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.

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.

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).