Today on Ponies 24-7 The Radio Magazine, Larry Simpson previews a packed Saturday broadcast with Cameron Wilkinson, as he fills in for Drew Behm.

First, Churchill Downs’ Kevin Kerstein joins the show for the first time to break down Turfway Park’s Synthetic Championships, featuring four $250,000 stakes races loaded with Canadian talent including Caitlinhergrtness, Queen’s Command, Dresden Row, and Lucky Score. Kevin discusses the Turfway meet, the track’s history, synthetic-surface handicapping, and his career in racing communications.

Also on today’s show, longtime friend of the program and HBPA Ontario President Sue Leslie returns to help wrap up the 2025 Thoroughbred season at Woodbine and Fort Erie. Sue examines this year’s challenges, horse population trends, contract considerations, her own journey in the sport, and her hopes for Ontario racing heading into 2026.

In addition, author Cheryl Eriksen joins us for the first time to talk about her new book on the legendary Standardbred Greyhound - the underdog trotter who became one of the sport’s earliest nationwide superstars. Cheryl shares what drew her to Greyhound’s story, her broader work in equine wellness and communication, and how listeners can purchase the book in time for the holidays.

Plus, the show includes In Case You Missed It, presented by RS Bulk Propane; this week’s Road Trip, powered by Pineview Hyundai, spotlighting the La Prevoyante Stakes at Woodbine; our feature Striving For Excellence – Racing Performance of the Week, presented by Kingshore Windows & Doors; and, Larry’s Ponies Picks of the Day, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, with plays at Woodbine, Mohawk Park, and other North American tracks.

• (5:31) In Case You Missed It – Larry recaps this week’s major horse racing headlines, presented by RS Bulk Propane.
• (7:20) Road Trip – Spotlight on the La Prevoyante Stakes at Woodbine, powered by Pineview Hyundai.
• (11:04) Kevin Kerstein (Churchill Downs / Turfway Park) – Breaks down the Synthetic Championships at Turfway Park, highlights major Canadian connections, discusses Turfway’s synthetic-surface advantages, reviews the track’s history and meet, and talks about his path in racing communications and handicapping strategies.
• (26:22) Striving For Excellence – Racing Performance of the Week – Honouring standout equine performance, presented by Kingshore Windows & Doors.
• (29:36) Sue Leslie (HBPA Ontario President) – Recaps the 2025 seasons at Woodbine and Fort Erie, discusses challenges and horse population trends, explains the role of the HBPA and its contract structure, reflects on her decades in racing, and looks ahead to goals for the industry in 2026.
• (43:25) Cheryl Eriksen (Author – Greyhound) – Introduces her new book on the legendary trotter Greyhound, shares her passion for horses, talks about her work as a horse midwife and equine communicator, and explains how listeners can purchase the book ahead of Christmas.
• (58:16) Ponies Picks of the Day – Larry’s betting selections for Woodbine, Mohawk Park, and additional North American tracks, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Keith McCalmont, NYRA’s Director of Communications. With six stakes races at Aqueduct today, including the five hundred thousand dollar Cigar Mile and the two hundred thousand dollar Remsen Stakes for two-year-olds, Keith previews an action-packed afternoon. He breaks down the major storylines surrounding the Remsen, including the intriguing matchup between the Danny Gargan–trained Talkin and Paladin, a colt connected to the ownership group of Sierra Leone. Keith also handicaps the Demoiselle Stakes for fillies, reflects on standout performances from NYRA’s 2025 racing season, and discusses the historic significance of the Cigar Mile as it prepares to move from Aqueduct to Belmont. He shares his personal journey in horse racing, his role with NYRA’s three racetracks, and provides an update on the ongoing Belmont rebuild. Keith wraps up by answering the show’s signature closer about what he might have become had he not entered the horse racing communications world.

Also today, Shannon “Sugar” Doyle, track announcer at The Raceway at Western Fair District, joins the show as the London half-mile track gears up for its popular holiday racing schedule. Sugar talks about the current meet, how the season has unfolded since its October opening, and why Boxing Day continues to be one of Western Fair’s most anticipated racing dates. He previews next Tuesday’s Drivers Holiday Challenge, now in its sixth year, which supports the Toys For Tots program, and highlights the roster of drivers competing. Sugar also shares stories from early in his career, how he earned the nickname “Sugar,” and reflects on some of the most memorable races he has ever called. He looks ahead to the rest of the Western Fair meet, discusses horse population trends, and talks about the exciting announcement that Western Fair will host the thirty-seventh O’Brien Awards from January thirtieth through February first.

Then, Woodbine trainer Devon Gittens joins the show for his first appearance. Devon reflects on an impressive 2025 season that includes thirty-eight wins and more than one point two million dollars in purse earnings. He discusses his journey from Barbados to Assiniboia Downs and ultimately to Woodbine, what prompted his move to the Toronto circuit, and how he managed shuttling horses between Winnipeg and Woodbine throughout the year. Devon explains the goals he set upon arriving at Woodbine, what it means to sit fifth in the trainer standings, and how he builds momentum with his stable. He talks about the mentors who guided him, the best horse he has trained so far, and shares the news of his winter move to New York, including whether it could lead to maintaining a string there in the future. Devon also reveals the major race he hopes to win before his training career is over.

In our feature “In Case You Missed It,” Larry reviews the biggest racing headlines from the past week across North America. Later, he delivers his Ponies Picks of the Day, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, highlighting potential wagering opportunities at Woodbine, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and other North American tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, powered by Pineview Hyundai, Larry heads to Aqueduct Racetrack for the Grade 2, two hundred fifty thousand dollar Remsen Stakes, a mile and an eighth dirt test for two-year-olds.

● Keith McCalmont — previews the Cigar Mile, Remsen, and Demoiselle; discusses storylines involving Talkin and Paladin; reflects on NYRA’s 2025 season; explains the upcoming move of the Cigar Mile to Belmont; shares his career background and updates the Belmont rebuild.

● Shannon “Sugar” Doyle — discusses the Western Fair meet, Boxing Day racing, the Drivers Holiday Challenge supporting Toys For Tots, his early career and the origin of his nickname, major races he has called, horse population trends, and Western Fair hosting the 2025–26 O’Brien Awards.

● Devon Gittens — talks about his rise to becoming Woodbine’s fifth-leading trainer, shuttling between Assiniboia Downs and Woodbine, his mentorship influences, best horses trained, goals for the future, and his upcoming winter campaign in New York.

● Feature Segments — “In Case You Missed It” recaps the week in racing. “Road Trip,” powered by Pineview Hyundai, previews the Grade 2 Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct. “Ponies Picks of the Day,” sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, highlights Larry’s top betting opportunities.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Jamie Dykstra, Woodbine’s Vice President of Communications and Coordination. With the Thoroughbred meet winding down, Jamie breaks down the highlights of the 2025 racing seasons at both Woodbine and Woodbine Mohawk Park and reflects on some of the year’s most memorable races. He also discusses the newly launched Woodbine Cares Horsepower Fund, a grant program designed to support charities and non-profit organizations that promote horse welfare and strengthen the bond between horses and people. Jamie explains why this initiative was created, how organizations can qualify, whether the program supports all breeds, and the impact Woodbine hopes it will have. He also previews today’s Winter Wonderland Market at Woodbine Mohawk Park, a free community event featuring forty local vendors and a charity component. Jamie closes by sharing his professional journey in communications and answers the show’s signature question about what he might have become if he hadn’t entered the communications industry.

Also today, Donna Brothers returns to the program. A former jockey with one thousand one hundred thirty career wins, Donna is now a respected sports analyst for NBC, an author, and an advocate for both aftercare and the backstretch community. She talks about growing up in a racing family, her riding career highlights, and how she knew it was the right time to retire. Donna shares stories from major events she has covered, including the Kentucky Derby, World Equestrian Games, Rolex Three-Day Event, and Triple Crown triumphs by Justify and American Pharoah. She discusses her book Inside Track: Insider’s Guide to Horse Racing, why she wrote it, and the decision to donate one hundred percent of the proceeds to Thoroughbred aftercare. Donna also previews the two panels she will moderate next month at the Race Track Industry Symposium in Tucson and talks about her involvement with Starlight Racing.

Then, Chiefswood Stables General Manager Robert Landry joins the show for the first time this year. Robert recaps Chiefswood’s 2025 season, which features twenty-eight wins and more than one point six million dollars in purse earnings. He discusses the stable’s divisions, its current roster of horses, and the standout performers of the season. Robert also previews his filly Piper’s Gift, the morning-line favorite for today’s Princess Elizabeth Stakes following two impressive victories. He talks about Piper’s Gift’s sire, the Chiefswood stallion Yorkton, and what makes the filly such an exciting prospect. Robert reflects on his own riding career of more than two thousand wins, two Sovereign Awards, and sixty-nine million dollars in earnings. He discusses the mentors who helped him early on, the accomplishments he still thinks about today, whether he ever regretted retiring, and the races that slipped away.

In our feature “In Case You Missed It”, Larry reviews this week’s horse racing headlines from around North America. Later on, he presents his Ponies Picks of the Day, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, looking at potential wagering opportunities at Woodbine, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and several other tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, powered by Pineview Hyundai, Larry heads to Churchill Downs for the Grade 2, four hundred thousand dollar Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, a mile and a sixteenth event for two-year-olds on the dirt.

● Jamie Dykstra — breaks down the 2025 Thoroughbred and Standardbred seasons at Woodbine and Mohawk, highlights memorable races, introduces the Woodbine Cares Horsepower Fund, explains eligibility and goals, previews the Winter Wonderland Market, and shares his career path in communications.

● Donna Brothers — reflects on growing up in a racing family, her career as a successful jockey, the decision to retire, coverage of major racing events, her book and its aftercare mission, her advocacy for the backstretch community, and her upcoming panels at the Race Track Industry Symposium.

● Robert Landry — discusses Chiefswood Stables’ 2025 results, standout horses, details on Piper’s Gift, thoughts on the Princess Elizabeth Stakes, the influence of stallion Yorkton, his own riding career milestones, mentorship, retirement reflections, and races he still thinks about.

● Feature Segments — “In Case You Missed It” recaps the week in racing. “Road Trip,” powered by Pineview Hyundai, previews the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. “Ponies Picks of the Day,” sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, highlights Larry’s top betting opportunities.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with former jockey Trevor McCarthy, who joins us for the first time this year. Trevor recorded more than one thousand eight hundred wins and over seventy six million dollars in purse earnings before stepping away from riding last season. He explains the signs that led him to pause a highly successful career, the physical and mental exhaustion he experienced, and how a conversation with Colonial Downs chaplain Jay Hurley became the catalyst for change. Trevor discusses the challenges riders face with mental health, the importance of support systems, and how these experiences motivated him to accept a newly created role with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority as a Jockey Wellness Consultant. He also talks about the goals of the position, how he plans to strengthen resources available to riders, and provides an update on his brother-in-law Dylan Davis following a recent injury.

Also today, James MacDonald joins the show fresh off being crowned World Driving Champion for the second time. James talks about his experience competing in the six-leg international championship across tracks in New Zealand and how he navigated different horses, conditions, and driving styles throughout the event. He explains the process for being named Canada’s representative, the camaraderie among drivers, and how quickly he had to adjust back to regular nightly racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park. James also looks back on his tremendous 2025 season that includes more than three hundred wins, over seven million dollars in earnings, and a win percentage above twenty percent. He outlines his goals for the remainder of the season and highlights the races that meant the most to him this year.

Then, Woodbine trainer Bill Tharrenos stops by as he closes out another strong campaign. Bill discusses his 2025 season, which includes thirty one wins, nearly one million dollars in purse earnings, and an impressive eighteen percent strike rate. He talks about his improving filly Zabarta, who enters today’s Shady Well Stakes on a two-race win streak following a dominant victory in the South Ocean Stakes. Bill explains what has fueled her rapid progression, how he evaluates whether a horse has another level to give, and what plans may follow after today’s race. Bill also shares his background in the sport, the influence of training in Florida, the advantages of winter conditioning programs, and the young horses he is excited about heading into next season.

In our feature “In Case You Missed It,” Larry reviews the biggest racing headlines from the past week. Later, he presents his Ponies Picks of the Day, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, offering potential wagering gems at Woodbine, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and other North American tracks. And in this week’s Road Trip, powered by Pineview Hyundai, Larry heads to Churchill Downs for the Grade 3, three hundred thousand dollar Commonwealth Turf Stakes, a mile and a sixteenth turf event for three-year-olds.

Bullet Points of Key Topics, Guests and Time Stamps

● Trevor McCarthy discusses stepping away from riding, the mental and physical strain of the jockey lifestyle, his conversation with chaplain Jay Hurley, and his new role with HISA as a Jockey Wellness Consultant. He also shares thoughts on improving rider support systems and provides an update on Dylan Davis.

● James MacDonald breaks down his second World Driving Championship title, talks about the six-leg international format, competing overseas, transitioning back to the North American driving schedule, and reviews his standout 2025 season.

● Bill Tharrenos reflects on his 2025 Woodbine campaign, discusses the rise of his filly Zabarta, looks at stable plans for the winter and 2026 season, and talks about his training background and Florida program.

● Feature Segments — “In Case You Missed It” recaps the week in racing. “Road Trip,” powered by Pineview Hyundai, previews the Grade 3 Commonwealth Turf Stakes at Churchill Downs. “Ponies Picks of the Day,” sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, highlights Larry’s top betting opportunities.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Chelsey Stone Stewart, who joins the show for the first time after recently being named CEO of Resolute Racing, a Thoroughbred breeding and racing operation based in Midway, Kentucky. Chelsey discusses Resolute’s mission to develop top-level racehorses while providing care and second chances for Thoroughbreds transitioning out of racing. She shares the story of Awesome Hawaiian, a rescued horse who became a meaningful part of Resolute’s rehabilitation efforts, and provides updates on the other horses rescued at the same time. Chelsey talks about her lifelong passion for horses, Resolute’s breeding strategy of racing what they breed, and what lies ahead for the operation. She also reflects on memorable horses that have carried the Resolute colors and how the team continues to grow its program.

Also today, Evan Sandhu joins the program for the first time. Evan manages Amplify Stables, located in Loretto, Ontario at the former Ballycroy Farm. He talks about how his family’s connection to horses in India shaped his passion for the sport, and how Amplify provides breaking, training, and boarding services for clients. Evan discusses his commitment to improving the Ontario racing landscape, ideas for strengthening the industry, and his long-term goal of being the first South Asian owner to race in the King’s Plate or a Triple Crown event. He also explains how Amplify aims to bring more South Asian participation into horse racing and what the future may hold for expansion.

Then, Woodbine trainer Kevin Attard returns to the show following another standout season. Kevin reflects on his 2025 campaign that included over sixty wins, more than four million dollars in purse earnings, and his second King’s Plate triumph with Mansetti. He discusses the preparation that went into Mansetti’s win, plans for the colt’s 2026 campaign, and updates on stable stars including Caitlinhergreatness, Gas Me Up, and the recently retired Moira. Kevin also shares his thoughts on the Breeders’ Cup, the best performances of the weekend, and talks about his longtime connection with bloodstock agent Donato Lanni and why he believes Lanni should be recognized in the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.

In our feature “In Case You Missed It,” Larry recaps the top headlines from the past week across the racing world. Later, he presents his Ponies Picks of the Day, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, highlighting wagering opportunities at Woodbine, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and other North American tracks. And in this week’s Road Trip, powered by Pineview Hyundai, Larry previews the Grade 3, three hundred fifty thousand dollar Jockey Club Oaks at Aqueduct, a mile and three eighths turf event for three-year-old fillies.

Bullet Points of Key Topics, Guests and Time Stamps

● Chelsey Stone Stewart discusses Resolute Racing’s mission, the rescue and rehabilitation of Awesome Hawaiian, updates on the other horses saved alongside him, the company’s breeding and racing strategy, and her personal passion for the sport.

● Evan Sandhu explains the origins and services of Amplify Stables, his family’s history with horses, the changes he believes Ontario racing needs, his plans to help the industry improve, and his effort to bring more South Asians into the sport.

● Kevin Attard reflects on his 2025 season highlighted by another King’s Plate victory with Mansetti, his stable’s top runners, thoughts on Moira’s retirement, the Breeders’ Cup weekend, and why he believes Donato Lanni deserves Hall of Fame recognition.

● Feature Segments: Larry’s “In Case You Missed It” reviews the week’s major racing stories. “Road Trip,” powered by Pineview Hyundai, heads to Aqueduct for the Grade 3 Jockey Club Oaks. The show wraps with “Ponies Picks of the Day,” sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, offering top selections and handicapping insights.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with jockey Katie Davis, who joins the show from Aqueduct after announcing earlier this week that she will move her tack to Gulfstream Park for the Championship Meet. Katie reflects on her experience riding in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Royal Ascot, where she competed against jockeys from ten countries. She also talks about her global riding career, her deep family lineage in horse racing, what she learned from her father Robbie Davis, and how she and her husband Trevor McCarthy balanced riding careers while raising their daughter. Katie discusses her decision to relocate to Florida, the tracks she has ridden at around the world, and the major races she still dreams of winning before she retires.

Also today, Woodbine track announcer and handicapper Robert Geller returns to the show. Robert breaks down last weekend’s Breeders’ Cup races at Del Mar, sharing his thoughts on standout performances, the surprise win by Forever Young in the Classic, and whether Del Mar’s surface bias impacted Sierra Leone’s performance. As one of North America’s most respected race callers and pedigree students, Robert offers his insights into handicapping approaches, angles he relies on, and his analysis of today’s Woodbine card. He also reflects on the highlight moments of the 2025 Woodbine season and his post-season travel plans.

Then, Dr. Peter Physick-Sheard of the University of Guelph’s Department of Population Medicine joins us for his annual appearance. Peter previews the upcoming 10th Annual Equine Industry Symposium, taking place virtually on November 18th and 19th. This year’s theme, “Patching the Holes in Our Bucket — Inspiring Changes in Equestrian Culture,” brings together international speakers to discuss equestrian culture, welfare, and long-term industry sustainability. Peter explains how listeners can attend, the goals of the symposium, the importance of connecting stakeholders across the equine world, and why fostering positive cultural change is essential for the future of horse racing and equestrian sport. He also shares insight into his work at the University of Guelph and how the symposium has evolved over the years.

In our feature “In Case You Missed It” — a look at the week it was in horse racing news — Larry recaps the biggest stories from around North America. Later in the show, he presents his Ponies Picks of the Day, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, highlighting wagering opportunities at Woodbine, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and other tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, powered by Pineview Hyundai, Larry previews the Grade 3 $300,000 River City Stakes from Churchill Downs, a mile-and-an-eighth turf test that headlines today’s action.

● Katie Davis (Jockey) — discusses her experience at the Shergar Cup at Royal Ascot, international riding experiences, the extensive Davis family riding legacy, balancing career and motherhood, advice from her father Robbie Davis, training routines, and her upcoming move to Gulfstream Park for the winter. She also shares the major race she hopes to win before retiring.

● Robert Geller (Woodbine Track Announcer & Handicapper) — breaks down last weekend’s Breeders’ Cup results, discusses the Classic upset by Forever Young, comments on Del Mar’s track bias, highlights standout Breeders’ Cup performances, and shares his handicapping angles. Robert also offers selections for today’s Woodbine card and reflects on the 2025 Woodbine season.

● Dr. Peter Physick-Sheard (University of Guelph, Department of Population Medicine) — previews the 10th Annual Equine Industry Symposium, outlines the theme and goals, details how listeners can participate, discusses presenter topics, and emphasizes the importance of equine cultural change and industry-wide collaboration. He also speaks about his role at the University of Guelph and the growth of the symposium.

● Feature Segments — Larry’s “In Case You Missed It” highlights major racing news from the past week. This week’s “Road Trip,” powered by Pineview Hyundai, focuses on the Grade 3 River City Stakes from Churchill Downs. The show concludes with “Ponies Picks of the Day,” presented by Rocket Ship Racing, as Larry identifies his top betting opportunities across North America’s racing circuits.

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.