Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Horse Racing Alberta CEO Kent Verlik, who joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time to discuss the organization’s newly released two thousand twenty-six to two thousand twenty-eight business plan. The plan outlines a strategic roadmap aimed at strengthening, modernizing, and growing Alberta’s horse racing and breeding industry over the next three years. Kent explains the role Horse Racing Alberta plays within the province’s racing ecosystem, including its regulatory responsibilities, support of racetrack operations, and involvement in breeding and education initiatives such as partnerships with Olds College. He also discusses the current state of racing in Alberta, the challenges facing the industry, and whether the recent shutdown of racing in British Columbia has led to an influx of horses and horsepeople relocating to Alberta. Kent reflects on his own background in the industry and shares his perspective on the future of horse racing in the province.

Also today, respected North American handicapper Peter Lurie returns to Ponies 24-7 to preview a major stakes day at Santa Anita Park. Peter breaks down the Grade two San Felipe Stakes, a key Kentucky Derby prep race that awards fifty Derby points to the winner and features a competitive field of three-year-olds looking to secure their place in the starting gate on the first Saturday in May. He also analyzes the historic three hundred thousand dollar Santa Anita Handicap for older horses and discusses how the Santa Anita meet has unfolded so far this season. Peter reflects on how he first became interested in horse racing and handicapping, describes the angles he looks for when making selections, and shares thoughts on which Derby prep races so far have produced the most impressive performances.

Then, Tampa Bay Downs handicapper Luis Ocasio joins the show to preview a big afternoon of racing highlighted by the Grade three four hundred thousand dollar Tampa Bay Derby. The race is one of the most important late-season Kentucky Derby preps, awarding fifty Derby points to the winner and often producing contenders who go on to compete on racing’s biggest stage. Luis discusses the field for this year’s Tampa Bay Derby, the horses he believes have the best chance to win, and why this race has historically played an important role on the road to Churchill Downs. He also breaks down several other stakes races on Tampa Bay’s card and talks about his background in racing, how he became the track’s handicapper, and the approach he uses when preparing his popular “Tip Sheets by Luis.”

In our feature “In Case You Missed It,” Larry recaps 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 Mohawk Park and several other tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, Larry heads to Tampa Bay Downs for the four hundred thousand dollar Grade three Tampa Bay Derby, a mile-and-a-sixteenth test for three-year-olds and a key stepping stone on the road to the Kentucky Derby.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Oaklawn Park handicapper Nancy Holthus as the Road to the Kentucky Derby rolls through Hot Springs, Arkansas. Nancy previews tomorrow’s Grade 2, one million two hundred fifty thousand dollar Rebel Stakes, one of the key Kentucky Derby prep races of the season. She reflects on last year’s weather-delayed Rebel, explains why the race remains on Sunday this year, and discusses which contender the race may run through. Nancy also breaks down today’s Grade 3, five hundred thousand dollar Razorback Handicap, highlights other major stakes events on the Oaklawn card, and evaluates how Rebel winners have historically performed in the Kentucky Derby. She shares her background in racing, describes her handicapping philosophy, and identifies which Derby prep race has impressed her most so far this season.

Also today, jockey Dylan Davis returns to the show as he continues his recovery from a frightening riding accident last November at Aqueduct that left him with nine fractured ribs, a collapsed lung, and a broken collarbone. Dylan discusses the rehabilitation process, the doubts he faced while recovering, and whether retirement ever crossed his mind following what he described as a near-death experience. With more than one thousand six hundred career wins and purse earnings exceeding one hundred four million dollars since beginning his riding career in two thousand twelve, Dylan reflects on the support of his family, including his father Robbie Davis, and the role his agent Mike Migliore played in encouraging his comeback. He also outlines his goals for the upcoming season and the races he still hopes to win in his career.

Then, Woodbine’s Senior Manager of Communications Mark McKelvie joins the program as preparations continue for the two thousand twenty-six Thoroughbred season. Mark discusses the recently announced date for this year’s King’s Plate, what makes the historic classic such a special event, and how plans are progressing for opening day in April. He provides updates on backstretch activity, potential horse population shifts following changes on the West Coast circuit, and what fans can expect from the upcoming meet. Mark also reflects on the recent U.S. Horse of the Year honor for Beau Jangles, the first Ontario-sired two-year-old to win the award, and what the colt’s success means for Ontario breeding and harness racing. He updates listeners on Woodbine Mohawk Park winter operations, weather-related cancellations, and early preparations for the North America Cup.

In our feature “In Case You Missed It,” Larry recaps 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 Mohawk Park and several other tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, Larry heads to Gulfstream Park for the Grade 2, four hundred twenty-five thousand dollar Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes, a mile-and-a-sixteenth dirt test for three-year-olds on the Kentucky Derby trail.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with North American jockey Ramon Vazquez, who joins the show for the first time following a sensational five-win performance at Oaklawn Park earlier this week. Vazquez currently sits second in the competitive Oaklawn jockey standings with twenty-four wins, just four behind meet leader Cristian Torres. Since moving to the United States in two thousand eleven, Ramon has recorded more than three thousand nine hundred career victories and purse earnings exceeding ninety-four million dollars. He reflects on his journey from Puerto Rico to becoming one of North America’s most consistent riders, recalls his first career win, discusses the biggest race he has captured to date, and shares which race still sits at the top of his bucket list. Ramon also talks about mentors who shaped his career, his riding goals, and what it takes to compete daily at a demanding circuit like Oaklawn Park.

Also today, Thoroughbred breeder and owner Yawen Wu joins the program for the first time. Alongside her husband James Mann, Yawen co-owns North York-based Mann Engineering while also operating a racing and breeding program anchored at Spirit Run Farm on Lake Scugog. Yawen discusses how she first became passionate about horse racing, the parallels she sees between engineering and managing a racing stable, and the discipline required to succeed in both fields. She reflects on the evolution of her racing program since entering the industry in two thousand seven, highlights some of the stable’s notable horses including Sedbury’s Ghost, and outlines her goals for the coming season. Yawen also shares what visitors would experience touring Spirit Run Farm and describes the journey of building a sustainable racing operation in Ontario.

Then, Woodbine Mohawk Park driver Daryl Thiessen makes his first appearance on Ponies 24-7. Currently sitting sixth in wins at Mohawk, Daryl’s path to harness racing is anything but traditional. A former bullfighting cowboy in Western Canada, Thiessen transitioned into driving Standardbreds in two thousand nineteen. He talks about that career change, his early success on the Ontario B circuit, and a serious racing accident at Century Downs that tested his resolve. Daryl reflects on his breakthrough two thousand twenty-five season in which he won more than three hundred races and earned over two million dollars in purses. He discusses the goals he set entering two thousand twenty-six, what a typical week looks like competing at Mohawk, and what continues to motivate him as he climbs the driver standings.

In our feature “In Case You Missed It,” Larry recaps 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 Mohawk Park and several other tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, Larry heads to Turfway Park for the one hundred seventy-five thousand dollar Joseph Battaglia Stakes, a mile-and-a-sixteenth test for three-year-olds on the Tapeta surface.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Fair Grounds handicapper Joe Kristufek, a longtime friend of the show, as the New Orleans track presents one of its strongest race days of the season highlighted by the Grade 2, five hundred thousand dollar Risen Star Stakes. The winner earns fifty Kentucky Derby qualifying points on the road to the first Saturday in May. Joe breaks down the Risen Star field, discusses which contender the race may run through, and evaluates what the result could mean for the upcoming Louisiana Derby scheduled for March twenty-first. He also highlights other key stakes races on today’s Fair Grounds card, reflects on how he first became involved in horse racing, and explains his personal handicapping style. Joe talks about his professional work at Churchill Downs, the race or moment that solidified his passion for Thoroughbred racing, and shares his early impressions of this year’s Kentucky Derby prep season.

Also today, David Anderson returns to the program. A Thoroughbred and Standardbred horseman and President of the Ontario division of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society, David discusses the recent arrival of the stallion Sergei Prokofiev to stand stud in Ontario. Bred in Ontario by Anderson Farms, sold to Coolmore for one point one million dollars, and later repurchased by Anderson in late two thousand twenty-five, the son of Scat Daddy enjoyed both racing success and early promise at stud in England. David explains what Sergei Prokofiev means to Ontario breeding, why he chose to bring the stallion back to Canada, and why Ballycroy Bloodstock in Loretto was selected as his new home. He also previews an upcoming meet-and-greet event for breeders and fans, discusses the stallion’s first crop success including a starter in the Saudi Cup program, and provides updates from the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society including newly announced yearling sale dates and guidance for prospective owners entering the marketplace.

Then, harness driver Damian MacLellan joins the show for the first time following his recent O’Brien Award win as Canada’s Future Star. A native of Inverness, Nova Scotia, Damian recorded eighty-three wins and more than six hundred thousand dollars in purse earnings during the two thousand twenty-five season while competing across Ontario. He reflects on the moment his name was called at the O’Brien Awards, discusses the path that led him from a strong harness racing community in Nova Scotia to driving regularly in Ontario, and outlines the typical weekly schedule of a young catch driver building a career. Damian talks about mentors who have supported his development, the importance of working with trainer Kyle Fellows, and the excitement of earning his first win at Woodbine Mohawk Park. He also shares insight into standout filly A Clean Deal, Canada’s two-year-old pacing filly of the year, and discusses his goals for the two thousand twenty-six season as he looks to build on early success.

In our feature “In Case You Missed It,” Larry recaps the biggest horse 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 Mohawk Park and several other tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, Larry heads to Fair Grounds for the Grade 2, five hundred thousand dollar Risen Star Stakes, a mile-and-an-eighth dirt test for three-year-olds on the Kentucky Derby trail.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with champion jockey Flo Geroux, who returns to the show following a major career decision to relocate his tack to Santa Anita Park in California. With more than two thousand three hundred career wins and mounts earning over one hundred eighty-nine million dollars, Geroux reflects on the accomplishments that have defined his riding career, including a Kentucky Derby victory and multiple Breeders’ Cup triumphs. He discusses how his journey began in France, the transition to racing in North America, and the key differences between the two racing environments. Florent also talks about his decision to make the move to California, whether it could become a long-term change, and what goals remain on his riding bucket list. He shares memories of champion Gun Runner, the influence of fellow riders who helped shape his career, and the major races he still hopes to win.

Also today, Ren Carothers joins the program from Tampa Bay Downs, where the spotlight falls on the two hundred fifty thousand dollar Sam F. Davis Stakes, an important Kentucky Derby prep contested at a mile and a sixteenth on dirt. Ren breaks down the Sam Davis field, discusses historical trends from past runnings of the race, and evaluates contenders in the supporting Suncoast Stakes for three-year-old fillies. He explains his personal handicapping philosophy, reflects on how he first became involved in horse racing, and identifies any Derby hopefuls from the early prep season who have caught his attention heading toward the first Saturday in May.

Then, Ontario Thoroughbred breeder Sherry McLean joins the show for the first time. Owner of Northern Dawn Farms, Sherry finished fifth among breeders in two thousand twenty-five breeder award earnings through the government-supported Thoroughbred Improvement Program. She explains why breeder awards are vital—especially for smaller breeding operations—how the award system works from yearling sale through race success, and how breeders benefit financially. Sherry also reflects on how she entered the Thoroughbred industry, the mentors who influenced her path, and the horses that have shaped her passion for breeding in Ontario.

In our feature “In Case You Missed It,” Larry recaps the week it was in horse racing news from across North America. Later, he delivers his Ponies Picks of the Day, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, highlighting potential betting opportunities at Woodbine Mohawk Park and other tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, Larry heads to Tampa Bay Downs for the Sam F. Davis Stakes, a key Kentucky Derby prep at a mile and a sixteenth on dirt.

Today on Ponies 24-7 The Radio Magazine, Larry Simpson and Cameron Wilkinson (filling in for Drew Behm) preview a busy Saturday edition of the show, featuring top guests from both the Thoroughbred and Standardbred worlds.

First, one of North America’s leading Thoroughbred trainers, Brad Cox, joins the program to discuss his standout career, recent runners including Disco Time and Cannoneer, and his presence at Gulfstream Park for the Holy Bull, Forward Gal, and Sweet Chant Stakes. Brad also reflects on his training philosophy, Derby prospects, and his path through the racing industry.

Also on today’s show, Woodbine’s Vice President of Standardbred Racing Bill McLinchey joins the show to discuss the newly announced details for the 2026 Mohawk Million, scheduled for September 26 at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Bill breaks down the slot-entry process, highlights what makes the Mohawk Million such a premier event, and looks back on the 2025 season while previewing key stakes and challenges ahead.

In addition, Woodbine jockey Pietro Moran returns to Ponies 24-7 after being named the Eclipse Award winner for Leading Apprentice Jockey in North America. Pietro looks back on his career-defining season, including his wire-to-wire victory in the King’s Plate aboard Mansetti, reflects on receiving racing’s highest honour, and shares his goals heading into the upcoming Woodbine meet.

Plus, the show includes In Case You Missed It, presented by RS Bulk Propane; this week’s Road Trip, spotlighting the Grade 3 $275,000 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park; and Larry’s Ponies Picks of the Day, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, with selections from Woodbine Mohawk Park and other North American tracks.

• (4:51) In Case You Missed It – Larry recaps the week’s top horse racing headlines, presented by RS Bulk Propane
• (6:55) Road Trip – Spotlight on the Grade 3 $275,000 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park.
• (11:18) Brad Cox (Leading Thoroughbred Trainer) – Discusses his training career and milestones, reviews Disco Time’s recent start, previews Cannoneer in the Holy Bull Stakes, talks about runners in the Forward Gal and Sweet Chant Stakes, explains his workout philosophy, shares insights on potential Kentucky Derby prospects, and reflects on his path in the sport.
• (26:07) Bill McLinchey (Vice President, Standardbred Racing – Woodbine) – Breaks down changes to the Mohawk Million, explains the slot-entry process, recaps the 2025 season at Woodbine Mohawk Park, previews major 2026 stakes events, and discusses weather challenges and the overall Mohawk Park experience.
• (41:20) Pietro Moran (Eclipse Award–Winning Jockey) – Reflects on winning the Eclipse Award for Leading Apprentice Jockey, revisits his King’s Plate victory aboard Mansetti, talks about mentorship and family influence, discusses his winter riding at Turfway Park, and outlines goals for the upcoming Woodbine season.
• (56:00) Ponies Picks of the Day – Larry’s betting selections for Woodbine Mohawk Park and other North American tracks, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Woodbine trainer Kevin Attard, who joins the show for the first time in two thousand twenty-six. Although Woodbine is closed for the winter, Kevin remains extremely busy with a trio of major starters at Gulfstream Park today. He breaks down his runners Jokestar in the sixth race, Hammerhead in the Grade 3 William McKnight Stakes in race nine, and Caitlinhergreatness in the Grade 2 Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf Invitational, a five hundred thousand dollar feature. Kevin reviews his two thousand twenty-five season, which included sixty-seven wins and more than four point six million dollars in purse earnings, and reflects on the highlight of training Mansettie, winner of the King’s Plate. He discusses Mansettie’s recent sale attempt, future plans for the colt, and the challenges associated with developing young horses. Kevin also offers insight into today’s Gulfstream races, his expectations for each starter, and reflects on the recent Eclipse Award win by longtime assistant Pietro Moran.

Also today, harness racing star Doug McNair returns to the program following another outstanding campaign. Doug enjoyed a two thousand twenty-five season that saw him reach the winner’s circle two hundred fifty-eight times with more than six point eight million dollars in purse earnings. He also recently celebrated a monumental career milestone by recording his five-thousandth career driving win. Doug talks about when he first began driving, whether he ever imagined reaching such a historic number, and how it felt to finally hit that mark. He reflects on the highlights of his career, the best horses he has driven, the biggest races he has won, and the family legacy that helped shape his path into harness racing. Doug also discusses his pursuit of the next major milestone of one hundred million dollars in career earnings and what motivates him to continue competing at the highest level.

Then, Woodbine jockey Cheyenne Kerr joins the show for her first appearance. From Napanee, Ontario, Cheyenne discusses how she became interested in riding, the steps she took to pursue a jockey career, and her experience competing aboard both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses. She reflects on her career milestones, including winning her first Quarter Horse race at Ajax Downs on her twentieth birthday and her first Thoroughbred race at Woodbine in October of two thousand twenty-three. Cheyenne reviews her breakout two thousand twenty-five season, shares her goals for two thousand twenty-six, and explains how she continues to develop her riding skills while spending the winter exercising horses in Florida. She also discusses her unique second passion, welding art, how she discovered the craft, her post-secondary training at Loyalist College, and her dream of eventually merging her two passions by creating welded horse sculptures.

In our feature “In Case You Missed It,” Larry recaps the week it was in horse racing news from across North America. Later, he presents his Ponies Picks of the Day, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, offering potential betting opportunities at Woodbine Mohawk Park and several other North American racetracks. And in this week’s Road Trip, Larry heads to Gulfstream Park for the one million dollar Pegasus World Cup, a mile and an eighth dirt showcase featuring some of the top horses in training.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Marvin Katz, who joins the show for the first time after being named the recipient of the prestigious Cam Fella Award, which recognizes individuals whose recent contributions have had a significant impact on Canadian harness racing. Marvin is honored for his visionary leadership and long-standing commitment to the sport through the Breeders Crown Charity Challenge, an initiative he founded in two thousand nineteen. Now in its seventh year, the Charity Challenge has raised more than two point four million dollars for charitable causes, including four hundred fifty thousand dollars in two thousand twenty-five alone. Marvin discusses how the idea for the Charity Challenge came together, where the funds are directed, how beneficiary groups are selected, and what it meant to pass the torch after last year’s Breeders Crown at Woodbine Mohawk Park. He also reflects on a milestone year that included induction into the United States Harness Racing Hall of Fame, looks back on champion horses he has owned, including Peaceful Way, Dream Away, Tall Dark Stranger, and Muscle Massive, and shares insight into his role as a member of the Woodbine Board of Directors.

Also today, Bob Broadstock returns to the program. A well-known Ontario Quarter Horse breeder and President of the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario Incorporated, Bob discusses the current state of Quarter Horse racing in the province and reflects on another season at Ajax Downs. He talks about how he first became involved with Quarter Horses, the development of his operation in Scugog Township alongside his wife Marie, and the steps he took to become a leader in the Ontario Quarter Horse industry. Bob evaluates fan support at Ajax Downs, discusses what can be done to grow interest in the sport, explains Quarter Horse ownership packages, and looks ahead to preparations for the two thousand twenty-six Quarter Horse race meeting. He also finishes the show’s signature question by revealing what career he might have pursued had he not become involved in Quarter Horse racing.

Then, Woodbine Senior Manager of Communications Mark McKelvie joins the show for the first time in two thousand twenty-six. Mark breaks down the newly released two thousand twenty-six Woodbine Mohawk Park Standardbred stakes schedule, highlighting key races and what fans can look forward to throughout the year. He discusses a recently released ten-minute video celebrating Woodbine’s two thousand twenty-five Thoroughbred meet and shares some of his personal favorite moments from the season. Mark also provides an update on the current Woodbine Mohawk Park meet, including weather-related challenges, betting trends, and horse population levels. He previews the upcoming O’Brien Awards, sharing thoughts on potential favorites across major categories, and also looks ahead to the Sovereign Awards on the Thoroughbred side, including Horse of the Year, Trainer of the Year, and when preparations for the King’s Plate begin to intensify.

In our feature “In Case You Missed It,” Larry recaps the week it was in horse racing news from across North America. Later, he delivers his Ponies Picks of the Day, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, highlighting potential betting gems at Woodbine Mohawk Park and several other tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, Larry heads to Gulfstream Park for the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf, a one-mile turf event showcasing top fillies and mares.