Episode Details

Today, Larry goes one on onewith Woodbine’s CEO Michael Copeland , who talks in depth about the Woodbine and Woodbine Mohawk Park 2024 race meets , including discussing some of the new venues on-site, that have helped attract a new demographic in particular to Woodbine. Michael also discusses races at both tracks that he woud consider ‘highlight reel’ caliber and why they are and also talks about how he has a horse racing pedigree, which has continued to his passion  in horse racing.; Sue Leslie, President of the HBPA of Ontario ,  who for our many new listeners discusses her role as President and what it entails and also the HBPA and the role that they play within the Ontario Thoroughbred industry. Sue also takes us down the path of how she became so involved in the Thoroughbred industry originallyand how this led to her becoming President of the HBPA of Ontario.; Recently retired Woodbine Jockey Justin Stein, who talks about the decision to retire and why he is pursuing a career as  a Race Steward. He also mentions the steps that will lead  him to becomea Steward and also discusses some of the horses he had an opportunity to ride and whether there was one Thoroughbred that he wishes he would have had a chance to ride during his career.

In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look At The Way It Was In Horse Racing News, Larry talks aboutJockey Chantal Sutherland and how she is attempting to make a comeback after being on the shelf since May, 2023 , In our newest regular feature,‘Road Trip’, Larry talks about  today’s La Prevoyante Stakes at Woodbine and mentions about some of the history behind  the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ today. He also  provides  his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks, later on in the show.

● Mike initially discusses the 2024 race meets at Woodbine and Woodbine Mohawk Park and some of the racing highlights at both tracks. He also talks about Woodbine and some of the new  on-track venues and whether he has notices an upsurge in a new demographic , especially one that is younger. Mike also discusses the state of Sports Betting and in particular Woodbine’s arrangement with bet365 and if we will see any other Sports Betting Companies partnering up with Woodbine over the next few months. Mike also discusses how a pedigree in horse racing has helped to fuel his passion for the horse industry and mentions whether he has any New Years’ Resolutions for both Woodbine and Woodbine Mohawk Park .

● Sue initially discusses her role as President of the HBPA of Ontario and also the role that the Association plays in the Ontario Thoroughbred industry and in particular at Woodbine and Fort Erie. Sue also talks about the 2024 racing seasons at both Woodbine and Fort Erie and whether there were any challenges and mentions how the people involved in the horse racing industy are so passionate about their horses. She also talks about how she became so involved in the Thoroughbred industry initially and talks about some of the stops along the way before becoming HBPA President. Sue also mentions where the two sides (HBPA and Woodbine) are as far asfinalizing a new horsemen’s contract for 2025.

● Justin discusses why he made the decision recently to retire and why he has decided to become a Racing Steward and the process to becoming a Steward and he adds that he had actually applied for the position back in September, as he had  made the decision to retire prior to his recent riding accident.,Justin also reflects on his riding career and mentions some of his more memorable rides, including his frist win as a Jockey that took place at Hastings Park in Vancouver,