Episodes

  • TAA Director: Yvonne Schwabe. Why Horse Racing Needs to Work Together, and New Equibase Ratings
    Oct 20 2025

    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.

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Trainer Riley Mott, Florida Decoupling and Thumps. Why has car racing grown faster?
    Oct 10 2025

    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.

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    58 mins
  • Light Up Racing’s Vicky Leonard, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Sales Momentum, and Horse Racing Playoffs
    Oct 3 2025

    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).

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    38 mins
  • Hall of Fame Trainer Roger Attfield. Keeneland September, Paco Lopez, and how Yearlings are Trained
    Sep 26 2025

    We’re back from our September break with a packed episode. First, Colton dives into the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, where average prices soared and new owners made waves. Then, we break down Paco Lopez’s six-month suspension and what it means for rider accountability. Finally, we take a closer look at the SAFE Act and the movement to end horse slaughter permanently.

    But the highlight? A special sit-down interview with dual Hall of Famer Roger Attfield. The legendary trainer shares his thoughts on how racehorses and the game have evolved over five decades, the secrets behind some of his most meaningful wins, and the advice he’d give his younger self.

    We wrap up with Mail from the Rail, answering a listener question on what it means to “start” a yearling.

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    54 mins
  • Consignor Glenn Sikura, Handicapper Sean Patrick Nolan, What to Watch After the Plate, and Kentucky Downs
    Sep 1 2025

    In the 10th episode of Blinkers Off, host Colton Phillips signs off for the summer with a stacked show. In Track Talk, we break down Kentucky Downs’ broadcast revolution, featuring cable cams, drones, and a 25-person media team redefining how we watch turf racing. Then it’s a double-header of interviews: First, legendary breeder and consignor Glenn Sikura of Hill 'N' Dale breaks down life on the sales circuit, prepping yearlings, and the future of Canadian bloodstock. Next, we chat with Sean Patrick Nolan, a passionate handicapper and fan of the sport, about how he blends heart and strategy when making his picks, and his advice for newcomers to the game. We wrap things up in Mail from the Rail, answering a listener’s question about attending big race days on a budget.

    This episode closes out our summer run. Blinkers Off will return in 2–3 weeks after Colton settles back into school life. Stay tuned, and thanks for all the love so far.

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • King's Plate-Winning Jockey, Pietro Moran. Godolphin Flying start and Claiming Races vs. Allowance Races
    Aug 25 2025

    This week on Blinkers Off, we welcome back King’s Plate-winning jockey Pietro Moran, the show’s first returning guest, for a full breakdown of his unforgettable Plate day, what it’s like riding against American stars, and how he balances being a full-time student with a full-blown jockey career.

    In Track Talk, we spotlight the launch of the 23rd class of Godolphin Flying Start, a global training program for the next generation of racing leaders.

    Then in Mail from the Rail we cover what the difference is between a claiming race and an allowance race, and what happens to horses after they retire from racing?

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    40 mins
  • Bloodstock Agent David Ingordo, Racing Reality TV, and the State of the Industry
    Aug 18 2025

    In this week’s episode of Blinkers Off, we speak with one of the sharpest minds in the game, bloodstock agent David Ingordo. David's eye for talent helped discover champions like Zenyatta and Flightline. From picking a horse to managing syndicates, David breaks down what separates a good horse from a great one and shares his thoughts on the direction of the Thoroughbred industry.

    In Track Talk, we break down a viral racing reality show pitch, talk about Canadian Horse Racing history, and look at Lil Yachty’s surprise Del Mar appearance that had the grandstand buzzing.

    All that and more, this week on Blinkers Off.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • King's Plate Feat. Javier Castellano, Faser Aebly, and Pietro Moran
    Aug 11 2025

    It’s the 166th running of the King’s Plate, and Blinkers Off is going all-in for Canada’s biggest day in racing. Host Colton Phillips kicks things off with a dive into the rich history of the King’s Plate before sitting down with an all-star lineup of jockeys competing in this year’s race. Hear from Hall of Famer Javier Castellano, rising Western Canadian star Fraser Aebly, and Woodbine standout Pietro Moran as they share insights on their horses, race day prep, and what makes the Plate different from any other race. Don’t miss this special episode taking you right into the Sport of Kings.

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    1 hr and 5 mins