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.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with John Burness, Thoroughbred owner and breeder of Colebrook Farms, who recently celebrated a huge win with Simply in Front, the upset winner of last weekend’s $800,000 Grade 1 First Lady Stakes at Keeneland. John talks about how he bred the mare, her rise to becoming a $2.8 million earner, and what’s next for her racing career. He also discusses his long involvement in the sport, the Colebrook Farms breeding program, and some of the standout horses he’s campaigned over the years. John reflects on where his passion for racing began, the mentors who shaped him, and the races still left on his bucket list.

Also today, Woodbine jockey Fraser Aebly joins us once again. Fraser is having a career year — already surpassing his 2024 earnings — and talks about what he credits for his breakout season, including his partnership with agent Gerry Olguin, and what it meant to capture his first Grade 1 win in the Natalma Stakes. He shares insights on the difference between riding out West and at Woodbine, the adjustments he’s made to his riding style, and the best advice he’s received from fellow jockeys. Fraser wraps up by revealing what he might have done if he hadn’t become a jockey.

Then, Standardbred trainer Blake McIntosh joins the show to preview a big night at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Blake will send out trotting filly Monalishi in the $300,000 Gold Final Super Final for three-year-old fillies and Sterling Choice in the $300,000 Gold Final for colts and geldings. He talks about both horses’ form heading into the night, his training philosophy, and what’s fueled another strong season for his stable. Blake also looks back on his first win as a trainer 25 years ago and answers our signature closer — what he might be doing today if he wasn’t a trainer.

In our feature, “In Case You Missed It” — A Look at the Week It Was in Horse Racing News, Larry covers key stories from around the racing world, and later on delivers his “Ponies Picks of the Day” for Woodbine, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and other tracks across North America. And in our “Road Trip” segment, powered by Pineview Hyundai, Larry visits Keeneland for the $800,000 Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup — a mile-and-an-eighth test for top three-year-old fillies on turf.

Bullet Points of Key Topics, Guests & Time Stamps

● John Burness (Colebrook Farms) — talks about Simply in Front’s Grade 1 win at Keeneland, what makes the mare special, how his breeding program produced a multi-million-dollar earner, plans for the filly’s next starts, and his lifelong connection to racing. He shares memories of past standouts, discusses mentors who inspired his career, and reveals what race he still dreams of winning before he retires.

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● Fraser Aebly (Woodbine Jockey) — reflects on his career-best season with 54 wins and over $3.1 million in purse earnings. He credits his success to a clear strategy with agent Gerry Olguin and an evolved riding style since arriving at Woodbine. Fraser discusses his first Grade 1 victory in the Natalma Stakes, how he prepares for race days, the difference between riding on Tapeta versus dirt, and shares what he might be doing if he wasn’t a jockey.

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● Blake McIntosh (Standardbred Trainer) — previews the night’s $300,000 Gold Final races at Mohawk Park and gives updates on his top horses Monalishi and Sterling Choice. He reflects on his 25-year training career starting with Prelude Semalu, shares his 2025 goals and mentors, and explains why he thinks this has been one of his most consistent years yet. He also joins our closing segment by answering what career path he might have chosen outside of horse racing.

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● Feature Segments — Larry’s “In Case You Missed It” recaps the top stories in horse racing this week, including highlights from Ontario tracks and North America’s stakes schedule. The “Road Trip,” powered by Pineview Hyundai, takes listeners to Keeneland for the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup. Larry wraps the show with his weekly “Ponies Picks of the Day,” covering his best bets and handicapping angles across today’s cards.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Kurt Becker, Keeneland Track Announcer and the only race caller the Kentucky track has ever employed. Kurt previews the Keeneland Fall Meet, including today’s stakes-heavy card and the Grade 1 Coolmore Turf Mile for one million two hundred fifty thousand dollars, a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Mile. He also shares insights on calling races at one of North America’s most storied venues.

Larry also goes one-on-one with Mindy Coleman, Legal Counsel for the Jockeys’ Guild in the United States. Mindy discusses her role advocating for riders, recent high-profile matters that have drawn industry attention, and broader issues around rules and safety that continue to shape the sport.

In addition, Larry goes one-on-one with Rafael Hernandez, Woodbine jockey and friend of the show. Rafael looks back at his narrow head victory aboard Tom’s Magic in last weekend’s Breeders’ Stakes at Woodbine and talks about his season to date, notable mounts on today’s card, and goals he still wants to achieve.

Plus, Larry reviews the week in racing in In Case You Missed It, takes us on a Road Trip to Keeneland for the Coolmore Turf Mile, spotlights excellence in our Performance of the Week, and closes with his Ponies Picks of the Day for Woodbine, Mohawk Park, and other North American tracks.

Bullet Points of Key Topics & Guests

• Kurt Becker (Keeneland Track Announcer) – Fall Meet overview at Keeneland and a preview of today’s stakes, including the Grade 1 Coolmore Turf Mile.
• Mindy Coleman (Jockeys’ Guild Legal Counsel) – Role and recent rider-related issues that have been in the racing media spotlight.
• Rafael Hernandez (Woodbine Jockey) – Recaps winning the Breeders’ Stakes aboard Tom’s Magic and discusses today’s engagements and season goals.
• In Case You Missed It – Weekly racing headlines with Larry.
• Road Trip – Feature on the Grade 1 Coolmore Turf Mile at Keeneland.
• Performance of the Week – Celebrating standout efforts.
• Ponies Picks of the Day – Larry’s betting selections for Woodbine, Mohawk Park, and more.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with jockey Samuel Marin, who at just twenty-four is having a breakout season. Samuel reflects on his riding titles at Meadowlands and Tampa Bay Downs, his first graded stakes victories, and piling up more than five million dollars in purse earnings. He also discusses his career goals and the mentors who helped him along the way.

Larry also goes one-on-one with trainer Rachel Halden, who saddles Aristella and Borealis Trail in tomorrow’s $400,000 Breeders Stakes at Woodbine. Rachel looks back on her one-two finish in last year’s edition and previews her chances of pulling off another exacta for Chiefswood Stables.

In addition, Larry goes one-on-one with driver Bob McClure, fresh off a Metro Pace victory with two-year-old Beau Jangles at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Bob shares his impressions of the Ontario-sired colt and how he stacks up against some of the best horses he’s driven.

Plus, Larry reviews the week in racing in In Case You Missed It, takes us on a Road Trip to the $400,000 Breeders Stakes, spotlights excellence in our Performance of the Week, and closes with his Ponies Picks of the Day for Woodbine, Mohawk Park, and other North American tracks.

Bullet Points of Key Topics & Guests
● Samuel Marin (Jockey) – Talks about his breakout 2025 season, first graded stakes wins, career goals, and early mentors.
● Rachel Halden (Trainer) – Previews Breeders Stakes hopefuls Aristella and Borealis Trail, reflects on last year’s one-two finish, and her training career.
● Bob McClure (Harness Driver) – Discusses Metro Pace champion Beau Jangles, his 2025 season, and standout horses he’s driven.
● In Case You Missed It – Larry recaps the week’s racing headlines.
● Road Trip – Spotlight on the $400,000 Breeders Stakes at Woodbine.
● Performance of the Week – Honoring standout efforts in racing.
● Ponies Picks of the Day – Larry’s betting selections for Woodbine, Mohawk Park, and other tracks.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Jessica Paquette, the voice of Parx Racing in Pennsylvania and the only full-time year-round female track announcer in the U.S. Jessica previews Saturday’s $1 million Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby, talks about potential Breeders’ Cup implications, and reflects on her path in racing, including her time with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

Larry also goes one-on-one with Dr. Ian Moore, Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee, veterinarian, and top trainer, whose Ontario-bred star Beau Jangles headlines tonight’s $1 million Metro Pace at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Dr. Moore discusses balancing his dual careers and what makes Beau Jangles a special colt.

In addition, Larry is joined by driver Scott Zeron, who will be busy at Woodbine Mohawk Park with key drives in the She’s A Great Lady Stakes, Mohawk Million, and Elegantimage. Scott reflects on his career highlights, horses to watch, and his goals for the season.

Plus, Larry reviews the week in racing in In Case You Missed It, takes us on a Road Trip to the Pennsylvania Derby, spotlights excellence in our Performance of the Week, and wraps up with his Ponies Picks of the Day for Woodbine, Mohawk Park, and other tracks.

Key Topics & Guests:

• (5:16) In Case You Missed It – Larry recaps the week’s major horse racing headlines.
• (7:06) Road Trip – Spotlight on the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby.
• (11:04) Jessica Paquette (Parx Track Announcer) – Previews the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby, discusses Eclipse Award implications, and shares her career story.
• (22:18) Performance of the Week – Celebrating standout racing excellence.
• (25:43) Dr. Ian Moore (Trainer & Veterinarian / Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame) – Talks about Metro Pace favorite Beau Jangles, his career as a vet and trainer, and what drives his success.
• (40:57) Scott Zeron (Harness Driver) – Breaks down his drives in the She’s A Great Lady Stakes, Mohawk Million, and Elegantimage, and shares career reflections.
• (56:42) Ponies Picks of the Day – Larry’s betting selections at Woodbine, Mohawk Park, and beyond.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Flavien Prat, Kentucky Derby-winning jockey and reigning Eclipse Award winner. Flavien previews his rides in today’s Grade 1 Woodbine Mile, Natalma, and Summer Stakes, reflects on last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic victory with Sierra Leone, and talks about his career milestones including more than two thousand wins and seven Breeders’ Cup triumphs.

Larry also goes one-on-one with Jeff Bratt, Woodbine host, commentator, and handicapper, who breaks down Turf Champions Day. Jeff highlights the trio of Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” events at Woodbine — the Mile, Summer, and Natalma — and discusses some of the other notable horses and stakes races on today’s card.

In addition, Larry goes one-on-one with Dave Briggs, award-winning journalist and recent Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee. Dave shares storylines leading into the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots and Gold Finals at Woodbine Mohawk Park, and reflects on his more than 30 years covering the sport as one of Canadian racing’s most decorated writers.

Plus, Larry reviews the week in racing in In Case You Missed It, takes us on a Road Trip to the $1 million Woodbine Mile, spotlights excellence in our Performance of the Week, and closes with his Ponies Picks of the Day for Woodbine, Mohawk Park, and other North American tracks.

Bullet Points of Key Topics & Guests

● Flavien Prat (Kentucky Derby-Winning Jockey) – Previews his Woodbine rides in the Mile, Natalma, and Summer Stakes, reflects on Breeders’ Cup Classic win aboard Sierra Leone, and talks about his career milestones.
● Jeff Bratt (Woodbine Handicapper & Commentator) – Breaks down Turf Champions Day, analyzes the three Grade 1 “Win and You’re In” races, and highlights other key stakes on the card.
● Dave Briggs (Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame Inductee) – Discusses the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots and Gold Finals, previews top contenders, and reflects on his journalism career and Hall of Fame induction.
● In Case You Missed It – Larry recaps the week’s horse racing headlines.
● Road Trip – Spotlight on the $1 million Woodbine Mile.
● Performance of the Week – Honoring standout efforts in racing.
● Ponies Picks of the Day – Larry’s betting selections for Woodbine, Mohawk Park, and other tracks.