Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Ajax Downs General Manager Emilio Trotta, who returns to Ponies 24-7 following a record-setting opening day for the twenty twenty-six Quarter Horse racing season. Ajax Downs opened its meet on Wednesday with an all-time wagering record of more than two hundred eighty-one thousand dollars bet on the nine-race card, a milestone Emilio discusses in detail as he reflects on what drove the strong turnout and betting interest. He also previews the remainder of the Ajax Downs season, including several special events planned throughout the summer, highlighted by an appearance from the RCMP Musical Ride. Emilio explains the unique appeal of Quarter Horse racing, discusses fan growth and horse population trends, and outlines his goals for the continued expansion of the sport in Ontario.

Also today, jockey Samuel Marin returns to the show following another sensational season at Tampa Bay Downs, where he successfully defended his riding title in dominant fashion. Marin recently broke the single-season wins record at the track and twice recorded six-win days during the meet, continuing the remarkable momentum he has built over the past several years. Samuel reflects on the goals he set entering twenty twenty-six, the role his agent Mike Moran has played in his success, and the adjustments he made after arriving in North America from Venezuela. He also discusses learning to ride on turf for the first time, the mentors who helped him establish himself in the sport, and the major races he still hopes to win as his career continues to rise.

Then, top Woodbine Mohawk Park driver Bob McClure joins Ponies 24-7 to discuss the highly anticipated return of Horse of the Year Beau Jangles, who makes his first start of the season as a three-year-old tonight at Woodbine Mohawk Park. McClure shares what it has been like driving one of harness racing’s fastest-rising stars and explains why Beau Jangles has already captured the imagination of racing fans across North America. Bob discusses the colt’s recent qualifier in Florida, compares him to some of the greatest pacers in the sport’s history, and reflects on the excitement surrounding a horse many believe could become the next true superstar in harness racing. He also provides an update on his own twenty twenty-six campaign and talks about the goals he has set for the season ahead.

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 Kentucky Derby, the iconic mile-and-a-quarter test for three-year-olds and the most prestigious race in Thoroughbred racing.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with handicapper and former NHL player Eddie Olczyk, who returns to Ponies 24-7 on Kentucky Derby Day to break down the biggest race in North American Thoroughbred racing. Known for his work on national television broadcasts and his deep knowledge of the sport, Olczyk analyzes this year’s Kentucky Derby field, discusses the key prep races that shaped the lineup, and shares his thoughts on which horses have the best chance to win on the first Saturday in May. He also provides insight into his handicapping approach, reflects on his long-standing passion for horse racing, and touches on his parallel career in hockey, including his time as a Stanley Cup champion player and coach, and his current role covering the National Hockey League playoffs.

Also today, Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith joins the show to discuss his legendary career and his opportunity to make history once again in the Kentucky Derby. With more than five thousand wins and over three hundred fifty million dollars in purse earnings, Smith remains one of the most accomplished riders in the sport’s history. He talks about what continues to motivate him at this stage of his career, reflects on his most memorable victories including a Triple Crown win aboard Justify, and previews his mount So Happy in this year’s Derby. Mike shares his thoughts on the colt’s progression, his chances at the mile-and-a-quarter distance, and what it would mean to capture a fifth Kentucky Derby victory and become the oldest jockey ever to win the race.

Then, Woodbine Mohawk Park Standardbred Race Secretary Jim Gillespie returns to Ponies 24-7 to discuss his role overseeing race conditions and entries at one of North America’s premier harness racing venues. Now well into his tenure as race secretary, Gillespie reflects on his transition into the role, the mentorship he received from industry veterans, and the challenges of maintaining strong and competitive race cards. He also looks ahead to the upcoming stakes season at Woodbine Mohawk Park, discusses the importance of attracting quality horses to the circuit, and shares his perspective on some of the top performers currently in the Standardbred ranks, including standout names expected to compete throughout 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 Churchill Downs for the Grade one five million dollar Kentucky Derby, a mile-and-a-quarter test for three-year-olds and the most iconic race in Thoroughbred racing.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with jockey Ryan Munger, who returns to Ponies 24-7 following a standout opening weekend at Woodbine where he recorded four wins from just six mounts. Munger reflects on what went right over those two days, how he prepared for the start of the twenty twenty-six season, and the momentum he carries after his most successful Woodbine campaign last year, which included seventy-eight wins and more than three point six million dollars in purse earnings. He also discusses the path that brought him to Woodbine, including riding stops in South Africa, Singapore, and Zimbabwe, and shares his goals for the upcoming season as he looks to build on his recent success and continue climbing the rider standings.

Also today, Woodbine trainer Bill Tharrenos joins the show to discuss his strong start to the new season and the continued development of his stable following another productive winter at Gulfstream Park. Bill talks about his experience at the Gulfstream Championship Meet, reflects on a twenty twenty-five season that saw him record thirty-five wins and over one million dollars in earnings, and outlines expectations for twenty twenty-six. He also previews one of his top three-year-olds, Silver Is Best, who is set to compete in the Woodstock Stakes, a key early season race for horses with aspirations toward the King’s Plate. Bill shares insight into his training approach, the makeup of his stable, and what he looks for when identifying promising young horses.

Then, jockey’s agent Tom Knutz joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time to provide a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most important and often overlooked roles in horse racing. Tom discusses his responsibilities as an agent, including managing mounts, building relationships with trainers, and guiding the careers of the riders he represents. He also talks about his work with accomplished jockey Emisael Jaramillo, who has enjoyed strong success since moving his tack to California, and explains what he looks for in a jockey when taking on their book. Tom offers insight into the demands of the job, the challenges of navigating different racing circuits, and what continues to motivate him within the sport.

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 Aqueduct for the Woodhaven Stakes, a one mile turf race for three-year-olds and an emerging fixture on the spring racing calendar.