Ponies 24-7 The Radio Magazine

Larry and Ann are joined by John Campbell, The Hambletonian Society’s President and CEO, who discusses tonight’s Breeders Crown Championship Harness Racing card at the Meadowlands and what he feels are some of the most interesting matchups in some of the races. John also discusses Trainer the late Bob McIntosh and the special bond that he had with him and mentions why he believes that so many successful horsemen like himself and Bob McIntosh learned the business in Southwest Ontario. HBPA Ontario Executive Director, Steve Lym, who discusses the long path that he took working within the horse racing industry and where he finally ended up with the HBPA Ontario. Steve also talks about the many hats that he has worn working within the horse racing industry in Canada and the United States and whether he has noticed any similarities or differences between horse racing in Canada and the US. Woodbine Jockey Fraser Aebly, who discusses the three stakes’ victories he has had in the month of October so far and what he accounts this recent success to. Fraser also discusses his agent, former Jockey Gerry Olguin and how much he relies on his advice to help his own career and talks about the Woodbine Jockey colony and some of the riders that have helped him to date. Fraser also mentions whether there was an adjustment moving from the smaller Western Canada tracks to riding full time at Woodbine. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look At The Way It Was In Horse Racing News, Larry talks about the recent announcement made by Woodbine that they will be hosting the Breeders Crown in 2025 at Woodbine Mohawk Park .In our newest regular feature, ‘Road Trip’, Larry talks about  today’s $250,000 Forty Niner Stakes at Belmont at Aqueduct   and mentions about some of the history behind  the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show. Key Points: John initially discusses tonight’s Breeders Crown Championship racing card at the Meadowlands and pinpoints some of the races that he is looking forward to watching. John also talks about whether there was a race that continued to allude him as a Driver and why he was not able to eventually win it. He also discusses late Trainer Bob McIntosh and why he enjoyed such a special bond with him and mentions who he believes was the best horse that he ever drove. John also discusses a horse that he would have liked to drive during his career and mentions why he believes that so many good horsemen like himself, began their careers in Southwestern Ontario. Steve discusses his many roles that he has had in the horse racing industry before landing at the at the HBPA Ontario as Executive Director this past March, including how in 1975 he was the youngest Trainer to train in Canada. He also mentions how he became interested in horse racing initially and considering how many of his working roles were in horse racing on both sides of the Border, did he notice any differences or similarities in the horse racing business in Canada compared to the United States. He also discusses some of the industry initiatives that he will be working on going forward in the New Year with the HBPA Ontario and if there are any issues that he believes still need to be resolved.Fraser discusses how he has been on a roll in the month of October winning three stakes’ races at Woodbine and what he accounts this recent success to. He also talks about the Woodbine Jockey’s room and if there is anyone in ‘the room’ that he can turn to for riding advice and talks about some of the other Jockeys who have helped him along the way. Fraser also talks about why he is no longer an Apprentice Jockey and explains for our listeners what the term ‘losing your bug’ means. He also talks about where it all started for him as a Jockey in BC and some of the other tracks in Western Canada where he was fortunate to ride and whether there was a learning curve for him going from the smaller tracks out West to a bigger facility like Woodbine. Fraser also mentions how his Agent, former Jockey Gerry Olguin has helped his career since he moved East and what was the best piece of advice that Gerry ever gave him so far in his riding career.

Larry and Ann, are joined by Woodbine’s Executive Vice President Brand and Experience,  David Vivenes, who talks about  the many initiatives that he and his team have worked on over the past year, which have resulted in many new  ‘spaces’ within Woodbine and how they have become great places to enjoy the races from. David also talks about his background and how he became part of the Woodbine team and mentions a sport that has taken the art of presentation and production to the next level. Woodbine Trainer Bill Tharrenos, who tomorrow will saddle his two-year-old My Boy Bruce in the Frost King Stakes at Woodbine and mentions why the horse ended up in this stakes event. He also talks about his season so far and the story behind how he became a Thoroughbred Trainer over 40 years ago. He also mentions what he would tell a young person that wanted to become a Trainer and why he still goes to Florida in the Winter. Another Woodbine Trainer, Angus Buntain, who also has a starter in the Frost King, Unbridled Weather and he also discusses todays race and why he supplemented the horse to the stakes event. He also talks about who he learned the art of Training from and mentions whether he believes that all Trainers have a niche where they excel with a certain horse and if so, what does he believe his is. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look at The Way It Was in Horse Racing News, Larry talks about the recent announcement made by Jockey Chantal Sutherland, that she will be making a riding comeback shortly and where it will take place. In our newest regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about today’s $135,000 Grade 3, Ontario Derby and mentions about some of the history behind the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show. Key Points: David initially discusses the new spaces that have been created at Woodbine and how they improve the overall fan experience by offering great views from which to enjoy the races. He also talks about Sports Betting and in particular Woodbine’s relationship with bet365 and whether the relationship is achieving the overall goal of attracting new fans to horse racing. David also talks about his background in branding and how it led to his position at Woodbine and is asked if there is one sport that he believes has really ‘nailed’ the art of branding and presentation. He also talks about his role as Woodbine’s Executive Vice President, Brand & Experience and mentions whether he and his team are working on any initiatives for next year that he may be able to discuss now.Bill discusses his two-year-old My Boy Bruce who is entered in tomorrow’s Frost King Stakes at Woodbine and mentions how the horse has been training up to the race. He also mentions what the plans are for My Boy Bruce if he races well tomorrow and whether he may end up in Florida like the rest of his stable over the Winter. Bill also mentions why he goes to Florida in the Winter and talks about the story of how he eventually became a Trainer over 40 years ago. He also mentions what he would tell a younger person if they wanted to make Training horses their occupation and talks about his current season which has seen him saddle forty winners and almost $1 Million in purse earnings so far.Angus also discusses tomorrow’s Frost King Stakes at Woodbine and his entrant, Unbridled Weather, and the story behind why the two-year-old had to be supplemented to today’s stakes race. He also mentions whether the two-year old continues to improve going into tomorrow’s race and talks about how he ended up training Unbridled Weather in the first place. Angus also discusses how many horses he is currently training and mentions whether he believes that Trainers find their niche or expertise in training certain types of horses and what he believes his niche is. He also talks about how he started as an Assistannt Trainer and how this led to him finally going out on his own and training his own stable. 

Larry and Ann are joined by Ontario Racing’s Executive Director Gord Thain, who discusses in depth tonight’s Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Finals at Woodbine Mohawk Park and mentions who some of the top horses to watch are in the stake’s events. Gord also talks about the role Ontario Racing plays as Administrator of the Ontario Sires Stakes program and discusses Ontario Racing’s very successful ‘Unfiltered’ series and what he accounts the series success to. Ajax Down’s General Manager Operations, Emilio Trotta, who discusses Monday’s special ‘United Way Day’ at the track and what fans can expect to see when attending. Emilio also talks about the state of Quarter horse racing at Ajax Down’s and in particular the popularity of the ‘Battle of the Breeds’ races with Thoroughbreds racing Quarter Horses and mentions the state of new ownership programs at Ajax Downs this racing season. Woodbine Trainer, John Charalambous, who discusses last Sunday’s Cup and Saucer Stakes, which saw a Stewards’ Inquiry award his horse Scorching first place in the Woodbine stakes event. He also talks about plans for Scorching and talks about how the business of Training horses has changed since he first got involved in the industry. John also discusses his horse Niagara Skyline and why he believes the horse is in a better spot later today at Woodbine after being unplaced in the Woodbine Mile last month. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look At The Way It Was In Horse Racing News, Larry talks about the recent announcement of a new film called ‘Cody’s Wish’, a true story based on the champion racehorse and his namesake, Cody Dorman, a Kentucky teenager with a rare genetic disorder and a love for racing. In our newest regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about today’s $750,000    Grade 1, Queen Elizabeth ll Challenge Cup Stakes and mentions about some of the history behind the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show. Key Points: Gord initially discusses tonight’s Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Finals at Woodbine Mohawk Park and mentions some of the horses he believes that you need to keep an eye on. He also mentions about two Ontario Sires Stakes awards that will be settled tonight for Leading Driver and Trainer and outlines Ontario Racing’s role as Ontario Sires Stakes Administrator and how they continue to act as a unified voice of the Ontario horse racing industry. Gord also talks about how he became part of the horse racing industry and discusses in depth Ontario Racing’s newest marketing initiative, a series entitled ‘Unfiltered’ and why he believes it has been so successful and who he believes should receive all the credit for this success. Emilio discusses Ajax Down’s Monday race card and how it is ‘United Way Day’ and why the day is so important to the local community. He also talks about the state of racing at Ajax Downs   and why a shortage of horse supply continues to affect the current racing product. Emilio also mentions about fan engagement and how their ‘Battle of the Breeds’ races which pits Quarter horses against Thoroughbreds continues to be popular with the fans. He also mentions whether he has noticed any new owners getting involved in the Quarter horse industry this year and talks about how plans are moving forward to continue to try to engage new fans and educate them in the wagering process, which they hope to be able to roll out next year.John discusses last weeks Cup and Saucer Stakes and in particular his horse Scorching who was elevated to first place because of a Stewards’ Inquiry on the race. John also mentions what the plans are for Scorching going forward and whether these plans may include the King’s Plate next year and does he believe that he is a horse that can stretch out to the mile and a quarter Plate distance. John also talks about his career as a Trainer and mentions how many horses he has in Training and discusses how he believes that the business of Training horses has changed over the years. He also talks about his horse, Niagara Skyline, who is racing at Woodbine later today and why he thinks that the horse is in a better spot today than last time when he was unplaced in the Woodbine Mile. 

Larry and Ann are joined by Kurt Becker, Keeneland Racetrack Announcer who discusses opening weekend at the track and in particular today’s stakes filled card that includes several Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In races. He also discusses the hiring process which would make him the first ever Track Announcer at Keeneland and describes his first day on the job. He also breaks down the $1.25 Million Coolmore Turf Mile for the listeners. Jockey Mike Smith, who discusses last weeks two stakes wins at Santa Anita which included a victory in the first ever California Crown Stakes with a horse by the name of Subsanador. Mike also talks about his training regime which has allowed him to ride  on a highly skilled basis for many years and how he knew when he was young that he wanted to be a Jockey. Woodbine Trainer, Rachel Halden  who discusses last Sunday’s Breeders Stakes at Woodbine where her horses Roscar  and Saccharine, owned by Chiefswood Stable, finished first and second and were followed across the wire by   third place finisher  Side Street , also owned by Chiefswood.  Rachel discusses her two horses and what the plans are for the immediate future for both and talks about how she became involved in horse racing and her experience working for a couple of Hall of Fame Trainers. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look at The Way It Was in Horse Racing News, Larry talks about the recent announcement by the Breeders’ Cup of a scheduling change that will see the Breeders’ Cup Classic being run earlier in the day on the Saturday card. In our newest regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about today’s $1.25 Million Coolmore Turf Mile at Keeneland and mentions about some of the history behind the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show.  Key Points: Kurt initially discusses the opening weekend of the Keeneland Fall meeting and talks about today’s stakes filled card that includes several Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In stakes races, including the Coolmore Turf Mile which is also discussed in detail. Kurt talks about what it was like to be the first ever Track Announcer at Keeneland and mentions what the hiring process was like and if he remembers his first day on the job. Kurt also talks about what makes Keeneland such a special place for horse racing and mentions how he believes that initially   calling Standardbred races and NASCAR helped him adjust quickly to announcing Thoroughbred races. Mike discusses last Saturday’s stakes races at Santa Anita which included the upset victory by Subsanador in the first ever California Crown Stakes. Mike also mentions why Subsanador could do some damage in the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Classic and talks about some of the great horses that he has had the opportunity to ride. Mike also talks about why he became a Jockey and adds whether he had any mentors that he looked up to when he first started riding. He also discusses his own Personal Training regime and how it has helped him to continue to compete at an elite level and mentions who he believes are some of the up-and-coming riders against which he is currently competing. He also adds what it is that still makes the competitive juices flow and if there is anything that he hasn’t accomplished in his riding career to date. Rachel discusses last weeks Breeders Stakes, and particularly her two horses, who finished first and second, Roscar and a Filly by the name of Saccharine and mentions what the immediate plans are for the rest of the Thoroughbred season for the two. Rachel also discusses her stable and how she became involved with Chiefswood Stable and mentions about how she became interested in horses when she was growing up in England. Rachel also talks about how she was fortunate to work for two Hall of Famers, Roger Attfield and Bill Mott and the role that they both played in establishing herself as a Trainer. 

Larry and Ann are joined by Chris Lush, Woodbine’s Executive Vice President, Technology and Core Wagering, who updates the listeners on the various technology initiatives that he is currently immersed in, including furthering the reach of Sports Betting. He also discusses Woodbine’s own product Dark Horse and some of the changes that have been made to the betting product and also provides an update on the status of Historical Horse Racing and where Woodbine is at in getting the betting initiative legalized for Canadian bettors. Mark McKelvie, recaps last Saturday’s stakes races at Woodbine Mohawk Park and recalls some of the better racing performances on the racetrack that night. Mark also discusses tonight’s Woodbine Mohawk Park card of racing which features eight Ontario Sires Stakes Grass Roots Finals and he also  talks about tomorrow’s  Breeders Stakes at Woodbine. Woodbine Trainer, Marty Drexler,  who discusses his Filly Hurricane Clair who is one of the favorites to win the $400,000 Breeders Stakes tomorrow at Woodbine. He also discusses how he originally became part of the horse racing industry and where it all started and discusses why he thinks he has been so successful in running a ‘Claiming Stable’ in the past. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look At The Way It Was In Horse Racing News, Larry talks about the recent announcement that Freehold Raceway in New Jersey, one of the oldest racetracks in North America, will be closing for good on December 28th this year and what partly led to the decision.  In our newest regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about today’s $1 Million California Crown Stakes at Santa Anita and mentions about some of the history behind the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show. Key Points: Chris initially discusses the impact Sports Betting has had on Woodbine’s business and mentions some of the further initiatives they are working on to improve the delivery of the Sports Betting platform. He also talks about the arrangement Woodbine has with bet365 and whether there will be other arrangements in place with other Sports Betting Companies and if so when we may see this happening. Chris also discusses Woodbine’s Dark Horse product  and some of the updates that have taken place on this betting product and also explains  Historical Horse Racing  and when we may see it become legalized in Canada and mentions too, what is the major reason this product has not become legal in Canada to date. Mark discusses last Saturday’s stakes events held on Mohawk Million Night and mentions some of the stellar performances that took place throughout the evening. Mark also adds what it is that makes Mohawk Million Night so popular and discusses why the Mohawk Million and Metro Pace are so important to the Harness Racing calendar. Mark also talks about tonight’s eight Ontario Sires Stakes Grass Roots Finals at Woodbine Mohawk Park and mentions about a couple of the races and one horse that he believes has a good chance to take all the spoils with a victory tonight. He also switches his attention to Woodbine and in particular the Breeders Stakes tomorrow and discusses some of the top contenders in the race and mentions why he believes it is so difficult to win the Canadian Triple Crown now. Marty discusses tomorrow’s Breeders Stakes, and particularly his Filly Hurricane Clair, who is one of the early favorites for the third leg of the Canadian Triple Crown. He also talks about how he initially got involved in the horse racing industry and where it all started for him and how he originally was known as a Trainer that only ran a Claiming Stable. Marty also discusses some of the major influencers that supported him when he was first breaking into the business and how now he is diversifying his racing stable with more horses like Hurricane Clair. Marty also mentions how he believes hard work and persistence have been part of the keys to running a large racing stable and mentions some of the owners who continued to stick by him during the early years of Training.