John Campbell, Hambletonian Society President & CEO / Santino Di Paola, Woodbine Trainer / Norman McKnight, Woodbine Trainer
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About this listen
Today, Larry goes one-on-one with John Campbell, President and CEO of the Hambletonian Society, as Woodbine Mohawk Park hosts the Breeders Crown Finals for both three-year-olds and open divisions. A double Hall of Famer and one of the most accomplished drivers in harness racing history, John shares what fans can expect from tonight’s Breeders Crown action, highlights the races he’s most looking forward to, and explains the important role the Hambletonian Society plays within the Standardbred industry. He also reflects on his legendary driving career, the mentors who shaped him, and what he believes are the biggest changes in the sport since his competitive days behind the sulky.
Also today, Woodbine Thoroughbred Trainer Santino Di Paola joins the show for the first time. Santino saddles two mares — Lady in Red and Little Teddy — in today’s Eternal Search Stakes, named in honor of the three-time Canadian champion race mare. He discusses how he prepares multiple runners for the same race, what it’s like when two horses have similar running styles, and how his partnership with jockey Austin Adams has developed over the years. Santino also looks back on his career beginnings, recalls his first win, and talks about what’s gone right during his strong 2025 campaign.
Then, Woodbine Trainer Norman McKnight joins the program for his first appearance following the announcement of his retirement later this year. With over 1,000 career wins and $28 million in purse earnings, Norman looks back on his successful career in both the Thoroughbred and Standardbred worlds. He discusses what led to his decision to retire, what he’ll miss most about training, and how he transitioned between breeds earlier in his career. Norman shares stories of standout horses like War Bomber, reflects on mentors who helped him along the way, and talks about what’s next as he steps away from the sport.
In our feature “In Case You Missed It” — A Look at the Week It Was in Horse Racing News, Larry covers key racing stories from across North America. Later, he provides his “Ponies Picks of the Day”, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, featuring potential betting opportunities at Woodbine, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and other major tracks. And in this week’s “Road Trip”, powered by Pineview Hyundai, Larry heads to Keeneland to preview the Grade 3 Fayette Stakes, a $350,000 race for three-year-olds and up, run over a mile and an eighth on dirt.
● John Campbell (Hambletonian Society President & CEO) — previews tonight’s Breeders Crown Finals at Woodbine Mohawk Park, discusses the Hambletonian Society’s role in promoting Standardbred racing, and shares thoughts on standout races, favorite horses, and his career as one of the sport’s all-time great drivers. John also reflects on mentorship, the evolution of harness racing, and the thrill that keeps fans returning to events like the Breeders Crown.
● Santino Di Paola (Woodbine Trainer) — discusses training Lady in Red and Little Teddy for today’s Eternal Search Stakes at Woodbine, how he handles having two horses in the same race, and his partnership with jockey Austin Adams. Santino also shares insights on his start in racing, his most memorable horses, and why 2025 has been a breakout year for his stable.
● Norman McKnight (Woodbine Trainer) — reflects on his decision to retire from training at the end of the year, looks back on his dual career in both Standardbred and Thoroughbred racing, and recounts milestones including surpassing 1,000 wins and $28 million in earnings. Norman discusses his transition between breeds, career mentors, memorable horses, and what he plans to do after stepping away from full-time training.
● Feature Segments — Larry’s “In Case You Missed It” recaps the biggest horse racing news of the week, and the “Road Trip,” powered by Pineview Hyundai, takes listeners to Keeneland for the Grade 3 Fayette Stakes. The show wraps up with “Ponies Picks of the Day,” sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, as Larry highlights betting opportunities and handicapping insights from Woodbine to Mohawk Park.