Britsh Champions Day features four Group 1 events, and plenty of prices to be found throughout the day! From the Long Distance Cup to the Sprint Stakes, Michael and Naomi have got you covered. 

Check out the new show to get a head start. 

Ricky Hall elaborates on the unbeaten Juddmonte International winner's winter quirks, his laid-back demeanor, and how the relationship has allowed them both to flourish. Working in horse racing can be challenging yet rewarding, and he has coined this horse as the pinnacle of his career already. “There will never be anyone like him,” Ricky said. 

If you weren’t a fan yet, please watch Baaeed’s last victory. He’s a perfect 10/10. Hopefully, he will bow out in style with a possible Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe bid having been thrown into the mix by trainer William Haggas and owner Sheikha Hissa. 

If you’ve been watching Saratoga, you noticed him secure his first win at the Spa on Freddy Flinshire about two weeks ago.  

Learn about this young and talented rider on this week’s Talk Racing To Me!

Naomi covers racing on different continents, chatting with trainer Joseph O'Brien about his first ever Saratoga string, as well checking in from South Africa, in particular discussing their big feature race in the Durban July, with winning jockey S’manga Khumalo.

Stay tuned for some life updates as well from the Dutch traveler. 

The show starts pretty straightforward, reflecting on the Belmont Stakes weekend action, and the stars we got to see. 

However, we go into uncharted territory after! Listen to the end..

Listen to Eric’s career story, as well as getting an update on Rich Strike, their next move, what he thought of the outrider incident directly after the wire, and much more. 

Follow him on Twitter for tremendous racing insight: @AdolphsonRacing

We landed on the following selections! 

Mikey’s Picks:

Derby Top 3

1.     Taiba

2.     Messier

3.     Pioneer of Medina 

Oaks Top 3

1.     Shahama

2.     Echo Zulu

3.     Kathleen O. 

Naomi’s picks:

 Derby Top 3

1.     Epicenter

2.     Messier

3.     Taiba

Oaks Top 3

1. Nest

2. Kathleen O. 

3. Echo Zulu 

Good luck all!

Freelance turf writer and author Jennifer Kelly, who has written about Sir Barton, the first ever Triple Crown winner, and has a book coming out in the spring of 2023 on Gallant Fox and his son Omaha, joined Naomi. 

A variety of topics were addressed:

Why is the KY Derby always (nearly always) run on the first Saturday in May?

When did the term Triple Crown become popular?

How did the field sizes fluctuate and become regulated over the decades?

How have the fillies fared over the years?

Time records and the story of Sham

The difference between the inaugural distance and current 1m1/4

This is the show to get you in a DERBY STATE OF MIND

This week’s show ends with a tribute to racing’s most loveable loser: Zippy Chippy. 100 starts without a win. He lived out his days at Old Friend’s Cabin Creek, and turned into a fan favorite. Owner and manager JoAnn Pepper recounts his stories. 

Britney Eurton, on air host and reporter for both NBC Sports and TVG will be covering all the action from Santa Anita Park on Saturday, which includes the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby and Grade 2 Santa Anita Oaks. 

Let her guide you through the important Kentucky Derby prep and tell you the stories behind the runners.

Let multiple Group 1 Golden Shaheen winning trainer Chad Summers talk you through the runners on the night. Who’s looking good, who didn’t travel as strongly and so forth as he has been trackside each morning. 

Must listen if you are planning on following or playing the action at Meydan on Saturday March 26th!

March 15th at 6PM EST on StreamhorseTV’s Facebook and Youtube page Janet Elliott will be joined by by Jo Motion, Julie Krone, Diane Crump, Donna Brothers, Patti Barton and the founders of the Thoroughbred Ladies’ Cocktail Club. 

Find more information at https://streamhorse.tv/trailblazing-horsewomen

Next up is a preview of the most important races on Saudi Cup day, for which Dubai Racing Channel presenter Mikey Adolphson gets put in the hot seat. Plenty of fun takes and longshots to be found!  

Form for the day can be found on here: www.racingpost.com/racecards/1016/riyadh/2022-02-26/805792/

Listed NOW 

From celebrations to family, managing his barn and his extensive travel schedule, Brad is happy to divulge what the year has been like for him. Of course we cover HOTY Knicks Go, Essential Quality and how the preparations for Mandaloun have been going, who is set for a tilt at the G1 Saudi Cup. 

Naomi closes the show with a solo section discussing every single winner on the night, as well as the series of events leading up to the Eclipse Awards back in the Mid-Atlantic region.. 

Joined by Pegasus World Cup and Pegasus World Cup Turf winning jockey Irad Ortiz Jr, Naomi asks him about his return from injury, the way the races unfolded and how talented Life Is Good truly is.

Top Gulfstream Park based handicapper and host Ron Nicoletti features as well, highlighting his favorite moments from the day, as well as the performance he thought was the most impressive (hint: it’s a new name on the block).

Listen NOW 

00:02:18 Dr. Dionne Benson, Chief Veterinary Officer at 1/ST Racing on horse care and safety procedures

00:21:36 Paul Williams, Chief Technology Officer at the Stronach Group on technology and wagering tools 

00:53:12 Gregg Harbutt and Raymond Daniels on the Ed Brown Society and Living The Dream Racing and Stables 

01:08:11  Jimmy Vargas on the entertainment and food offerings at this year’s Pegasus World Cup  

Pat Cummings, Executive Director of the Thoroughbred Idea Foundation and Naomi cover a variety of events, topics and ideas currently playing a major role within the USA TB racing industry.

From the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf wagering situation and the rules that played a role on that day, to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, the rise of fixed odds betting and so much more. Everything one would like to know, broken down into bite-size chunks of information.

If you're looking for a feel good episode, this is it. 

Get set! Go! 

No, you know who can tell this story in much more detailed fashion? His co-breeder, Sabrina Moore, who actually helped the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner arrive on this planet. 

She's in charge of GreenMount Farm, and on this show she reflects on the ride Knicks Go has taken her and her family on.

The pair talks candidly about their upbringing, how their mother, former trainer Jacqueline Doyle, has guided them throughout their careers and how they both got started riding out in Eastbury and Lambourn. They have continued to support each other throughout their lives, of course combined with a touch of healthy sibling rivalry.

Don’t miss out on these two talented jockeys as they look forward to this year’s Breeders’ Cup! 

It was the year that her and Untapable created their own tale in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Most of you wil have heard the post race interview in the winner’s circle, but few actually are aware of all the details that came into play. 

All in all it makes for an incredible story and is best told by the lady at the heart of it, Rosie herself. 

Naomi takes you for a tour, including the voice of Maryland racing Dave Rodman calling a race from the booth and wrapping up the meet with analyst Kali Francois.

Feel like you’re right on the rail at the Big T! 

Michelle Giangiulio did just that. Her equestrian experience spans decades, and she has been able to solidify her ambition by going out on her own and posting success during one of the country’s most competitive meets. 

Check out the show to hear about her struggles, motivation, different circuits and so much more!

Buckle up for half an hour of anecdotes, historic tidbits and basically everything a horse racing fan would like to be aware of when it comes to the commencement of racing in the United States.

He chats about his favourite race, special memories, strategies for riding Saratoga as well as his restaurant recommendations and so much more. Get ready for quite the summer at one of the best meets in the country. 

The G1 Commonwealth Cup and the G1 Coronation Stakes headline, with Vanessa’s best bet coming in the aforementioned third race in shape of the #2 Diligent Harry for sprint star trainer Clive Cox and jockey Hector Crouch. For the rest of the plays, tune in! 

Or sign up for In The Money Plus (that saves you time if you don’t feel like having a good old laugh with V and NT, you’d miss out on the banter though!)   

The day is headlined by the Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes for 4yo and up over 1m2f (1m1/4). 

Who better to guide you through the final Jewel of the Triple Crown than the Queen of NYRA herself, Maggie Wolfendale. 

When Maggie starts dissecting a field in the paddock, everyone pricks their ears. She’s sharp and has an eye for talent, aside from knowing the New York Racing circuit like the back of her hand. 

Tune in to hear her opinion on all 8 Grade 1 events (!) taking place at Belmont Park this Saturday, as guided by host Naomi Tukker.

Acacia Courtney joins after to discuss the Black Eyed Susan as well as Preakness field at great lenght.

Must listen!

His first ever call was in August of 1973 at Marquis Downs; let Richard share the experience of his final day in the booth and everything that preceded it.

Of course he wasn’t let go without asking him about his Oaks and Derby selections! 

This is a feel good episode. Listen to Tom describe the emotion, the day of his first G1 win and so much more. This is why we love what we do. 

To finish things off Naomi goes over her final Oaks and Derby selections.  

Start of the European flat season with the Guineas coming up

Epsom Derby prep races 

Jumps finale 

Rachael Blackmore making history 

Reflections on tragic passing of Roy Rocket and amateur jockey Lorna Brooke

Naomi and Nick saved the best for last, talking about the finer details of Nick Luck’s career and experience throughout the decades at around 44:50. Don’t miss Nick giving away a scoop or two! 

This will refresh your memory with two weeks to go to the big event! In depth discussion about each horse as well as starting positions and historical context as provided by Pincay.

Talking points:

A potential £6 million lawsuit is put forward by former jockey Freddy Tylicki against flat jockey Graham Gibbons in relation to the 2016 fall that left Tylicki paralysed. 

Rising star apprentice Benoit de la Sayette appears in a video in which the 18-year-old is linked to banned substances, with the video coming out days after Benoit’s career highlight victory on  the Haqeeqy in the Unibet Lincoln.

The 2021 renewal and 25^th anniversary of Dubai World Cup night has come and gone, with Emmet and Naomi reflecting on the eve’s performances.

Find Emmet on Twitter: @radioEmmet and @FinalFurlongPod 

21-year-old David Egan has 5 rides, highlighted by the return of Saudi Cup winner Mishriff in the Group 1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic. 

Joel Rosario has 6 mounts on the night, and will be trying to add a 2nd Dubai World Cup to his resume with Jesus’ Team. 

Trainer and handicapper Chad knows his way around the Meydan racecourse backside and quarantine area, having succesfully shipped and prepared Mind Your Biscuits to two Group 1 Golden Shaheen victories. Horse of a lifetime “Biscuits” still holds the 6 furlong record at Meydan racecourse with a time of 1:10.12.

After aproximately 25 minutes Chad and Naomi start going over the 9-strong racecard we are all eagerly looking forward to. 

Good luck to all that run, wager and attend this year’s Dubai World Cup!

After this show, you are fully up to date with everything a horse racing- player/lover/participant needs to know!

USA:

Stakes action from Laurel Park last weekend

Friday is for the Stronach 5

The Triple Crown trail vibe hits a little differently

This week all eyes are on the OBS Sales for 2YOs

Preakness spots to go for food!

International :

The Cheltenham festival

The 25th running of the Dubai World Cup

Listen NOW

Naomi and Craig cover some of the KY derby prep action from last weekend as well!

These are two young and up and coming conditioners who are making a name for themselves in the Mid-Atlantic region. Learn about their runners, background and experiences on the circuit! 

Saratoga stories, tax lessons, his career before racing (!!), horse tattoos, special numbers you name it Naomi and Jonathon covered it. 

The co-founder of the In The Money network like you’ve never heard before. This time it isn’t solely about his well founded opinion and insight, this show highlights Jonathon’s background story, family and career path. Grab a drink and sit back. This is a good one. 

This week brings a very special guest: it is the first time ever for a jockey as well as practicing veterinarian to have come on Talk Racing To Me. Probably because they are a rarity within our sport. 

Get ready for some next level horse racing insight. Jockey/practicing veterinarian Ferrin Peterson dissects her experiences, but also various important topics with Naomi. Such as: the relationship between a jockey and their agent, the difference in horse anatomy and injuries between Thoroughbreds and sporthorses, assesing a horse’s warm up when they head to the gate, as well as her talking to PETA whilst she was active as a jockey on the West Coast. 

If that all made you curious, wait no further. 

Especially in the Turf there seems to be plenty of value to be found!

Acacia’s Pegasus Turf plays:

2 Breaking the Rules – Price Play 

8 Anothertwistafate

5 Colonel Liam 

Acacia’s Pegasus World Cup Selections:

10 Code of Honor 

7 Tax

4 Knicks Go

2 Coastal Defense

As a former trainer and outrider turned on-air racing analyst as well as Maryland Jockey Club Safety and Compliance officer, Tim knows exactly whats going on at all times. Let him guide you through the card after a few fun stories about his past.

Jump to 23:58 for the full analysis of the Winter Carnival Stakes at Laurel Park.

Follow Tim on Twitter: @timothy_tullock 

And if you don't already, Naomi: @NaomiTukker

Of course Naomi and Jason also dive into his career path, New York roots and what the transition to the sunshine state was like all these years ago. 

For those wanting to know more about Jason, you have come to the right place.

Side note, the invite list for the 2021 Pegasus World Cup renewal was discussed, and as the show was recorded on Tuesday January 5th, the news had not yet come out that reigning Pegasus World Cup Champ Mucho Gusto has been retired after sustaining a soft-tissue injury in a gallop at Santa Anita. 

A completely different show to close of an eventful year. 

Naomi is taking a peek at some of the racing highlights of 2020: which races are worth remembering and why? What happened, before, during and after? 

Highly subjective, the races and events are not ranked, although she does highlight a favourite in the scintillating renewal of the Preakness Stakes. 

Races covered: 

Preakness – Swiss Skydiver

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile – Essential Quality 

Belmont Stakes – Tiz the Law

Breeders’ Cup Classic – Authentic 

Breeders’ Cup Distaff – Monomoy Girl 

Breeders’ Cup Sprint – Whitmore 

Met Mile – Vekoma

Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf – Audarya 

Golden Rod -  Travel Column 

Of course this list could be double the size. The 2020 Kentucky Derby certainly was a race to behold as well, albeit possibly the exploits of both the winner Authentic and runner up Tiz the Law were better viewed via some of their other key performances. 

Which race would you add? 

As for his handicapping skills, let the results speak for themselves: he picked the winners of seven from last Saturday’s nine-race card at Laurel Park on top.. 

“How to: create morning line odds” on this week’s Talk Racing To Me. 

Recipient of the 2014 Eclipse Award as leading apprentice jockey, Drayden posted a strong 2020 thus far: securing four Grade 1s this year alone. But, what most people would currently be hearing about him is his historic recent 4th consecutive Grade 1 Starlet Stakes victory, making him the first ever jockey to do so.

Go-to rider for Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, Drayden has been aboard many of this decade’s superstars in the mornings, as well as finding the winner’s circle more often than not on top of horse racing's crème de la crème.

Honest and open, Drayden reflects on 2020, highs and lows of his career, discusses the Santa Anita Park Sports Bubble, as well as divulging on more fun topics such as playing golf and poker, as well as his diverse taste in music.

Connect with Drayden on Twitter, and do ask him about horse racing, he’s happy to answer questions: @DraydenV & Instragram: @draydenv

Twinspires' expert handicapper Ed DeRosa outlines his early 2021 Kentucky Derby interests, as well as how to find and compare value, and look ahead at what horses might come up in the other 4 Future Wagering pools. 

Schedule of the KY Derby Future Wagering pools: 

(Pool 1:             November 26th, 2020) 

Pool 2:             January 22nd, 2021 

Pool 3:             February 12th, 2021

Pool 4:             March 5th, 2021

Pool 5:             March 26th, 2021

These were Ed’s horses of particular interest:

Essential Quality – Brad Cox – 8-1 in Pool 1 

Midnight Bourbon – Steve Asmussen - 59-1 in Pool 1 

Pickin’ Time – Kelly Breen – 96-1 in Pool 1 

Known Agenda – Todd Pletcher (not in the Pool as of yet, holds an entry in the Grade 2 Remsen this weekend) 

They dive deep into some of racing’s sensitive and difficult issues, including  drug use, jockey changes, Brexit’s disruption to horse movement, racial diversity and so much more. A long form show, that does not hold back.

Get strapped in and hold on, as this is Talk Racing to Me with Naomi. 

Follow Emmet on Socal Media and check out his show @RadioEmmet

No stone was left unturned, including:

How JK got into broadcasting 

Last year’s Breeders’ Cup adventure and score

The 2020 Breeders’ Cup Betting Competition: qualifying, rules, type of strategies & players 

Superstition and watching the races 

 Catch JK and Naomi on social media:

@NaomiTukker

@Utbighair

Vanessa Binnie Ryle, Sky Sports Racing Presenter and producer in the United Kingdom, gives us behind the scenes insight into the Euros going over this year.

Naomi chimes in with her point of view, whilst admitting she’ll always be a Euro at heart. 

The show includes a head to head side bet between Vanessa and Naomi…

BC Juvenile Turf:

Vanessa - New Mandate 

Naomi - Cadillac

BC Turf:

Vanessa - Mogul 

Naomi – Magical 

Naomi is off to the Breeders’ Cup as of this Monday, catch her, PTF, JK, Nick Luck and Matt Bernier on site throughout the week. 

This week none other than freelance analyst and statistician Ashley Mailloux joins Naomi on these airwaves.

They discussed just about anything we could think off, such as:

Should Breeders’ Cup stay at one track?

Are we retiring the Thoroughbreds to soon?

Is the racing industry culture inclusive or exclusive? 

How do you explain the sport to your friends and family? 

All that and more racing themed discussions between Ashley and Naomi!  And just a lot of fun. 

Andrew currently works as the Editor for ANZ News, which one could characterise as the Thoroughbred Daily News of the Southern hemisphere, bringing the latest news to the racing community on a daily basis.

Prior to that he was active as a presenter at Sky Racing Australia, a reporter for the South China Morning Post and a racing content specialist with the Hong Kong Jockey Club. 

Let Naomi and Andrew take you on a tour: from Australia to Hong Kong, Japan and back to this year’s Breeders’ Cup in Lexington. Learn about the differences between the jurisdictions, their big races, must raceourses to visit, aside from the Weight For Age scale and other important concepts to know when it comes to your form study and betting angles.

Don’t miss out!!

Robby discusses everything from the week leading up to the race itself, moment by moment. Swiss Skydiver became the 6th filly to beat the boys after Rachel Alexandra did so in 2009, running the second fastest Preakness ever. Him and trainer Kenny McPeek were tied to the hip during the preliminaries, with McPeek walking hots and Albarado getting up on the lady herself every single morning. 

A remarkable story, a historic race, listen to everything that made it happen. Right here, on Talk Racing To Me with Naomi.

A glorious mash-up between Peter Thomas Fornatale and Naomi Tukker gives you a 360 degree view on the two most important races on Saturday at Pimlico: the 145^th Preakness and the Black Eyed Susan. 

Naomi discusses the Preakness field with PTF and legendary handicapper Steven Crist followed by a chat with jockey Joe Bravo who has mounts in both of those races. To close it off: Joe De Perio of Sportblocks chats about Preakness contender Max Player, as well as elaborating on how you can get aboard the ride. 

Timecodes:

PTF & Steven Crist: 2:48

Joe Bravo: 20:44

Joe De Perio 31:05

First day of the 2020 Pimlico meet and the one and only voice of Maryland Racing, long standing race track announcer Dave Rodman joins to discuss everything Preakness, Pimlico and his own history within the sport. He will be calling his 30th Preakness this year!

Fellow Godolphin Flying Start graduate Phil Antonacci is about to embark on a training career, so I couldn’t resist introducing this remarkable young man to you all. 

To close off the show Canadian Hall Of Fame trainer Josie Carroll elaborates on her multiple Queen’s Plate wins, this year’s training exacta and so much more!! 

Timecodes:

Dave Rodman 2:30

Philip Antonacci 40:32

Josie Carroll 58:07

Perennial Saratoga Meet Leading trainer Todd  Pletcher kicks things off, looking back on securing his 14th Saratoga title. The 7-time Eclipse Award winning Champion trainer reflects on this incredible achievement and what is needed to continue performing at the top of the racing pyramid. 

The 2nd guest is Fasig Tipton Sale representative and bloodstock agent Ramiro Restrepo, who gives us full disclosure on the recently concluded and revamped Fasig Tipton Selected Yearling Showcase. Stick around until the end as he dives into his former life as a Club Promoter and how he ended up starting Marquee Bloodstock – the best part! 

Timecodes:

Todd Pletcher 2:43

Ramiro Restrepo 18:23 + 58:31 – stick around for this part 

Talk Racing To Me! 

Three expert guests share their experience and views on this year's Kentucky Derby and Oaks:

Laffit Pincay III, the Saratoga Live host as well as NBC Sports broadcaster.  He will be covering all the action at Churchill Downs.  

NYRA paddock analyst Maggie Wolfendale returned again this week! Her analysis is second to none.

Champion Apprentice Richard Migliore provides a jockey’s perspective and invaluable insight. 

Timecodes:

Laffit Pincay III 2:30

Maggie Wolfendale 13:08

Richard Migliore 30:00 

Recap Selections:

Laffit

Derby

Tiz the Law 

Four horse trifecta adding: Honor A.P., Enforceable, Thousand

Words 

Oaks

Gamine

Interchangeable: Swiss Skydiver and Speech

Maggie

Derby

Honor AP

Tiz the Law

Authentic 

Oaks

Speech

Swiss Skydiver

Gamine

Mig

Derby

Tiz the Law

Honor AP

King Guillermo 

Oaks

Gamine

Swiss skydiver

Donna Veloce 

When Maggie talks, everyone listens. Her sharp eye and extensive knowledge of all the runners have made her a popular and unique member of the broadcasting team. Aside from paddock analysis, she’s a host, a handicapper and she conducts horse back interviews to boot. The national Fox Sports shows such as Saratoga Live and America’s Day at the Races wouldn’t be the same without her. 

Naomi and Maggie go over the Forego and Sword Dancer fields, reflect on the most impressive 2YO performances at Saratoga, dive into Maggie’s equine and professional history, her role as on air talent in combination with being an assistant and exercise rider to her husband Tom Morley and so much more. 

What are you waiting for? Check it out.

Johnny I as he’s affectionately known to all at NYRA has held

many different roles within the organisation, and has taken to the announcing

booth full time since earlier this year. Learn about his experience, race

calling style, as well as Saratoga history and so much more during this

interview. 

E Five Thoroughbreds consists of Bob and Kris Edwards and their

children Cassidy, Riley and Delaney. They have campaigned multiple BC winners

in New Money Honey, Good Magic and Rushing Fall, and have truly been an

outstanding force promoting the industry and their horses via their social

media outlets, newsletter and app. 

Timecodes:

Johnny I : 3:05

Bob Edwards: 39:55

Enjoy!

Johnny chats everything Gamine, from her character, to what she feels like to ride and possible race plans.

He shares his insight and experience in the game after 31 years, continuously developing himself and learning.

Saratoga mounts coming up this weekend were mentioned too: Gufo in the Saratoga Derby and Spice is Nice in the G1 Alabama Stakes.

A possible KY Derby ride is hinted at and Johnny elaborates on the quarantine experience for him professionally as well as personally.

TUNE IN!

Before we dive into the action coming up, there is a guest returning to the Talk Racing To Me with Naomi airwaves... Now Grade 1 winning trainer Jack Sisterson! We discussed 3 of his horses on show 16 and these were their results: Vexatious won the G1 Personal Ensign, Everfast won the race after and Lexitonian missed out by a nose almost making it a Grade 1 double on the day for the young Englishman. 

The second guest is co-founding father of the In The Money Media Network, a man most know very well, or at least his voice.. Peter Thomas Fornatale. Naomi joined him at Brentwood across from Saratoga racecourse for some cocktails and pizza. They orchestrated a nice little exchange podcast exchange, resulting in this segment and Naomi's appearance on the Brentwood show. PTF shares his opinion on the 3 Grade 1 races coming up this weekend: The Ballerina, the Test and the Travers.

Timecodes:

Jack Sisterson 2:49

Peter Thomas Fornatale: 26:27

Hall of Famer Shug McGaughey chats Code of Honor as well as reminiscing on the legendary Personal Ensign and Easy Goer.

Calumet Farm trainer Jack Sisterson elaborates upon late Alfred G. Vanderbilt scratch Lexitonian, his Bing Crosby entry, Vexatious running in the Personal Ensign and Everfast on the undercard.

Long standing NYRA analyst Andy Serling ties it all together by going over the entire fields of the three top level events on the day. 

Enjoy! 

Timecodes:

2:36 Shug McGaughey 

16:45 Jack Sisterson

29:33 Andy Serling 

Naomi kicks things off with Fox Sports host, reporter and analyst as well as Gulfstream park on air handicapper and assistant producer Acacia Courtney. 

Both of them are working at Saratoga and hence were able to find a spare hour for a proper sit down. It truly is a candid chat, no holding back, just two friends talking freely. 

It would be a hard act to follow Acacia Courtney, but 2015 Champion Apprentice, rising star and last year’s Preakness Stakes winner Tyler Gaffalione does not let you down.

He discusses the current quarantine experience, his recent CCA Oaks win and alludes at working on his Kentucky Derby options. Many topics were breached with this young hardworking star.

Both fervently promised to make more frequent appearances on the Pod!

Timecodes:

Acacia Courtney: 3:28

Tyler Gaffalione: 1:02:54

They chat about a spontaneous visit to Amsterdam, his love for Baseball and the words he uttered after American Pharoah won the Triple Crown. Larry elaborates on the story of his NBC Sports call up, game plan for calling the KY Derby and so much more. 

They cover just about everything! Truly an episode you don’t want to miss. Larry Collmus like you’ve never heard before. Naomi actually makes a wager that every single person listening will learn something new about Larry or is entertained…

If not, you get your money back! 

Amy elaborates upon the atmosphere and silence in the production truck when American Pharoah won the Triple Crown; how they had a major sportscast to produce, whereby the climax always presents itself in the last half hour, but even more so in that instant. 

She outlines her start within the industry, moving to Kentucky before realising California is truly home, in addition to sharing her memories of some of the greatest trainers that were based on the Santa Anita backstretch. 

We go over her favourite Charlie Whittingham trainee, Kentucky Derby and Breeders Cup Classic winner Ferdinand, the launch of HRTV and its eventual conclusion when taken over by Betfair’s TVG. 

Her success has truly spoken for itself, but it is worthy to note that her resume contains 26 Eclipse Award-winning, 14 Emmy-winning, and four International Simulcast Award receiving productions.

Al Stall Jr discusses his stable star Tom’s d’Etat’s Breeders Cup Classic bid, Blame comparisons and other notable horses in his barn. Don’t miss the story on his first morning as a trainer in his own right either..

Colt Pike joined us amidst their celebrations as his family's Pike Racing sold the sale topper at the Fasig Tipton Midlantic Two-Year Olds In Training Sale, with their Uncle Mo colt going for $1.1 million. He elaborates on their Louisiana operation, what he believes a good horse should look like and what the season has been like for them so far.

Last but not least, the upcoming G1 Met Mile and G1 Manhattan, as well as the Epsom Derby and Coral-Eclipse in the UK are being highlighted.

Only kidding!

So proud to have Sackatoga Stable's Jack Knowlton with us this episode, chatting everything Tiz the Law, the Triple Crown duration, the Funny Cide story, getting new partners into Sackatoga, their relationship with Barclay Tagg and so much more.

My racing highlights of the week are brought up before closing of this week's show with Kimberley Godwin Clark of Thoroughbred Placement Resources, visiting her farm in Maryland. She is one of the select few in the world to have ever achieved Prix St. George level dressage with a Thoroughbred.

Learn how Sole Volante came into their lives, how much confidence Andie has in him, the nervous experience of watching him run (being a deep closer) and how Andie’s dream is to become the first female trainer in her home land of Hong Kong. She also gives us her take on the major players in the field. 

This is one story in the 152nd Belmont Derby you do not want to miss. 

The (Epsom) Derby and its significance is discussed, against the growing sentiment of breeders being drawn towards speed favouring sires. Vanessa highlights how the UK Triple Crown isn’t as fashionable anymore, in comparison to the popularity of the USA Triple Crown trail.  

The Ballydoyle facilities come into play, as well as the Galileo angle and Aidan O’Brien’s structured formula approach to the Classics. 

40:20 We get started on the Royal Ascot Meeting!

1:34:30 Quick Fire round of questions for Vanessa

Before you go:

Vanessa recommended a must watch documentary on Nijinsky, following the last UK Triple Crown winner in his glorious 1970 season:

A Horse Called Nijinsky (1970)

NT and Jeannine discuss the Eclipse Awards, her career as a trainer, riding horses with the likes of Angel Cordero Jr. in the mornings at Belmont & Aqueduct and so much more. 

After 22 years as a broadcaster Jeannine has quite a few bits of knowledge she’s willing to share.  

Former jockey turned TV racing analyst Richard Migliore & Multiple Grade 1 winning trainer Tom Morley.

From a first-time airplane ride to Eclipse Apprentice Award glory, the late trainer Stephen DiMauro played a pivotal role in Richard Migliore's life.

Words of wisdom are given by Tom Morley as he elaborates on just about anything concerning the New York Racing circuit, the revised Triple Crown as well as how we can do better as an industry. He has an opinion, and you want to hear it! 

Mig: 2:46

Tom: 35:50

He had a different use for the Dubai World Cup winning silks and gives us a rare inside look into the memorabilia he has received from some of his famous athlete friends which includes legendary New York Yankee players.

But it gets even better, as he recalls getting on Sunday Silence and his time learning from legendary handler Charlie Whittingham.

Stick around until the end, as Gryder recommends some recent horseracing movies that are worth your time. 

- Publicity manager Kevin Kerstein covers the opening of Churchill Downs.

- Leading Maryland based trainer Dale Capuano shares what it takes to run a successful claiming stable.

Kevin: 4:25

Dale: 52:16 

We kick off proceedings with Ruben Munoz, long-time agent of Ricardo Santana Jr., who just secured his 7th leading rider title at Oaklawn Park over the weekend. His background within the racing sphere gifts us a fair few outstanding stories including some of the industry’s legendary riders, aside from the remarkable journey he and his protégé have been on. 

We close off the show with trainer Bret Calhoun, covering his stable stars including Oaklawn Handicap winner By My Standards, Mr. big News and Mr. Money as well as what it was like to receive horses from the West’s that were under prior care of Jason Servis.

Ruben Munoz 2:03

Bret Calhoun 1:07:40

With a 170 Kentucky Derby qualifying points on the line per race, every single runner in both Divisions of Saturday’s Grade 1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park gets covered in detail by experts in the horse racing business. Hall of Famer Johnny Velazquez kicks things off followed by Todd Pletcher, Brad Cox, Jerry O’Dwyer, Maggie Wolfendale and Acacia Courtney. 

If you want to check out what your favourite trainer, jockey or analyst has to say, the timestamps are as follows:

Johnny Velazquez       5:27

Todd Pletcher           18:42

Brad Cox                      25:41

Jerry O’Dwyer            36:34

Maggie Wolfendale    42:05

Acacia Courtney         1:13:36

Let the NBC Sports and Fox Sports anchor tell you what really goes on behind the scenes of a national horse racing show, including surreal moments, outspoken opinions, what went through his head when American Pharoah made Triple Crown history and how you can never BS a horse racing fan.

And much more..

The global horse racing podcast featuring in-depth interviews with some of racing’s most remarkable characters whilst keeping you up to date with current events. 

This week's episode includes a chat with Inglis GM of bloodstock sales and Marketing, Sebastian Hutch, about the 2020 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling sale and jockey Forest Boyce on hunting with three time Maryland Million Classic winner Eighttofasttocatch.