Episode Details

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with jockey Julian Pimentel, who joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time after making a remarkable return to race riding following a five-year retirement. Pimentel, who has won more than eighteen hundred races and accumulated over fifty-nine million dollars in purse earnings during his career, reflects on the decision to step away from the saddle in twenty twenty-one and the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic that ultimately influenced his retirement. He discusses why the desire to compete never truly left him, what motivated him to launch a comeback this season, and how it has felt returning to the jockeys' room after such a lengthy absence. Julian also shares memories of riding in the Kentucky Derby and three Preakness Stakes, talks about working for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott early in his career, and reflects on some of the greatest horses he has ridden while looking ahead to the goals he has set for this latest chapter of his career.

Also today, LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society's Vicki Pappas returns to the show to preview LongRun's annual Summer Open House taking place on July eighteenth. Vicki discusses the importance of the event as one of the organization's premier annual fundraisers and explains what visitors can expect during the day, including opportunities to meet retired racehorses and learn more about Thoroughbred aftercare. She also outlines LongRun's mission of retraining and rehoming retired Thoroughbreds, explains the adoption process and the organization's commitment to supporting adopters long after a horse leaves the farm, and shares updates on some of LongRun's most recognizable residents, including fan favourite Pink Lloyd. Vicki also reflects on her own career in horse racing and discusses the many ways people can support LongRun throughout the year.

Then, Woodbine trainer Steven Chircop joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time to discuss a training career that has produced more than three hundred victories and over nine million dollars in purse earnings. Chircop reflects on how he first became involved in horse racing, the mentors who helped shape his career, and the horses that convinced him training was his calling. He also discusses balancing his operations between Woodbine and Penn National, the challenges of training horses year-round, and his success with first-time starters this season. Steven previews tomorrow's My Dear Stakes contender Mrs. D, an impressive debut winner who returns looking to add a stakes victory to her résumé, while also discussing two runners on today's Woodbine card and the goals he has set for his stable during the twenty twenty-six season.

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 The Meadowlands for the eight hundred ten thousand dollar Meadowlands Pace, a one-mile championship for three-year-old pacers and one of the premier events on the North American harness racing calendar.