In this special episode, Shannon Kelly and PTF sit down with Daisy Phipps Pulito of Phipps Stable, a Thoroughbred racing ownership operation with more than 100 years of history, following Golden Tempo’s Kentucky Derby victory. Daisy shares insight into the strategy behind Golden Tempo’s campaign, including the decision to partner with trainer Cherie Devaux and the patient approach that allowed the colt to improve with each prep race leading up to the Derby.

History was made at the 152nd Kentucky Derby, where Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the race. Daisy reflects on the trust, timing, and long-term planning in developing a Derby contender, as well as what this milestone means for both Phipps Stable and the broader Thoroughbred industry.

From the earliest stages of Golden Tempo’s development to the 152nd Kentucky Derby finish line, this episode offers a closer look at the many hands, decisions, and dedication that helped shape this defining victory.

Since the first Welfare & Safety of the Racehorse Summit in 2006, the industry has achieved a 47% reduction in racing fatalities — and the work is far from over. Peter Thomas Fornatale and Shannon Kelly sit down with Jamie Hayden, president of the Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation, and Dr. Scollay, consultant for the Equine Injury Database, to look back on two decades of progress. They discuss the data, the diagnostics, the surfaces, and the culture shift that's made thoroughbred racing safer for horses and riders alike. From standardized pre-race exams and the national Vets List to cutting-edge PET scans and racing surface science, this episode explains exactly how horse racing transformed its approach to safety — and where it's headed next.

As season one of On the Lead draws to a close, Shannon and PTF sit down for an exclusive conversation marking Everett Dobson’s first 100 days as Chair of The Jockey Club on November 7. In this special season finale, you’ll get an inside look at the recent leadership transition and hear Dobson’s candid reflections on his expectations and vision for the future of the Thoroughbred industry.

When discussing his recent priorities, Dobson outlines a forward-thinking agenda focused on advancing the health and well-being of both horses and participants, working closely with HISA leadership to strengthen data collection and use it to drive meaningful improvements in overall welfare. Dobson also emphasizes the need for greater transparency across the industry, ensuring that both stakeholders and the betting public can better understand the economics of wagering while making data more accessible and meaningful throughout the sport.

Looking ahead, Dobson reflects on the power of storytelling and fan engagement, pointing to the NBA as a model for how a sport can successfully leverage its greatest assets, its fans and athletes, to build deeper connections and broader appeal.