Brought to you by The Jockey Club.

Shannon Kelly and PTF are back with you for the most timely episode yet of the On the Lead podcast. They sit down with TikTok superstar Griffin Johnson, who owns Kentucky Derby contender Sandman in partnership with West Point Thoroughbreds.

Rachel Miller of America's Best Racing joins as well for a fun and freewheeling look at the world's of influencing and horse racing.

It wasn't that long ago when even large horse training operations used clipboards and index cards to manage all the complexities of their operations. That's all changed because of technology, which now allows training operations of all sizes, and the industry as a whole, to keep a much better handle on their affairs. In this episode of On the Lead, a joint venture between the Jockey Club and In the Money Media, Pete Fornatale and Shannon Kelly sit down with Tracy Attfield, the creator of TLore, and Maggie Sweet, former COO for Todd Pletcher and current Executive Director of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, to talk all about how technology has changed and improved the lives of trainers everywhere.

This episode offers a sobering examination of the catastrophic fires that have ravaged parts of California, particularly focusing on their impact on horse racing . Peter Thomas Fornatale and Shannon Kelly engage with Jodie Vella-Gregory and Kristina Schulz, who provide firsthand accounts of the crisis, detailing the urgency and fear experienced during the height of the fires. The conversation reveals the immediate response measures implemented at Santa Anita, where a crisis plan was swiftly executed to ensure the safety of horses and personnel alike. From there, Jodie Vella-Gregory highlights the 1/st team’s initial response to the crisis and how it organically evolved into a way to help the community as a whole.

Throughout the show, listeners learn about the amazing job the 1/st team did in delivering crucial support to affected individuals, detailing the various forms of assistance available. Shannon Kelly also informs listeners about the role of the Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation in the crisis so far and the recovery yet to come.

This episode not only highlights the challenges posed by natural disasters but also showcases the strength and unity of the racing community as they rally to support one another.

Takeaways:

• The ongoing crisis in California due to fires has deeply impacted the racing community.
• Shannon Kelly discussed the scope of assistance provided by the Jockey Club Safety Net foundation.
• Eyewitness accounts reveal the harrowing experiences of those affected by the California wildfires.
• The collaboration among various organizations showcases the racing community’s commitment to support each other during crises.
• The Safety Net foundation is prepared to assist individuals in the racing industry for the long term.
• Efforts to help the broader community during the crisis reflect the racing community’s strong ties and responsibility.