Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Brook Smith, President of Rocket Ship Racing and part of the ownership group behind Sierra Leone, who competes this afternoon in the $7 million Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar. Brook joins us live from California to discuss Sierra Leone’s preparation leading into the Classic, his outlook on the highly anticipated rematch with Fierceness, and how the horse has handled the distance that brought him victory in last year’s edition. He also talks about his involvement with Coolmore, the debut of promising two-year-old Paladin, and his extensive support of the Churchill Downs backstretch community. Brook shares the story behind the Rocket Ship Racing name, the new broadcast innovation being featured during this year’s NBC coverage, and what a second Breeders’ Cup win would mean to him and his partners.

Also today, Woodbine jockey Austin Adams returns to the show following one of the biggest weekends of his young career. Austin captured two stakes races over the Woodbine turf course, including the Eternal Search Stakes aboard Little Teddy and another $100,000 feature the following day. He reflects on what he calls a highlight weekend, his success on the grass, and the confidence that comes with a breakout season at Woodbine. Austin discusses how his partnership with trainer Santino Di Paola developed, how he prepares for major race days, and the lessons he’s learned while building his business on the Toronto circuit. He also shares his long-term goals, the races on his bucket list, and what he might be doing today if he hadn’t become a jockey.

Then, Standardbred driver Todd Ratchford joins us fresh off the biggest victory of his career — steering Storybook Love to win the $700,000 U.S. Breeders Crown Two-Year-Old Filly Trot. Todd recounts how the lightly regarded filly upset her elimination at 33-to-1 before capturing the final, and talks about the special bond he’s built with trainer Mathew Bax and the entire Bax family. He also reflects on his journey from professional hockey to harness racing, the similarities between the two sports, and what continues to drive his competitive spirit. Todd shares his future goals in the sulky and how it feels to see his name listed among major stakes winners in North America.

In our feature “In Case You Missed It” — A Look at the Week It Was in Horse Racing News, Larry recaps the top stories from around the sport. Later, he provides his “Ponies Picks of the Day”, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, offering key wagering insights for Woodbine, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and other North American tracks. And in this week’s “Road Trip”, powered by Pineview Hyundai, Larry heads to Del Mar for a full preview of the Grade 1 $7 Million Breeders’ Cup Classic — one of the biggest races on the international calendar.

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.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Tim Lawson, Woodbine’s Vice President of Thoroughbred Racing, who discusses the 2025 racing season at Woodbine, the current repair work on the famed E.P. Taylor Turf Course, and when it’s expected to reopen. Tim also explains his role overseeing Thoroughbred Racing, the challenges faced this year, and what a typical day looks like for him. He shares insight into his career path within the racing industry, the influence of his father, former Woodbine CEO Jim Lawson, and some of the key moments from this year’s meet.

Also today, Ajax Downs General Manager Emilio Trotta joins the show as their 2025 Quarter Horse racing season wraps up next week. Emilio reflects on how the year has gone at Ajax, how attendance and handle compared to 2024, and some of the special highlights of the season. He talks about the importance of attracting new fans, how Quarter Horse racing differs from Thoroughbred racing, and what fans can look forward to for the 2026 season at Ajax Downs.

Then, Woodbine Trainer Nathan Squires returns to discuss his runner Wagstaff in today’s $150,000 Grade 3 Ontario Derby — a race that features both the King’s Plate and Prince of Wales winners. Nathan talks about Wagstaff’s form going into the race, his relationship with jockey Rafael Hernandez, and how his barn has performed throughout 2025. He also looks back at how he got his start as a trainer, shares stories of memorable horses like Cairo Caper, reflects on the guidance he received from mentor Laurie Silvera, and talks about what’s next for Wagstaff if the colt runs well today.

In our feature “In Case You Missed It” — A Look at the Week It Was in Horse Racing News, Larry covers the top stories from around the racing world. Later in the show, he provides his “Ponies Picks of the Day” selections for Woodbine, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and other North American tracks. And in our “Road Trip” segment, powered by Pineview Hyundai, Larry previews the Grade 3 Ontario Derby at Woodbine — a mile-and-an-eighth contest for three-year-olds on Tapeta worth $150,000.