    1h 2m
  2. White Abarrio Scratched, Griffin Johnon Faces Backlash for an Award Won? CAW Lawsuit and More on the Future of Racing

    11/10/2025

    White Abarrio Scratched, Griffin Johnon Faces Backlash for an Award Won? CAW Lawsuit and More on the Future of Racing

    In this week’s episode of Blinkers Off, Colton breaks down the biggest stories shaking up horse racing. We kick things off with the Breeders' Cup vet scratches that had fans fuming, we dive into why these decisions are made, and ultimately why transparency could be the key to restoring trust. The we unpack Griffin Johnson’s “New Owner of the Year” award and how it sparked controversy. And finally, CAWs (Computer-Assisted Wagering) face a federal class-action lawsuit. Colton explains what it means for casual bettors, how the system got so broken, and what could fix it. This solo episode tackles fan engagement, racing narratives, and the shifting tone in horse racing coverage.

    44 min
  3. GOAT Jockey: Mike Smith, Dave Portnoy Battles CAWs, Canadian Tax Reform, and How Much Does it Cost to Buy a Racehorse?

    10/27/2025

    GOAT Jockey: Mike Smith, Dave Portnoy Battles CAWs, Canadian Tax Reform, and How Much Does it Cost to Buy a Racehorse?

    In Episode 15 of Blinkers Off, host Colton Phillips dives into the hottest issues shaking the racing world. First up in Track Talk: Dave Portnoy’s viral takedown of CAWs (Computer Assisted Wagering), why his influence could be racing’s wake-up call. Then, we examine how outdated Canadian tax laws are choking Ontario’s horse racing economy and discuss the record-breaking Fasig-Tipton sale. Then, in a very special interview, Colton is joined by Hall of Fame jockey and Triple Crown legend Mike Smith. From Breeders’ Cup pressure to Zenyatta memories, and what he felt riding Justify, Mike shares candid reflections from a career like no other. Finally, in Mail from the Rail, Colton answers a common question: what’s the least it costs to get involved with a racehorse?

    1h 12m
  4. TAA Director: Yvonne Schwabe. Why Horse Racing Needs to Work Together, and New Equibase Ratings

    10/20/2025

    TAA Director: Yvonne Schwabe. Why Horse Racing Needs to Work Together, and New Equibase Ratings

    In Episode 14 of Blinkers Off, host Colton Phillips opens with a powerful Mail from the Rail segment tackling the popular fan question: Why does Formula 1 have more fans than horse racing? Drawing lessons from media mogul John Malone, Colton explores the sport’s structure, storytelling, and tech gaps. Then, in an insightful interview, breeder and Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance board member Yvonne Schwabe joins the show to share her experiences, reflections on the 2025 sales season, and how the industry can better prioritize aftercare and long-term horse welfare. Finally, in Track Talk, Colton unpacks the new Equibase Rating System and its potential to reshape North American race conditions, examines HISA's new nutrition coaching for jockeys, and explains how Australian racing continues to thrive with smart, youth-forward innovation.

    1h 7m
  5. Trainer Riley Mott, Florida Decoupling and Thumps. Why has car racing grown faster?

    10/10/2025

    Trainer Riley Mott, Florida Decoupling and Thumps. Why has car racing grown faster?

    In this week’s episode of Blinkers Off, Colton Phillips breaks down the curious case of “thumps”, a metabolic condition that recently sidelined Skippylongstocking, and digs into the controversy surrounding electrolyte rules and equine welfare. We also examine the surprising fallout from Thorpedo Anna’s Spinster run and the bigger implications for her Breeders’ Cup hopes. Then, we turn our attention to the political showdown in Florida over casino decoupling, why it threatens the future of Thoroughbred racing, and how it might set a dangerous precedent across North America. Finally, Colton is joined by Riley Mott, multiple Grade 1-winning trainer, to talk about his path to the Breeders’ Cup, life as Bill Mott’s son, and what gives him hope for the next generation of racing fans. And as always, we wrap things up with Mail from the Rail, tackling a listener question about why F1 has outpaced horse racing in the global fan race.

    58 min
  6. Light Up Racing’s Vicky Leonard, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Sales Momentum, and Horse Racing Playoffs

    10/03/2025

    Light Up Racing’s Vicky Leonard, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Sales Momentum, and Horse Racing Playoffs

    This week on Blinkers Off, we explore the latest efforts in Thoroughbred aftercare as Woodbine gears up for its fifth annual Aftercare Day and Kentucky passes a major funding bill. Then, we dive into the record-breaking sales season and what it means for the industry’s future. Plus, Colton sits down with Vicky Leonard of Kickup Racing and Light Up Racing to talk about changing the public narrative around the sport, transparency in breeding, and the differences between Australian and North American racing culture. We close things out with Mail from the Rail, including a listener question about whether horse racing has its own version of playoffs (hint: it does, and it’s almost here).

    38 min
  7. Hall of Fame Trainer Roger Attfield. Keeneland September, Paco Lopez, and how Yearlings are Trained

    09/26/2025

    Hall of Fame Trainer Roger Attfield. Keeneland September, Paco Lopez, and how Yearlings are Trained

    We’re back from our September break with a packed episode. First, Colton dives into the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, where average prices soared and new owners made waves. Then, we break down Paco Lopez’s six-month suspension and what it means for rider accountability. Finally, we take a closer look at the SAFE Act and the movement to end horse slaughter permanently. But the highlight? A special sit-down interview with dual Hall of Famer Roger Attfield. The legendary trainer shares his thoughts on how racehorses and the game have evolved over five decades, the secrets behind some of his most meaningful wins, and the advice he’d give his younger self. We wrap up with Mail from the Rail, answering a listener question on what it means to “start” a yearling.

    54 min
  8. Consignor Glenn Sikura, Handicapper Sean Patrick Nolan, What to Watch After the Plate, and Kentucky Downs

    09/01/2025

    Consignor Glenn Sikura, Handicapper Sean Patrick Nolan, What to Watch After the Plate, and Kentucky Downs

    In the 10th episode of Blinkers Off, host Colton Phillips signs off for the summer with a stacked show. In Track Talk, we break down Kentucky Downs’ broadcast revolution, featuring cable cams, drones, and a 25-person media team redefining how we watch turf racing. Then it’s a double-header of interviews: First, legendary breeder and consignor Glenn Sikura of Hill 'N' Dale breaks down life on the sales circuit, prepping yearlings, and the future of Canadian bloodstock. Next, we chat with Sean Patrick Nolan, a passionate handicapper and fan of the sport, about how he blends heart and strategy when making his picks, and his advice for newcomers to the game. We wrap things up in Mail from the Rail, answering a listener’s question about attending big race days on a budget. This episode closes out our summer run. Blinkers Off will return in 2–3 weeks after Colton settles back into school life. Stay tuned, and thanks for all the love so far.

    1h 6m
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About

Blinkers Off is your irreverent weekly guide to North American horse racing. Join host Colton Phillips as he follows the biggest races, talks to the sport’s most interesting insiders, and breaks down the industry to answer listener questions. Hosted by a racing fan from the next generation of the sport, Blinkers Off brings a fresh perspective to an old game. Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a casual bettor, or just here for the stories and the action, this is racing as it’s actually lived today. New episodes every other week. Blinkers off, let’s go.

Information

  • Creator
    Colton Phillips
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Colton Phillips
  • Show Website
    Blinkers Off