Ponies 24/7 The Radio Magazine

Local Radio Lab

Ponies 24/7 Horse Racing Lifestyle Experience.

  1. Corey Lanerie, Jockey / Jenna MacDonnell, Woodbine Manager of Horse Ownership Development / Joe Tavares, Quarter Horse Trainer

    3d ago

    Corey Lanerie, Jockey / Jenna MacDonnell, Woodbine Manager of Horse Ownership Development / Joe Tavares, Quarter Horse Trainer

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with jockey Corey Lanerie, who joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time following the announcement that he will retire at the conclusion of the current Churchill Downs meet. One of the most accomplished riders of his generation, Lanerie amassed more than five thousand career victories, won seven Grade one races, and guided his mounts to more than one hundred seventy-two million dollars in purse earnings. Corey reflects on the decision to retire after a thirty-five-year career, discusses some of the highlights and near-misses that defined his time in the saddle, including runner-up finishes in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, and shares memories of becoming one of the most successful jockeys in Churchill Downs history. He also talks about reaching the five-thousand-win milestone, the best horses he rode, and what life after racing may hold. Also today, Jenna MacDonnell returns to the show in her new role as Woodbine’s Manager of Horse Ownership Development. After previously serving as Raceway Manager at Grand River Raceway, Jenna discusses the transition to Woodbine and explains how her new position is focused on attracting and supporting new horse owners in both the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries. She outlines some of the initiatives Woodbine is developing to make ownership more accessible, discusses how mentorship and partnership opportunities may play a role in growing participation, and shares how her experiences at Grand River helped prepare her for this new challenge. Jenna also reflects on growing up in a racing family as the daughter of Hall of Fame horseman Paul MacDonell and the influence that background continues to have on her career. Then, Ajax Downs trainer Joe Tavares joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time to discuss a highly successful twenty twenty-six season that has seen him win at an impressive twenty-four percent clip through the opening weeks of the Quarter Horse meet. A second-generation horseman with more than nine hundred career victories and over seven million dollars in purse earnings, Tavares reflects on how he became involved in Quarter Horse racing and explains what has fueled his stable’s strong start to the year. Joe also provides insight into how Quarter Horses are trained, explains the various race classifications used in the sport, and previews several of the horses he has entered on Ajax Downs’ Father’s Day card. He also shares stories from a career that has spanned thousands of starts and discusses the goals he has set for the remainder of the 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 Thistledown for the Grade three five hundred thousand dollar Ohio Derby, a mile-and-an-eighth test for three-year-olds on the dirt.

    57 min
  2. Mark McKelvie, Woodbine Senior Manager of Communications / Scott Zeron, Harness Driver / John Mattine, Thoroughbred Trainer

    Jun 12

    Mark McKelvie, Woodbine Senior Manager of Communications / Scott Zeron, Harness Driver / John Mattine, Thoroughbred Trainer

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Woodbine Senior Manager of Communications Mark McKelvie as the spotlight shines on one of the biggest nights in North American harness racing, the one million dollar Pepsi North America Cup at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Mark breaks down the highly anticipated final, featuring elimination winners Odds On Mr Mamba and Sweet Lovin Lou, while also discussing the surprising first career defeat of Beau Jangles and whether the talented colt can bounce back in the sport’s premier race for three-year-old pacers. Mark also previews the Fan Hanover Stakes, highlights the major wagering opportunities available on tonight’s card, and looks ahead to several of the marquee events still to come at Woodbine Mohawk Park, including the Mohawk Million. On the Thoroughbred side, he provides an update on preparations for this summer’s King’s Plate and discusses some of the horses and jockeys who have caught his attention during the early stages of the Woodbine season. Also today, harness driver Scott Zeron returns to Ponies 24-7 ahead of one of the busiest and most important race cards of his season. Zeron discusses his drive aboard Sweet Lovin Lou in the Pepsi North America Cup and shares his thoughts on the colt’s chances in the one million dollar classic after an impressive elimination victory. He also talks about picking up the drive on Easy Station in the Fan Hanover final and Champagne Problems in the Armbro Flight final, providing listeners with insight into several of his key drives on the stakes-filled card. Scott reflects on his approach when driving a horse for the first time, discusses some of the greatest horses he has driven throughout his career, and shares the racing accomplishments he still hopes to achieve. Then, Woodbine trainer John Mattine joins the show for the first time to discuss a career that has produced more than six and a half million dollars in purse earnings and a long list of successful runners. A second-generation horseman, Mattine talks about growing up in a racing family, the influence his father had on his career, and the lessons that helped shape his training philosophy. He reflects on some of the top horses he has trained over the years, discusses the day-to-day demands of managing a stable, and provides an update on how his twenty twenty-six season is progressing. John also previews a pair of runners competing on today’s Woodbine card and shares his thoughts on the current state of racing at the Toronto oval. 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 Woodbine Mohawk Park for the one million dollar Pepsi North America Cup, a one-mile showdown for the continent’s top three-year-old pacers.

    1h 1m
  3. Ernie Perri, Woodbine Clocker & Morning Line Oddsmaker / Carol Cedeno, Jockey / Scott Price, Hanover Raceway General Manager

    Jun 5

    Ernie Perri, Woodbine Clocker & Morning Line Oddsmaker / Carol Cedeno, Jockey / Scott Price, Hanover Raceway General Manager

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Woodbine clocker and morning line oddsmaker Ernie Perri, who returns to Ponies 24-7 to provide listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at two of the most important handicapping roles in horse racing. Ernie explains what goes into clocking workouts, how he distinguishes strong works from ordinary ones, and why workout patterns can provide valuable insight when evaluating a horse’s chances. He also discusses the role of a morning line oddsmaker, how morning lines are created, and how bettors can use them as a handicapping tool. In addition, Ernie breaks down several horses he likes on today’s Woodbine card and shares his thoughts on the Grade one Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, including the contenders he believes have the best chance to win one of the sport’s most prestigious races. Also today, jockey Carol Cedeno joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time following a remarkable comeback from a devastating riding accident that sidelined her for nearly eight months. A six-time leading rider at Delaware Park with more than thirty-five million dollars in career purse earnings, Cedeno discusses the injuries she suffered, the lengthy rehabilitation process, and the determination required to return to the saddle. She reflects on winning her first race back at Delaware Park, explains why she chose riding as a career, and shares stories from a career that includes becoming the first jockey in Delaware Park history to ride seven winners on a single card. Carol also talks about the goals she has set for herself moving forward and the races she still hopes to win. Then, Hanover Raceway General Manager Scott Price returns to the show as the popular Ontario harness track opens its twenty twenty-six racing season. Scott previews opening day festivities and outlines many of the fan-friendly events planned throughout the summer, including the always-popular Wiener Dog Races, Harness the Hope Day, and the Drivers Coming Home celebration. He discusses Hanover Raceway’s long history, including more than one hundred sixty years of harness racing tradition, and explains the important role the track continues to play within Ontario’s Standardbred racing landscape. Scott also shares his thoughts on what has made Hanover one of the province’s most successful half-mile tracks and what fans can look forward to during the upcoming 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 two million dollar Belmont Stakes, a mile-and-a-quarter test for three-year-olds and the final jewel of Thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown.

    54 min
  4. Ramon Dominguez, Hall of Fame Jockey / Jessica Carnochan, Clinton Raceway Marketing Manager / Jennifer Appleby, Executive Director, Best Buddies Canada

    May 29

    Ramon Dominguez, Hall of Fame Jockey / Jessica Carnochan, Clinton Raceway Marketing Manager / Jennifer Appleby, Executive Director, Best Buddies Canada

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Hall of Fame jockey Ramon Dominguez, who joins Ponies 24-7 to discuss the launch of his new podcast, Among Champions. A two-time Eclipse Award winner and one of the most accomplished riders in North American racing history, Dominguez recorded nearly five thousand career victories and more than one hundred ninety-one million dollars in purse earnings before his Hall of Fame induction. Ramon discusses the inspiration behind Among Champions, explains why he believes everyone has an important story to tell, and shares his vision of expanding the podcast beyond horse racing to reach broader audiences. He also talks about his continued work with the Jockeys’ Guild and its new educational initiative designed to help jockeys prepare for successful careers beyond the racetrack. Also today, Clinton Raceway Marketing Manager Jessica Carnochan returns to the show as the historic Ontario harness track prepares to open its twenty twenty-six racing season. Jessica previews the upcoming schedule, discusses several of the marquee race days planned throughout the summer, and highlights the highly anticipated twenty-fifth anniversary edition of Legends Day, which will also feature the National Driving Championship. She explains what makes Clinton Raceway such an important part of Ontario’s harness racing landscape, reflects on the track’s deep connection to the local community, and shares why generations of racing fans continue to make the Sunday afternoon drive to Clinton each summer. Then, Best Buddies Canada Executive Director Jennifer Appleby joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time to discuss the organization’s upcoming Thrill of Ascot fundraiser at Woodbine Racetrack. Jennifer explains the mission of Best Buddies Canada, which supports friendship, leadership, and inclusion opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through hundreds of programs across the country. She outlines what guests can expect at next Saturday’s event, including live racing, food stations, a silent auction, and a day inspired by the pageantry of Royal Ascot. Jennifer also discusses how the partnership with Woodbine came together and how events like Thrill of Ascot help fund programs that make a meaningful difference in communities across Canada. 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 Woodbine for the Grade three one hundred fifty thousand dollar Belle Mahone Stakes, a mile-and-a-sixteenth event on the Tapeta surface for fillies and mares four years old and upward.

    1h 1m
  5. Cherie DeVaux, Kentucky Derby Winning Thoroughbred Trainer / Linda Rainey, Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame Managing Director / Jennelle McMahon, Quarter Horse Trainer & Owner

    May 22

    Cherie DeVaux, Kentucky Derby Winning Thoroughbred Trainer / Linda Rainey, Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame Managing Director / Jennelle McMahon, Quarter Horse Trainer & Owner

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Kentucky Derby winning trainer Cherie DeVaux, who joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time after making history as the first female trainer to win the famed Kentucky Derby. DeVaux discusses what it meant to win the Derby with Golden Tempo and reflects on the significance of becoming the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner. She also looks back on her path into the racing industry, including her time working for top trainers such as Chuck Simon and Chad Brown, and explains how a career that once pointed toward medicine eventually led her fully into the family business of horse racing. Cherie shares what makes training Thoroughbreds so demanding, talks about Golden Tempo’s stretch run on Derby Day, and looks ahead to what could be next for her Derby winner through the rest of the twenty twenty-six season. Also today, Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame Managing Director Linda Rainey returns to the show for her annual check-in as the Hall prepares for its fiftieth anniversary class induction ceremony. Linda breaks down the newly announced class of twenty twenty-six, explains the nomination and election process, and previews the induction ceremony taking place Wednesday, August twelfth at the Mississauga Convention Centre. She also gives listeners a closer look at the history of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, some of the notable displays and artifacts inside the Hall, and how new items are added to the collection throughout the year. Linda also shares how fans can purchase tickets and take part in celebrating this year’s inductees. Then, Quarter Horse trainer and owner Jennelle McMahon makes her first appearance on Ponies 24-7 to talk about her growing role in the racing industry and her family’s deep connection to the sport. Jennelle discusses the influence of her father, Bill McMahon, who worked as a jockey, trainer, and steward at Woodbine and Fort Erie, and explains how his career helped shape her own path into racing. She talks about becoming involved as an owner and trainer at Ajax Downs, the advice she received along the way, and her early experiences competing in Quarter Horse racing. Jennelle also reflects on the broader impact of Cherie Devaux’s historic Kentucky Derby win for women in the sport and shares what she hopes the future holds for her own racing career. 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 Belmont at Aqueduct for the one hundred fifty thousand dollar Paradise Creek Stakes, a six-furlong turf sprint for three-year-olds.

    50 min
  6. Rafael Weiss, Breeder / Heather Flaherty, Woodbine Mohawk Park General Manager / David Menary, Standardbred Trainer

    May 15

    Rafael Weiss, Breeder / Heather Flaherty, Woodbine Mohawk Park General Manager / David Menary, Standardbred Trainer

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with breeder Rafael Weiss, who joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time as excitement builds around Ocelli’s start in the one hundred fifty-first running of the Preakness Stakes. Weiss and his family’s Rosedown Racing operation bred Ocelli, who shocked the racing world with a third-place finish in the Kentucky Derby at odds of seventy to one. Rafael reflects on the emotional roller coaster of watching a horse his family bred nearly win North America’s biggest race and discusses the difficult decisions surrounding whether to retain or sell Ocelli as a yearling following the passing of his father in twenty twenty-four. He also shares insight into balancing the family’s racing operation with his leadership roles in commercial real estate and technology, while discussing what a potential Preakness victory would mean for the future of the Rosedown breeding program. Also today, Woodbine Mohawk Park General Manager Heather Flaherty joins the show for the first time to preview one of the track’s signature annual events, Fireworks and Family Fun Night. Heather outlines everything fans can expect from the evening, including live racing, family activities, food offerings, giveaways, and a major fireworks display following the card. She discusses the importance of creating accessible community events that introduce new fans and families to harness racing, while also looking ahead to another major date on the Woodbine Mohawk Park calendar, the Pepsi North America Cup in June. Heather also explains the responsibilities that come with overseeing one of the premier Standardbred racing venues in North America. Then, veteran Standardbred trainer David Menary returns to Ponies 24-7 as he prepares a powerful trio of pacers for the Charles Juravinski Memorial Pace final at Flamboro Downs. Menary discusses Bruno No No No’s record-setting performance in last week’s elimination, where the pacer became the fastest ever over the Flamboro oval while setting a Canadian pacing record on a half-mile track. David also previews his other finalists Sugar Man and Fifth And Five, while reflecting on his journey through the harness racing industry and the milestones that have helped him surpass one thousand career training victories. He shares insight into his current stable, his goals for the season ahead, and some of the horses he believes could have breakout campaigns in twenty twenty-six. 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 Laurel Park for the Grade one Preakness Stakes, a mile-and-three-sixteenths test for three-year-olds and the second jewel of Thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown.

    59 min
  7. Emilio Trotta, Ajax Downs General Manager / Samuel Marin, Jockey / Bob McClure, Harness Driver

    May 8

    Emilio Trotta, Ajax Downs General Manager / Samuel Marin, Jockey / Bob McClure, Harness Driver

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Ajax Downs General Manager Emilio Trotta, who returns to Ponies 24-7 following a record-setting opening day for the twenty twenty-six Quarter Horse racing season. Ajax Downs opened its meet on Wednesday with an all-time wagering record of more than two hundred eighty-one thousand dollars bet on the nine-race card, a milestone Emilio discusses in detail as he reflects on what drove the strong turnout and betting interest. He also previews the remainder of the Ajax Downs season, including several special events planned throughout the summer, highlighted by an appearance from the RCMP Musical Ride. Emilio explains the unique appeal of Quarter Horse racing, discusses fan growth and horse population trends, and outlines his goals for the continued expansion of the sport in Ontario. Also today, jockey Samuel Marin returns to the show following another sensational season at Tampa Bay Downs, where he successfully defended his riding title in dominant fashion. Marin recently broke the single-season wins record at the track and twice recorded six-win days during the meet, continuing the remarkable momentum he has built over the past several years. Samuel reflects on the goals he set entering twenty twenty-six, the role his agent Mike Moran has played in his success, and the adjustments he made after arriving in North America from Venezuela. He also discusses learning to ride on turf for the first time, the mentors who helped him establish himself in the sport, and the major races he still hopes to win as his career continues to rise. Then, top Woodbine Mohawk Park driver Bob McClure joins Ponies 24-7 to discuss the highly anticipated return of Horse of the Year Beau Jangles, who makes his first start of the season as a three-year-old tonight at Woodbine Mohawk Park. McClure shares what it has been like driving one of harness racing’s fastest-rising stars and explains why Beau Jangles has already captured the imagination of racing fans across North America. Bob discusses the colt’s recent qualifier in Florida, compares him to some of the greatest pacers in the sport’s history, and reflects on the excitement surrounding a horse many believe could become the next true superstar in harness racing. He also provides an update on his own twenty twenty-six campaign and talks about the goals he has set for the season ahead. 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 Kentucky Derby, the iconic mile-and-a-quarter test for three-year-olds and the most prestigious race in Thoroughbred racing.

    1 hr
  8. Eddie Olczyk, Analyst, Handicapper, and Former Toronto Maple Leaf / Mike Smith, Kentucky Derby Jockey / Jim Gillespie, Standardbred Race Secretary at Woodbine

    May 1

    Eddie Olczyk, Analyst, Handicapper, and Former Toronto Maple Leaf / Mike Smith, Kentucky Derby Jockey / Jim Gillespie, Standardbred Race Secretary at Woodbine

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with handicapper and former NHL player Eddie Olczyk, who returns to Ponies 24-7 on Kentucky Derby Day to break down the biggest race in North American Thoroughbred racing. Known for his work on national television broadcasts and his deep knowledge of the sport, Olczyk analyzes this year’s Kentucky Derby field, discusses the key prep races that shaped the lineup, and shares his thoughts on which horses have the best chance to win on the first Saturday in May. He also provides insight into his handicapping approach, reflects on his long-standing passion for horse racing, and touches on his parallel career in hockey, including his time as a Stanley Cup champion player and coach, and his current role covering the National Hockey League playoffs. Also today, Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith joins the show to discuss his legendary career and his opportunity to make history once again in the Kentucky Derby. With more than five thousand wins and over three hundred fifty million dollars in purse earnings, Smith remains one of the most accomplished riders in the sport’s history. He talks about what continues to motivate him at this stage of his career, reflects on his most memorable victories including a Triple Crown win aboard Justify, and previews his mount So Happy in this year’s Derby. Mike shares his thoughts on the colt’s progression, his chances at the mile-and-a-quarter distance, and what it would mean to capture a fifth Kentucky Derby victory and become the oldest jockey ever to win the race. Then, Woodbine Mohawk Park Standardbred Race Secretary Jim Gillespie returns to Ponies 24-7 to discuss his role overseeing race conditions and entries at one of North America’s premier harness racing venues. Now well into his tenure as race secretary, Gillespie reflects on his transition into the role, the mentorship he received from industry veterans, and the challenges of maintaining strong and competitive race cards. He also looks ahead to the upcoming stakes season at Woodbine Mohawk Park, discusses the importance of attracting quality horses to the circuit, and shares his perspective on some of the top performers currently in the Standardbred ranks, including standout names expected to compete throughout the 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 Churchill Downs for the Grade one five million dollar Kentucky Derby, a mile-and-a-quarter test for three-year-olds and the most iconic race in Thoroughbred racing.

    55 min

About

Ponies 24/7 Horse Racing Lifestyle Experience.

You Might Also Like