Episodes

  • Rob Conway, Woodbine Senior Manager, Betting Content / Jorge Vargas Jr., Jockey / Jessica Carnochan, Clinton Raceway Marketing Manager
    Jul 24 2026

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Woodbine Senior Manager of Betting Content Rob Conway, who returns to Ponies 24-7 to discuss one of Woodbine’s fastest-growing digital initiatives, Railbirds. Designed to introduce casual sports bettors to the excitement of horse racing, Railbirds delivers audio, video, and written handicapping content across multiple digital platforms while providing wagering tools and educational resources for both new and experienced bettors. Rob explains how Railbirds came to life, the audience it is designed to reach, and the features that continue to make it a valuable resource for racing fans. He also discusses his role at Woodbine, his approach to handicapping, the future of betting content, and shares his thoughts on last weekend’s King’s Plate Trial and Woodbine Oaks, including the horses that impressed him the most.

    Also today, jockey Jorge Vargas Jr. joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time after capturing the biggest victory of his career aboard twenty-eight-to-one longshot Baby Vino in last weekend’s Grade one Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park. Vargas, who has now surpassed forty-three million dollars in career purse earnings and recorded his tenth graded stakes victory, reflects on the unexpected opportunity to ride Baby Vino after a late rider change and describes what it felt like crossing the finish line first in his maiden Grade one triumph. He also discusses his journey into horse racing, the family influences that led him into the saddle, the tracks he rides throughout the week, and the goals he has set for himself as he looks to build on one of the most memorable moments of his riding career.

    Then, Clinton Raceway Marketing Manager Jessica Carnochan returns to the show to preview one of the busiest weekends of the season at the historic Ontario harness track. Jessica discusses the inaugural Junior National Driving Championship, an event featuring miniature horses that aims to introduce younger fans to harness racing, before turning her attention to Sunday’s National Driving Championship and the twenty-fifth anniversary of the popular Legends Day. She also previews the fiftieth anniversary celebrations of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame taking place at Clinton Raceway, provides an update on the meet’s strong attendance and wagering numbers, and highlights several special events still to come before the conclusion of the twenty twenty-six racing season.

    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, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and several other tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, Larry heads to Saratoga Race Course for the Grade one five hundred thousand dollar Coaching Club American Oaks, a mile-and-an-eighth test on the dirt for three-year-old fillies.

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    58 mins
  • Brian Skirka, Monmouth Park Marketing Manager / Donato Lanni, Bloodstock Agent / Dale Desruisseaux, Thoroughbred Traine
    Jul 17 2026

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Monmouth Park Marketing Manager Brian Skirka, who returns to Ponies 24-7 for his annual Haskell Stakes preview as Monmouth Park prepares for one of its biggest days of the racing season. Skirka breaks down the one million dollar Grade one Haskell Stakes, headlined by Preakness Stakes winner Napoleon Solo, while also discussing the chances of Kentucky Derby hopeful The Puma and the other contenders in the compact but talented field. Brian also previews the Grade two United Nations Stakes and the Grade three WinStar Matchmaker Stakes, highlights the festival atmosphere surrounding Haskell Day, and reflects on Monmouth Park's rich history and its continued efforts to attract younger fans to horse racing. He also discusses the growing relationship between sports betting and horse racing and shares his thoughts on the future of the industry.

    Also today, internationally respected bloodstock agent Donato Lanni returns to the show to discuss one of the most unique and influential careers in Thoroughbred racing. A Montreal native who first became involved in horse racing through the harness side of the sport at Blue Bonnets Raceway, Lanni explains how his passion eventually led him to become one of the industry's most successful bloodstock agents. He discusses the qualities he looks for when evaluating prospective purchases, weighs the importance of pedigree versus conformation, and reflects on some of the elite racehorses he has helped identify throughout his career. Donato also shares how mentors shaped his development, explains the responsibilities of a bloodstock agent during major sales, and recalls the horses that have brought him the greatest sense of pride.

    Then, Woodbine trainer Dale Desruisseaux returns to Ponies 24-7 as he prepares for one of the biggest weekends of his training career. Desruisseaux previews Highway to the Moon's start in the King's Plate Trial after the colt's impressive victory in the Queenston Stakes, and discusses his strong one-two punch of Pipers Gift and Dixie Law in the Woodbine Oaks, with both fillies entering the race as multiple stakes winners. Dale also provides an update on today's Woodbine runners, Justine and Aleatoric, reflects on the steady growth of his stable that has now earned more than three and a half million dollars in purses, and discusses the mentors, horses, and experiences that helped shape his career as one of Woodbine's rising trainers.

    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, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and several other tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, Larry heads to Monmouth Park for the Grade one one million dollar Haskell Stakes, a mile-and-an-eighth test for three-year-olds and one of the premier summer races on the North American Thoroughbred calendar.

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Julian Pimentel, Jockey / Vicki Pappas, LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society / Steven Chircop, Thoroughbred Trainer
    Jul 10 2026

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with jockey Julian Pimentel, who joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time after making a remarkable return to race riding following a five-year retirement. Pimentel, who has won more than eighteen hundred races and accumulated over fifty-nine million dollars in purse earnings during his career, reflects on the decision to step away from the saddle in twenty twenty-one and the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic that ultimately influenced his retirement. He discusses why the desire to compete never truly left him, what motivated him to launch a comeback this season, and how it has felt returning to the jockeys' room after such a lengthy absence. Julian also shares memories of riding in the Kentucky Derby and three Preakness Stakes, talks about working for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott early in his career, and reflects on some of the greatest horses he has ridden while looking ahead to the goals he has set for this latest chapter of his career.

    Also today, LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society's Vicki Pappas returns to the show to preview LongRun's annual Summer Open House taking place on July eighteenth. Vicki discusses the importance of the event as one of the organization's premier annual fundraisers and explains what visitors can expect during the day, including opportunities to meet retired racehorses and learn more about Thoroughbred aftercare. She also outlines LongRun's mission of retraining and rehoming retired Thoroughbreds, explains the adoption process and the organization's commitment to supporting adopters long after a horse leaves the farm, and shares updates on some of LongRun's most recognizable residents, including fan favourite Pink Lloyd. Vicki also reflects on her own career in horse racing and discusses the many ways people can support LongRun throughout the year.

    Then, Woodbine trainer Steven Chircop joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time to discuss a training career that has produced more than three hundred victories and over nine million dollars in purse earnings. Chircop reflects on how he first became involved in horse racing, the mentors who helped shape his career, and the horses that convinced him training was his calling. He also discusses balancing his operations between Woodbine and Penn National, the challenges of training horses year-round, and his success with first-time starters this season. Steven previews tomorrow's My Dear Stakes contender Mrs. D, an impressive debut winner who returns looking to add a stakes victory to her résumé, while also discussing two runners on today's Woodbine card and the goals he has set for his stable during the twenty twenty-six season.

    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, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and several other tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, Larry heads to The Meadowlands for the eight hundred ten thousand dollar Meadowlands Pace, a one-mile championship for three-year-old pacers and one of the premier events on the North American harness racing calendar.

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    58 mins
  • Terry Meyocks, President & CEO, Jockeys' Guild / Fraser Aebly, Jockey / Steve Owens, Thoroughbred Trainer
    Jul 3 2026

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Jockeys' Guild President and CEO Terry Meyocks, who returns to Ponies 24-7 to discuss the important work the Guild continues to do on behalf of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse jockeys across the United States. Meyocks explains the Guild’s mission of protecting and representing riders both on and off the racetrack, discusses its working relationship with HISA, and shares examples of how the organization advocates for jockey safety, benefits, and career development. Terry also reflects on his own path into horse racing, the family influences that led him to the sport, and the journey that ultimately brought him to the Guild’s top leadership position. He also offers his thoughts on the recent closure of Aqueduct Racetrack and shares memories of some of the greatest horses he has seen throughout his decades in racing.

    Also today, Woodbine jockey Fraser Aebly returns to the show as he continues another outstanding season on the Toronto oval. Following a breakout twenty twenty-five campaign that included his first Grade one victory, Aebly has carried that momentum into twenty twenty-six with another impressive start highlighted by strong win totals, more than one million dollars in purse earnings, and an outstanding in-the-money percentage. Fraser discusses the keys to his continued success, the impact of his agent Gerry Olguin, and how his riding style has evolved since moving his tack to Woodbine. He also reflects on his early career out west, the adjustments required to compete on Woodbine’s Tapeta and turf surfaces, and the goals he has set for himself, including the dream of one day winning the King’s Plate.

    Then, veteran Thoroughbred trainer Steve Owens returns to Ponies 24-7 to reflect on a training career that has produced more than eleven million dollars in purse earnings and twenty stakes victories. Owens discusses how a desire to become a jockey eventually led him into training, and recalls buying Miss Ottavia for just five hundred dollars before watching her win nearly ninety thousand dollars, the horse that convinced him to pursue training full-time. Steve also talks about breeding standout Head Chopper, one of the most accomplished horses of his career, and previews Poulin In O T, the talented sprinter named after hockey star Marie-Philip Poulin, who will contest the one hundred thousand dollar Pink Lloyd Stakes at Woodbine. He also shares his thoughts on several promising young horses in his stable and what he hopes to accomplish during the remainder of the Woodbine season.

    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, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and several other tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, Larry heads to Saratoga Race Course for the Grade one six hundred thousand dollar Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes, a mile-and-an-eighth turf test for three-year-old fillies.

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Yves Turcotte, Avelino Gomez Memorial Award Recipient / Kevin Attard, Thoroughbred Trainer / Steve Bryant, Thoroughbred Trainer
    Jun 26 2026

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with former jockey Yves Turcotte, who joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time after being named the recipient of the prestigious twenty twenty-six Avelino Gomez Memorial Award. Turcotte, who enjoyed a seventeen-year riding career that produced more than one thousand three hundred victories and over eight million dollars in purse earnings, reflects on receiving one of Canadian horse racing’s highest honours and what it means to join his brother, Hall of Famer Ron Turcotte, as a recipient of the award. Yves also looks back on the highlights of his riding career, including victories in the Canadian Derby and Alberta Derby, discusses growing up in one of racing’s most famous families, and shares stories about working alongside legendary trainer Lucien Laurin. He also explains why he chose to remain in racing as a steward following his retirement from the saddle and reflects on the many people who helped shape his remarkable career.

    Also today, leading Woodbine trainer Kevin Attard returns to the show to discuss another strong season for his stable as he continues to rank among the top conditioners on the Woodbine backstretch. Attard provides an update on several of his runners competing on today’s card, including Marine Stakes contender Yukon Striker, unbeaten through his first two career starts, and promising fillies Ada Claire, Meloni, and Elusive Yaupon. Kevin also reflects on winning last year's Marine Stakes with Mansetti, provides an update on the King’s Plate winner, and discusses the current depth of his stable, the development of his younger horses, and his expectations for the remainder of the Woodbine season.

    Then, veteran Thoroughbred trainer Steve Bryant joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time to reflect on a career spanning more than three decades and nearly four million dollars in purse earnings. Bryant discusses getting his start at Exhibition Park before spending many successful years at Hastings Racecourse, where he became a fixture on the Vancouver racing circuit. He shares his thoughts on the recent closure of Hastings and the impact it has had on horsepeople across Western Canada before discussing his decision to return to Woodbine after previous stops at Santa Anita, Del Mar, and Fair Grounds. Steve also talks about training on some of North America's most competitive circuits, the mentors who influenced his career, and the goals he has set for his stable as he begins another season at Woodbine.

    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, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and several other tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, Larry heads to Churchill Downs for the Grade one two million dollar Stephen Foster Stakes, a mile-and-an-eighth test for older horses and one of the premier races of the summer season.

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    58 mins
  • Corey Lanerie, Jockey / Jenna MacDonnell, Woodbine Manager of Horse Ownership Development / Joe Tavares, Quarter Horse Trainer
    Jun 19 2026

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with jockey Corey Lanerie, who joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time following the announcement that he will retire at the conclusion of the current Churchill Downs meet. One of the most accomplished riders of his generation, Lanerie amassed more than five thousand career victories, won seven Grade one races, and guided his mounts to more than one hundred seventy-two million dollars in purse earnings. Corey reflects on the decision to retire after a thirty-five-year career, discusses some of the highlights and near-misses that defined his time in the saddle, including runner-up finishes in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, and shares memories of becoming one of the most successful jockeys in Churchill Downs history. He also talks about reaching the five-thousand-win milestone, the best horses he rode, and what life after racing may hold.

    Also today, Jenna MacDonnell returns to the show in her new role as Woodbine’s Manager of Horse Ownership Development. After previously serving as Raceway Manager at Grand River Raceway, Jenna discusses the transition to Woodbine and explains how her new position is focused on attracting and supporting new horse owners in both the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries. She outlines some of the initiatives Woodbine is developing to make ownership more accessible, discusses how mentorship and partnership opportunities may play a role in growing participation, and shares how her experiences at Grand River helped prepare her for this new challenge. Jenna also reflects on growing up in a racing family as the daughter of Hall of Fame horseman Paul MacDonell and the influence that background continues to have on her career.

    Then, Ajax Downs trainer Joe Tavares joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time to discuss a highly successful twenty twenty-six season that has seen him win at an impressive twenty-four percent clip through the opening weeks of the Quarter Horse meet. A second-generation horseman with more than nine hundred career victories and over seven million dollars in purse earnings, Tavares reflects on how he became involved in Quarter Horse racing and explains what has fueled his stable’s strong start to the year. Joe also provides insight into how Quarter Horses are trained, explains the various race classifications used in the sport, and previews several of the horses he has entered on Ajax Downs’ Father’s Day card. He also shares stories from a career that has spanned thousands of starts and discusses the goals he has set for the remainder of the season.

    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, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and several other tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, Larry heads to Thistledown for the Grade three five hundred thousand dollar Ohio Derby, a mile-and-an-eighth test for three-year-olds on the dirt.

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    57 mins
  • Mark McKelvie, Woodbine Senior Manager of Communications / Scott Zeron, Harness Driver / John Mattine, Thoroughbred Trainer
    Jun 12 2026

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Woodbine Senior Manager of Communications Mark McKelvie as the spotlight shines on one of the biggest nights in North American harness racing, the one million dollar Pepsi North America Cup at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Mark breaks down the highly anticipated final, featuring elimination winners Odds On Mr Mamba and Sweet Lovin Lou, while also discussing the surprising first career defeat of Beau Jangles and whether the talented colt can bounce back in the sport’s premier race for three-year-old pacers. Mark also previews the Fan Hanover Stakes, highlights the major wagering opportunities available on tonight’s card, and looks ahead to several of the marquee events still to come at Woodbine Mohawk Park, including the Mohawk Million. On the Thoroughbred side, he provides an update on preparations for this summer’s King’s Plate and discusses some of the horses and jockeys who have caught his attention during the early stages of the Woodbine season.

    Also today, harness driver Scott Zeron returns to Ponies 24-7 ahead of one of the busiest and most important race cards of his season. Zeron discusses his drive aboard Sweet Lovin Lou in the Pepsi North America Cup and shares his thoughts on the colt’s chances in the one million dollar classic after an impressive elimination victory. He also talks about picking up the drive on Easy Station in the Fan Hanover final and Champagne Problems in the Armbro Flight final, providing listeners with insight into several of his key drives on the stakes-filled card. Scott reflects on his approach when driving a horse for the first time, discusses some of the greatest horses he has driven throughout his career, and shares the racing accomplishments he still hopes to achieve.

    Then, Woodbine trainer John Mattine joins the show for the first time to discuss a career that has produced more than six and a half million dollars in purse earnings and a long list of successful runners. A second-generation horseman, Mattine talks about growing up in a racing family, the influence his father had on his career, and the lessons that helped shape his training philosophy. He reflects on some of the top horses he has trained over the years, discusses the day-to-day demands of managing a stable, and provides an update on how his twenty twenty-six season is progressing. John also previews a pair of runners competing on today’s Woodbine card and shares his thoughts on the current state of racing at the Toronto oval.

    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, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and several other tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, Larry heads to Woodbine Mohawk Park for the one million dollar Pepsi North America Cup, a one-mile showdown for the continent’s top three-year-old pacers.

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Ernie Perri, Woodbine Clocker & Morning Line Oddsmaker / Carol Cedeno, Jockey / Scott Price, Hanover Raceway General Manager
    Jun 5 2026

    Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Woodbine clocker and morning line oddsmaker Ernie Perri, who returns to Ponies 24-7 to provide listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at two of the most important handicapping roles in horse racing. Ernie explains what goes into clocking workouts, how he distinguishes strong works from ordinary ones, and why workout patterns can provide valuable insight when evaluating a horse’s chances. He also discusses the role of a morning line oddsmaker, how morning lines are created, and how bettors can use them as a handicapping tool. In addition, Ernie breaks down several horses he likes on today’s Woodbine card and shares his thoughts on the Grade one Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, including the contenders he believes have the best chance to win one of the sport’s most prestigious races.

    Also today, jockey Carol Cedeno joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time following a remarkable comeback from a devastating riding accident that sidelined her for nearly eight months. A six-time leading rider at Delaware Park with more than thirty-five million dollars in career purse earnings, Cedeno discusses the injuries she suffered, the lengthy rehabilitation process, and the determination required to return to the saddle. She reflects on winning her first race back at Delaware Park, explains why she chose riding as a career, and shares stories from a career that includes becoming the first jockey in Delaware Park history to ride seven winners on a single card. Carol also talks about the goals she has set for herself moving forward and the races she still hopes to win.

    Then, Hanover Raceway General Manager Scott Price returns to the show as the popular Ontario harness track opens its twenty twenty-six racing season. Scott previews opening day festivities and outlines many of the fan-friendly events planned throughout the summer, including the always-popular Wiener Dog Races, Harness the Hope Day, and the Drivers Coming Home celebration. He discusses Hanover Raceway’s long history, including more than one hundred sixty years of harness racing tradition, and explains the important role the track continues to play within Ontario’s Standardbred racing landscape. Scott also shares his thoughts on what has made Hanover one of the province’s most successful half-mile tracks and what fans can look forward to during the upcoming season.

    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, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and several other tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, Larry heads to Saratoga Race Course for the Grade one two million dollar Belmont Stakes, a mile-and-a-quarter test for three-year-olds and the final jewel of Thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown.

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    54 mins