Tim Lawson, Woodbine VP of Thoroughbred Racing / Emilio Trotta, Ajax Downs GM / Nathan Squires, Woodbine Trainer cover art

Tim Lawson, Woodbine VP of Thoroughbred Racing / Emilio Trotta, Ajax Downs GM / Nathan Squires, Woodbine Trainer

Tim Lawson, Woodbine VP of Thoroughbred Racing / Emilio Trotta, Ajax Downs GM / Nathan Squires, Woodbine Trainer

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

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.

No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.