Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Woodbine Entertainment CEO Michael Copeland as the spotlight shines on the one hundred sixty-seventh running of the King’s Plate, Canada’s most prestigious Thoroughbred race. Copeland previews everything surrounding King’s Plate Day, discusses why the historic race continues to hold such an important place in Canadian racing, and reflects on some of his favourite memories from previous editions of the classic. He also provides an update on the newly renovated E.P. Taylor Turf Course, discusses the continued growth of Woodbine’s partnerships with OLG and Bet365, and looks ahead to the launch of the MyRacehorse fractional ownership program. Michael also shares updates on upcoming marquee events at both Woodbine Racetrack and Woodbine Mohawk Park, including the Mohawk Million and the remainder of the Grand Circuit season.
Also today, Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time following another remarkable career milestone after recording his six thousandth training victory at Saratoga on Whitney Day. Widely regarded as one of the greatest Thoroughbred trainers in history, Pletcher has accumulated more than five hundred twenty-six million dollars in purse earnings, two Kentucky Derby victories, four Belmont Stakes, sixteen Breeders’ Cup wins, and a record eight Eclipse Awards as North America’s outstanding trainer. Todd reflects on reaching six thousand victories, discusses the influence of legendary mentor D. Wayne Lukas and his father, trainer Jake Pletcher, and shares stories from a Hall of Fame career that continues to set the standard in the sport. He also talks about Saratoga’s special place in his career, the goals he continues to set for himself, and the one horse he wishes he could have trained.
Then, Woodbine owner Brian O’Leary joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time as he prepares for an unforgettable King’s Plate Day. O’Leary discusses the excitement surrounding Bond Market, the lightly raced colt owned by Polo Management Services who enters Canada’s premier Thoroughbred race following an impressive maiden victory at Woodbine in just his lone career start. Brian explains the strategy behind bringing Bond Market directly into the King’s Plate, introduces listeners to the team behind the colt, including trainer Carlos Grant and jockey Zerel Ford, and discusses his passion for both Thoroughbred racing and the sport of polo. He also talks about operating the Toronto Polo School, balancing a busy day that includes hosting a polo tournament before heading to Woodbine, and shares what it would mean to capture the King’s Plate in just his horse’s second lifetime start.
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, powered by Amplify Logistics and The Cargo Group, Larry heads to Woodbine for the one million dollar King’s Plate, a mile-and-a-quarter test on the Tapeta surface for Canada’s top three-year-old Thoroughbreds foaled in Canada.