Ponies 24/7 The Radio Magazine

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Ponies 24/7 Horse Racing Lifestyle Experience.

  1. 4d ago

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Jul 17

    Brian Skirka, Monmouth Park Marketing Manager / Donato Lanni, Bloodstock Agent / Dale Desruisseaux, Thoroughbred Traine

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Monmouth Park Marketing Manager Brian Skirka, who returns to Ponies 24-7 for his annual Haskell Stakes preview as Monmouth Park prepares for one of its biggest days of the racing season. Skirka breaks down the one million dollar Grade one Haskell Stakes, headlined by Preakness Stakes winner Napoleon Solo, while also discussing the chances of Kentucky Derby hopeful The Puma and the other contenders in the compact but talented field. Brian also previews the Grade two United Nations Stakes and the Grade three WinStar Matchmaker Stakes, highlights the festival atmosphere surrounding Haskell Day, and reflects on Monmouth Park's rich history and its continued efforts to attract younger fans to horse racing. He also discusses the growing relationship between sports betting and horse racing and shares his thoughts on the future of the industry. Also today, internationally respected bloodstock agent Donato Lanni returns to the show to discuss one of the most unique and influential careers in Thoroughbred racing. A Montreal native who first became involved in horse racing through the harness side of the sport at Blue Bonnets Raceway, Lanni explains how his passion eventually led him to become one of the industry's most successful bloodstock agents. He discusses the qualities he looks for when evaluating prospective purchases, weighs the importance of pedigree versus conformation, and reflects on some of the elite racehorses he has helped identify throughout his career. Donato also shares how mentors shaped his development, explains the responsibilities of a bloodstock agent during major sales, and recalls the horses that have brought him the greatest sense of pride. Then, Woodbine trainer Dale Desruisseaux returns to Ponies 24-7 as he prepares for one of the biggest weekends of his training career. Desruisseaux previews Highway to the Moon's start in the King's Plate Trial after the colt's impressive victory in the Queenston Stakes, and discusses his strong one-two punch of Pipers Gift and Dixie Law in the Woodbine Oaks, with both fillies entering the race as multiple stakes winners. Dale also provides an update on today's Woodbine runners, Justine and Aleatoric, reflects on the steady growth of his stable that has now earned more than three and a half million dollars in purses, and discusses the mentors, horses, and experiences that helped shape his career as one of Woodbine's rising trainers. 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 Monmouth Park for the Grade one one million dollar Haskell Stakes, a mile-and-an-eighth test for three-year-olds and one of the premier summer races on the North American Thoroughbred calendar.

    Brian Skirka, Monmouth Park Marketing Manager / Donato Lanni, Bloodstock Agent / Dale Desruisseaux, Thoroughbred Traine
  6. Jul 10

    Julian Pimentel, Jockey / Vicki Pappas, LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society / Steven Chircop, Thoroughbred Trainer

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with jockey Julian Pimentel, who joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time after making a remarkable return to race riding following a five-year retirement. Pimentel, who has won more than eighteen hundred races and accumulated over fifty-nine million dollars in purse earnings during his career, reflects on the decision to step away from the saddle in twenty twenty-one and the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic that ultimately influenced his retirement. He discusses why the desire to compete never truly left him, what motivated him to launch a comeback this season, and how it has felt returning to the jockeys' room after such a lengthy absence. Julian also shares memories of riding in the Kentucky Derby and three Preakness Stakes, talks about working for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott early in his career, and reflects on some of the greatest horses he has ridden while looking ahead to the goals he has set for this latest chapter of his career. Also today, LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society's Vicki Pappas returns to the show to preview LongRun's annual Summer Open House taking place on July eighteenth. Vicki discusses the importance of the event as one of the organization's premier annual fundraisers and explains what visitors can expect during the day, including opportunities to meet retired racehorses and learn more about Thoroughbred aftercare. She also outlines LongRun's mission of retraining and rehoming retired Thoroughbreds, explains the adoption process and the organization's commitment to supporting adopters long after a horse leaves the farm, and shares updates on some of LongRun's most recognizable residents, including fan favourite Pink Lloyd. Vicki also reflects on her own career in horse racing and discusses the many ways people can support LongRun throughout the year. Then, Woodbine trainer Steven Chircop joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time to discuss a training career that has produced more than three hundred victories and over nine million dollars in purse earnings. Chircop reflects on how he first became involved in horse racing, the mentors who helped shape his career, and the horses that convinced him training was his calling. He also discusses balancing his operations between Woodbine and Penn National, the challenges of training horses year-round, and his success with first-time starters this season. Steven previews tomorrow's My Dear Stakes contender Mrs. D, an impressive debut winner who returns looking to add a stakes victory to her résumé, while also discussing two runners on today's Woodbine card and the goals he has set for his stable during the twenty twenty-six 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 The Meadowlands for the eight hundred ten thousand dollar Meadowlands Pace, a one-mile championship for three-year-old pacers and one of the premier events on the North American harness racing calendar.

    Julian Pimentel, Jockey / Vicki Pappas, LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society / Steven Chircop, Thoroughbred Trainer
  7. Jul 3

    Terry Meyocks, President & CEO, Jockeys' Guild / Fraser Aebly, Jockey / Steve Owens, Thoroughbred Trainer

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Jockeys' Guild President and CEO Terry Meyocks, who returns to Ponies 24-7 to discuss the important work the Guild continues to do on behalf of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse jockeys across the United States. Meyocks explains the Guild’s mission of protecting and representing riders both on and off the racetrack, discusses its working relationship with HISA, and shares examples of how the organization advocates for jockey safety, benefits, and career development. Terry also reflects on his own path into horse racing, the family influences that led him to the sport, and the journey that ultimately brought him to the Guild’s top leadership position. He also offers his thoughts on the recent closure of Aqueduct Racetrack and shares memories of some of the greatest horses he has seen throughout his decades in racing. Also today, Woodbine jockey Fraser Aebly returns to the show as he continues another outstanding season on the Toronto oval. Following a breakout twenty twenty-five campaign that included his first Grade one victory, Aebly has carried that momentum into twenty twenty-six with another impressive start highlighted by strong win totals, more than one million dollars in purse earnings, and an outstanding in-the-money percentage. Fraser discusses the keys to his continued success, the impact of his agent Gerry Olguin, and how his riding style has evolved since moving his tack to Woodbine. He also reflects on his early career out west, the adjustments required to compete on Woodbine’s Tapeta and turf surfaces, and the goals he has set for himself, including the dream of one day winning the King’s Plate. Then, veteran Thoroughbred trainer Steve Owens returns to Ponies 24-7 to reflect on a training career that has produced more than eleven million dollars in purse earnings and twenty stakes victories. Owens discusses how a desire to become a jockey eventually led him into training, and recalls buying Miss Ottavia for just five hundred dollars before watching her win nearly ninety thousand dollars, the horse that convinced him to pursue training full-time. Steve also talks about breeding standout Head Chopper, one of the most accomplished horses of his career, and previews Poulin In O T, the talented sprinter named after hockey star Marie-Philip Poulin, who will contest the one hundred thousand dollar Pink Lloyd Stakes at Woodbine. He also shares his thoughts on several promising young horses in his stable and what he hopes to accomplish during the remainder of the Woodbine 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 six hundred thousand dollar Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes, a mile-and-an-eighth turf test for three-year-old fillies.

    Terry Meyocks, President & CEO, Jockeys' Guild / Fraser Aebly, Jockey / Steve Owens, Thoroughbred Trainer
  8. Jun 26

    Yves Turcotte, Avelino Gomez Memorial Award Recipient / Kevin Attard, Thoroughbred Trainer / Steve Bryant, Thoroughbred Trainer

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with former jockey Yves Turcotte, who joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time after being named the recipient of the prestigious twenty twenty-six Avelino Gomez Memorial Award. Turcotte, who enjoyed a seventeen-year riding career that produced more than one thousand three hundred victories and over eight million dollars in purse earnings, reflects on receiving one of Canadian horse racing’s highest honours and what it means to join his brother, Hall of Famer Ron Turcotte, as a recipient of the award. Yves also looks back on the highlights of his riding career, including victories in the Canadian Derby and Alberta Derby, discusses growing up in one of racing’s most famous families, and shares stories about working alongside legendary trainer Lucien Laurin. He also explains why he chose to remain in racing as a steward following his retirement from the saddle and reflects on the many people who helped shape his remarkable career. Also today, leading Woodbine trainer Kevin Attard returns to the show to discuss another strong season for his stable as he continues to rank among the top conditioners on the Woodbine backstretch. Attard provides an update on several of his runners competing on today’s card, including Marine Stakes contender Yukon Striker, unbeaten through his first two career starts, and promising fillies Ada Claire, Meloni, and Elusive Yaupon. Kevin also reflects on winning last year's Marine Stakes with Mansetti, provides an update on the King’s Plate winner, and discusses the current depth of his stable, the development of his younger horses, and his expectations for the remainder of the Woodbine season. Then, veteran Thoroughbred trainer Steve Bryant joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time to reflect on a career spanning more than three decades and nearly four million dollars in purse earnings. Bryant discusses getting his start at Exhibition Park before spending many successful years at Hastings Racecourse, where he became a fixture on the Vancouver racing circuit. He shares his thoughts on the recent closure of Hastings and the impact it has had on horsepeople across Western Canada before discussing his decision to return to Woodbine after previous stops at Santa Anita, Del Mar, and Fair Grounds. Steve also talks about training on some of North America's most competitive circuits, the mentors who influenced his career, and the goals he has set for his stable as he begins another season at Woodbine. 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 Churchill Downs for the Grade one two million dollar Stephen Foster Stakes, a mile-and-an-eighth test for older horses and one of the premier races of the summer season.

    Yves Turcotte, Avelino Gomez Memorial Award Recipient / Kevin Attard, Thoroughbred Trainer / Steve Bryant, Thoroughbred Trainer

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