Ann and Larry talk with the Hambletonian Society’s Chief Operating Officer Moira Fanning, who discusses tonights Breeders Crown eliminations and next weeks finals at Hoosier Park in Anderson, Indiana. Moira also talks about how she became so heavily involved in harness racing and the path that she took to end up at the Hambletonian Society and mentions who the greatest harness horse that she ever saw race. Woodbine Entertainment’s Jeff Bratt, who discusses some of the highlights of the Thoroughbred meeting so far and talks about today’s Ontario Derby, in particular the recent Breeders Stakes winner Touch N Ride and whether the surface and distance change may hinder this horse in today’s race. He also discusses some more of his handicapping angles and how he prepares for the race broadcasts and gives out a couple more ‘betting gems’ on todays Woodbine card. Ajax Downs General Manager Emilio Trotta, who talks about closing day next Wednesday for the Quarter horse track and how did this racing season compare to 2022. Emilio also talks about a novel race that will be run on Wednesday that will be made up of Thoroughbreds and Quarter horses and describes in detail the differences in appearance between the two horse breeds. Emilio also discusses one race this season that still resonates with him even today and what he will be doing after Wednesday’s closing day at Ajax Downs. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look at The Way It Was in Horse Racing News, Larry discusses the recent hiring by Woodbine of former Ontario politician Monte McNaughton as their new Executive Vice President, Industry Relations, and People Experience. Larry also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks.
Key Points:
- Moira discusses the eliminations tonight and the finals next week for the Breeders Crown and talks about the history of the host track Hoosier Park and in particular the people of Anderson, Indiana and why they have embraced harness racing so well. Moira also talks about two of the eliminations that should set up for terrific finals next week and mentions how she became so invoved in harness racing, to the point that she has been with the Breeders Crown since its inception 37 years ago. She also talks about how her connections in harness racing runs deep and whether there was any doubt when she was growing up that she would not end up with a position in harness racing. Moira also talks about the North American harness racing industry and how it is enjoying an upsurge in popularity this year and why and talks about the greatest harness horse she ever watched race. Finally, she talks about some of the achievements Canadian horsemen have made that has helped contribute to the success of the Breeders Crown.
- Jeff discusses the current Woodbine Thoroughbred meet to date and some of the highlights that have helped add to the popularity that it has continued to garner this season. Jeff also talks about today’s Woodbine card and in particular the Ontario Derby that features recent Breeders Stakes winner Touch N Ride and whether the surface and distance change may have a negative impact on his performance today. Jeff also talks about how he and the rest of the Broadcasting crew prepare for the paddock show and whether they have regular content meetings or not and discusses his own personal handicapping methods and mentions some of the race angles that he uses regularly. Jeff also talks more about today’s Woodbine Thoroughbred card and gives out a couple of horses that he believes are solid betting plays today.
- Emilio talks first about the upcoming Wednesday racing card at Ajax Downs which is the last one for the season and whether, overall, the year has been a success for the Quarter horse track. He also discusses a problem that the track faces each year, that being a horse shortage and what is being done to solve the problem and whether he believes that Ajax Downs would receive added race dates in 2023. Emilio also mentions about how Ajax Downs has continued to see new fans coming to the track for the races and what he attributes the interest to and discusses a feature race on Wednesday’s card that will see Thoroughbreds racing against Quarter horses in the same race. He is then asked to describe in detail the major differences between Thoroughbreds and Quarter horses. Emilio also talks about how he originally got involved with Ajax Downs and why he did and mentions a race this year at the track that continues to resonate with him for good reason. He also talks about what he will be doing in the off season after the Quarter horse racing calendar ends on Wednesday.
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