Ann and Larry are joined by Oaklawn Park’s Racing Analyst Nancy Holthus, who discusses, and handicaps todays Grade 2 Rebel Stakes and talks about all the preparations taking place for the stakes filled racing card at Oaklawn Park this afternoon. Nancy also talks about how and where she became involved in horse racing and mentions how she handicaps on a regular basis and why racing at Oaklawn Park has become an integral part of training up to the Kentucky Derby. Woodbine Jockey David Moran, who is currently mending from a racing accident at Woodbine last season and he discusses how the recouperation process is going as he prepares for opening day at Woodbine on April 25th. David also discusses his son Pietro, who rode as an Apprentice Jockey last season and also talks about how his own career began in Ireland and whether there was a learning curve when he moved to North American racing and if so, did he have to adjust his riding style accordingly. LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society’s Farm Manager , Lauren Millet, who discusses her role at LongRun and talks about some of the horses currently at the farm including Champion Pink Lloyd. Lauren also discusses the Hillsburgh. Ontario farm and how it became home base for LongRun and mentions how listeners can learn more about either adopting one of the retired horses or donating to the farm itself. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look at The Way It Was in Horse Racing News, Larry talks about last weeks Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds and the PONIES 24-7 connection to the winning horse, who is now the early favorite for the Kentucky Derby. In our new feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about the background behind the running of the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park today and who he believes the race ‘goes through.’ He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show.
Key Points:
- Nancy talks first about the importance of todays Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park and why she likes a particular horse to win the stakes race. She also discusses the atmosphere leading up to today’s stakes filled card at Oaklawn and what her role as Racing Analyst entails and mentions her background in horse racing and why a career in the ‘business’ was eminent. Nancy also discusses how she would describe herself as a handicapper and mentions that a well-respected person involved in horse racing media was very instrumental to her own career. She also mentions whether there was a race or a racetrack that sold her on wanting to become part of the Thoroughbred industry and discusses what Kentucky Derby points race will have the most influence on this years Derby in May.
- David talks about the racing accident that sidelined him for the latter part of the 2023 racing season at Woodbine and how the recouperation process is going. He also mentions how the accident left him feeling sorry for himself, but a trip to the hospital changed his mindset and he mentions when he is expecting to be back riding again. David also talks about his son Pietro and his short career as an Apprentice Jockey last year and whether he is looking forward to riding against him this season. He also talks about how influential his father was to his riding career and what it was like riding during the early years in Ireland and whether he needed to change his riding style when he made the decision to move his tack to Woodbine.
- Lauren discusses her role with LongRun and mentions how long she has been working as Farm Manager. She also discusses some of the current horses that are living at the farm including Champion and a Fan Favorite, Pink Lloyd and what it is like to have a Hall of Fame horse on the grounds and whether he has settled into retirement. Lauren also discusses the story behind how LongRun was able to purchase their farm facility in Hillsburgh, Ontario and mentions that the story traces back to a Toronto legend, ‘Sam the Record Man.’ Lauren also discusses some of the fund-raising events planned for the farm this year and talks about how listeners can either adopt one of the horses at LongRun or donate to their program.