Episode Details

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Keeneland’s Director of Communications Gabby Gaudet, who joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time to break down one of the premier Kentucky Derby prep races of the spring, the Grade one Blue Grass Stakes. With a purse of one million two hundred fifty thousand dollars, the Blue Grass Stakes has long been a key stepping stone on the road to Churchill Downs, attracting top three-year-olds looking to secure their place in the Kentucky Derby. Gabby analyzes this year’s field, discusses the strength of the Keeneland spring meet, and explains what makes the historic Kentucky racetrack such a special destination for both fans and horsepeople. She also previews other stakes action on the card, including the Shakertown Stakes, and shares insight into her career path and how she became one of the sport’s most respected voices in racing and handicapping.

Also today, two-time Kentucky Derby winning jockey Mario Gutierrez joins the show to share his remarkable story of perseverance both on and off the racetrack. From humble beginnings in Veracruz, Mexico, where he describes his childhood as having “no shoes, nothing,” to becoming a two-time Kentucky Derby champion aboard I’ll Have Another and Nyquist, Mario reflects on the journey that shaped his career. He discusses the influence of owner Paul Reddam and trainer Doug O’Neill, the challenges he faced during a difficult period in twenty twenty-four, and the devastating fire in early twenty twenty-five that destroyed his family home and forced a major life reset. Now based in Kentucky, Mario talks about rebuilding his career, recent success at Gulfstream Park, and his goals moving forward as he looks to return to top form in twenty twenty-six.

Then, Century Downs Assistant Racing Manager Josh Murphy joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time as the Alberta track kicks off its two thousand twenty-six Standardbred meet. Josh provides an overview of the upcoming season, which runs through late August, and highlights key stakes races and major dates on the calendar. He also discusses the track’s growth, including the addition of night racing, and whether the closure of racing in British Columbia has led to an increase in horse population and participation in Alberta. Josh shares his background in racing, explains what a typical day looks like in his role, and gives listeners a preview of what they can expect from opening day at Century Downs.

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 Mohawk Park and several other tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, Larry heads to Aqueduct for the Grade two Wood Memorial Stakes, a mile-and-an-eighth test for three-year-olds and another important stop on the road to the Kentucky Derby.