Hot 2 Trot

Hot 2 Trot
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We Are Off! Get ready to experience the excitement of the racetrack racing into your speakers with grace and style — It’s Hot 2 Trot! Join host Ashley Wood — your racing and pop culture guru from the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association — as she brings you hot topics, funny commentary, interviews, and more on each episode of Hot 2 Trot. It’s not just a podcast, it’s a winner’s circle of wit and wisdom. Hold your reins, annnd they’re off!

  1. PhDs, Reality TV, and PA-Breds with Dr. Deanna Manfredi

    Jun 26

    PhDs, Reality TV, and PA-Breds with Dr. Deanna Manfredi

    Find out why Pennsylvania is one of the absolute top racehorse breeding hubs in the entire country on this episode of Hot 2 Trot. Host Ashley Wood sits down with Dr. Deanna Manfredi, a third-generation horsewoman, a Princeton PhD in Cognitive Psychology, a stakes-winning breeder, and the history-making, first-ever female President of the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association (PHBA). They cover everything from Dr. Manfredi’s early interactions with horse racing to her appearance on reality TV in the American Dream Derby and what it means to be the first female president of the PHBA, since its inception in 1948. And if, after this episode, you want to see some PA-bred horses in action, join us for Pennsylvania Day at the Races at Parx Racing on July 18, 2026! Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Meet Deanna Manfredi 01:33 – Growing Up in Pennsylvania Racing & Breeding 03:36 – The Horse Industry’s Impact on Agriculture & Open Space 10:14 – Winning a Reality Show and Launching a Breeding Farm 17:29 – The State of Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Breeding Today 24:13 – Life Beyond Racing: Second Careers for Thoroughbreds 30:13 – Protecting Pennsylvania Racing & Breeding’s Future 34:33 – PA Day at the Races, Yearling Show & Industry Events 42:26 – The Hot Seat: Ghosts, Horses & Rapid-Fire Questions 46:43 – Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks

    48 min
  2. Live at The Penn Mile!

    Jun 1

    Live at The Penn Mile!

    Join us for a Hot 2 Trot episode recorded LIVE trackside at Penn National Race Course! Host Ashley Wood and guest co-host Jessica Paquette discussed this year’s Penn Mile race and the PA-bred stakes races that were held on Friday, May 29. Plus, hear from guests inlcuding Chris McErlean, the Vice President of Racing at Penn Entertainment; Larry Collmus, the voice of the Kentucky Derby; and Nathan Klein, the new announcer at Penn National Race Course. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Welcome to Hot to Trot Live at Penn National 00:01:53 – Pennsylvania Racing, Breeding & Penn Mile Preview 00:10:31 – Chris McErlean on Penn Mile History & Race Day 00:17:55 – Penn Mile Trivia, Records & Racing Stories 00:25:26 – Larry Collmus on Calling Racing's Greatest Moments 00:43:54 – Meet Nathan Klein: Penn National's New Announcer 00:59:20 – Penn Mile Night Stakes Race Analysis & Betting Picks 01:14:14 – Penn Mile Selections & Final Thoughts

    1h 16m
  3. Two Worlds, One Grind: Behind the Scenes with Harness Driver Ridge Warren and Thoroughbred Jockey Jorge Vargas, Jr.

    May 15

    Two Worlds, One Grind: Behind the Scenes with Harness Driver Ridge Warren and Thoroughbred Jockey Jorge Vargas, Jr.

    Join us for a thoroughbred/harness racing crossover episode with driver Ridge Warren and jockey Jorge Vargas, Jr. Despite being athletes in the same industry, Ridge and Warren have vastly different experiences when it’s time to race. Ashley talks with them about the demands of the sport, how drivers and jockeys differ, and how they got started in the horse racing industry. Find out who has the harder job, their tips for making it in this industry, and how they balance work and family on this episode of Hot 2 Trot!  Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Jockey vs. Driver Debate 02:17 – Growing Up in Horse Racing Families 04:34 – Life on the Road & Racing Grind 12:37 – Understanding the Horses 18:31 – Risks, Injuries & Mental Toughness 27:00 – Family Life Outside the Track 31:34 – Career Highlights & Defining Success 37:37 – Funny Rapid Fire Questions & Outro

    51 min
  4. Road to the Kentucky Derby: Pre-Derby Analysis & Betting with Jessica Paquette and Dick Jerardi

    Apr 29

    Road to the Kentucky Derby: Pre-Derby Analysis & Betting with Jessica Paquette and Dick Jerardi

    Grab your fancy hats and mint juleps because horse racing’s biggest event is here: the Kentucky Derby! Ashley sits down with Jessica Paquette and Dick Jerardi, two big names in the Parx Racing circuit, to take an in-depth look at the Kentucky Derby field. Hear this trio break down their thoughts on who will take the crown as we get ready to head down the road to the roses!  Gambling is for ages 18 and up. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & 2026 Kentucky Derby Preview Begins 00:45 – Kentucky Oaks 2026: Top Fillies & Early Favorites 03:42 – Best Oaks Bets: Sleeper Picks & Race Strategy 09:32 – Horse Racing Betting Tips: How to Bet the Oaks 13:34 – Final Kentucky Oaks Picks (Best Bets & Tickets) 16:09 – Kentucky Derby 2026 Favorites Breakdown 24:10 – Derby Longshots & International Horses to Watch 39:44 – Final Derby Picks + Where to Watch & Events

    47 min
  5. The Next Generation of Trainers: John Kirby’s Journey in Horse Racing

    Apr 17

    The Next Generation of Trainers: John Kirby’s Journey in Horse Racing

    What will the next generation of horse racing trainers be like? Ashley sat down with John Kirby, a young and respected name on the Parx Racing circuit and a third-generation horse trainer, to find out. Join Ashley and John as they dive into the world of thoroughbred racing and discuss John’s years of experience developing racehorses and navigating the highs and lows of the sport. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Welcome 00:20 – Meet Trainer John Kirby 01:18 – Life Outside Racing & Farm Talk 03:37 – How John Got Into Horse Racing 06:17 – Young Trainer Journey & Early Success 09:21 – Career Highlights & Churchill Downs Win 13:17 – Mentors, Favorite Horse & Barn Life 18:42 – Running a Barn & Industry Insights 27:14 – Goals, Industry Future & Hot Seat Q&A

    53 min
  6. Horse Girl Chat: Catching up with Jessica Paquette

    Apr 3

    Horse Girl Chat: Catching up with Jessica Paquette

    Where are our horse girls at? In this episode, Ashley sits down with Jessica Paquette to talk about handicapping, finding your people, and learning life lessons from the horses in our lives. In this, the year of the horse, big things are on the horizon — including the Kentucky Derby, the Florida Derby, and PA Derby Day.  Jessica is the track announcer and director of public relations at Parx Racing. She also hosts the Amateur Hour Podcast, an inclusive and open space for horse professionals and amateurs to discuss current events and the equestrian experience.  Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Welcome 00:34 – Horse Racing Connections 02:15 – Learning the Game: Handicapping Stories 04:05 – Jessica’s Life Update & Horses 06:18 – Life Lessons from Horses 07:27 – Tough Winter & Race Calling Challenges 10:01 – Behind the Scenes: Race Calling & Handicapping Style 12:22 – Awards, Industry Recognition & Competition 14:33 – Kentucky Derby Trail & Top Horses 27:00 – Personal Life, Community & Industry Culture

    45 min
  7. Running a Race Track Featuring Scott Lishia, Director of Racing at Penn National

    Mar 20

    Running a Race Track Featuring Scott Lishia, Director of Racing at Penn National

    What does it take to run a horse racing track? In this episode, Ashley catches up with one of her former co-workers, Scott Lishia, to find out. Scott recently became the new Director of Racing at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Grantville, Pennsylvania, but has held many roles throughout the thoroughbred and harness horse racing industries. Their conversation covers everything from their time together working at the Maryland Jockey Club to Scott’s new role and some of his goals for Penn National this year!  Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:36 – Scott’s Racing Roots & Career Journey 03:57 – From Operations to Regulation 08:19 – Different Perspectives in Racing 10:35 – Maryland Jockey Club and Triple Crown 18:40 – Favorite Racing Moments 23:23 – Harness vs. Thoroughbred Racing 32:13 – New Role at Penn National 37:22 – Industry Challenges & The Future of Racing 47:39 – Events, Fan Experience & What’s Next 50:49 – Hot Seat Questions

    1 hr
  8. Season 4 Premiere | Inside Foal Cam Season with Delaware Valley University Equine Students

    Feb 27

    Season 4 Premiere | Inside Foal Cam Season with Delaware Valley University Equine Students

    We’re back! Season 4 of Hot 2 Trot kicks off with a behind-the-scenes look at Foal Cam season. We are joined by Samantha Wilton and Rhiannon Swimelar, college students in Delaware Valley University’s equine program who are gaining real-world, hands-on experience. While balancing classes and campus life, they’re also taking on the responsibility of watching mares around the clock during one of the most important times of the breeding season. This episode offers a unique look at the dedication, learning opportunities, and excitement that come with being a student at DelVal University!

    37 min
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About

We Are Off! Get ready to experience the excitement of the racetrack racing into your speakers with grace and style — It’s Hot 2 Trot! Join host Ashley Wood — your racing and pop culture guru from the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association — as she brings you hot topics, funny commentary, interviews, and more on each episode of Hot 2 Trot. It’s not just a podcast, it’s a winner’s circle of wit and wisdom. Hold your reins, annnd they’re off!

Information

  • Creator
    Hot 2 Trot
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Hot 2 Trot
  • Show Website
    Hot 2 Trot

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