Episode Details

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Woodbine track announcer Robert Geller, who returns to Ponies 24-7 as the Thoroughbred meet officially gets underway at Woodbine. One of the most recognizable voices in Canadian racing, Geller discusses opening day and what it means to kick off another season at one of North America’s premier racetracks. He reflects on how he prepares during the offseason, whether the excitement of opening day still brings nerves to the announcer’s booth, and how many races he has called throughout his distinguished career. Robert also shares his thoughts on the current Kentucky Derby trail, discusses his approach to handicapping early in the season, and provides insight into special initiatives he is involved with, including upcoming events tied to the racing calendar.

Also today, veteran Woodbine trainer Gail Cox joins the show to talk about her continued success on the racetrack, including the recent victory of Miss Vyvyanne at Gulfstream Park, the filly’s fourth consecutive win since being claimed for thirty-two thousand dollars last summer. Gail reflects on her journey into training, the mentors who helped shape her career, and her long-standing connection to Sam-Son Farm and its impact on Canadian Thoroughbred racing. She also discusses her current stable, plans for the upcoming season, and the possibility of competing in the Grade two Elkhorn Stakes at Keeneland with Dancing in Danile, who sits on the also eligible list. Gail shares her thoughts on what it takes to maintain success as a trainer and looks ahead to her goals for the year.

Then, jockey Romero Maragh makes his first appearance on Ponies 24-7 as he begins a new chapter in his career at Woodbine. With more than three hundred career wins and over sixteen million dollars in purse earnings, Maragh discusses his decision to move his tack to Woodbine and what attracted him to the opportunity, including the new Empire-Trillium Series. He reflects on the challenges he has faced throughout his career, including injuries that cost him mounts in major races, and how he stayed resilient through those setbacks. Romero also talks about growing up in a racing family, the influences that guided his path into the sport, and his goals for the upcoming season as he looks to secure his first graded stakes victory.

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, Larry heads to Keeneland for the Grade two Elkhorn Stakes, a mile-and-a-half turf test for older horses and one of the weekend’s marquee events.