Today, Larry goes one-on-one with former jockey Yves Turcotte, who joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time after being named the recipient of the prestigious twenty twenty-six Avelino Gomez Memorial Award. Turcotte, who enjoyed a seventeen-year riding career that produced more than one thousand three hundred victories and over eight million dollars in purse earnings, reflects on receiving one of Canadian horse racing’s highest honours and what it means to join his brother, Hall of Famer Ron Turcotte, as a recipient of the award. Yves also looks back on the highlights of his riding career, including victories in the Canadian Derby and Alberta Derby, discusses growing up in one of racing’s most famous families, and shares stories about working alongside legendary trainer Lucien Laurin. He also explains why he chose to remain in racing as a steward following his retirement from the saddle and reflects on the many people who helped shape his remarkable career.
Also today, leading Woodbine trainer Kevin Attard returns to the show to discuss another strong season for his stable as he continues to rank among the top conditioners on the Woodbine backstretch. Attard provides an update on several of his runners competing on today’s card, including Marine Stakes contender Yukon Striker, unbeaten through his first two career starts, and promising fillies Ada Claire, Meloni, and Elusive Yaupon. Kevin also reflects on winning last year's Marine Stakes with Mansetti, provides an update on the King’s Plate winner, and discusses the current depth of his stable, the development of his younger horses, and his expectations for the remainder of the Woodbine season.
Then, veteran Thoroughbred trainer Steve Bryant joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time to reflect on a career spanning more than three decades and nearly four million dollars in purse earnings. Bryant discusses getting his start at Exhibition Park before spending many successful years at Hastings Racecourse, where he became a fixture on the Vancouver racing circuit. He shares his thoughts on the recent closure of Hastings and the impact it has had on horsepeople across Western Canada before discussing his decision to return to Woodbine after previous stops at Santa Anita, Del Mar, and Fair Grounds. Steve also talks about training on some of North America's most competitive circuits, the mentors who influenced his career, and the goals he has set for his stable as he begins another season at Woodbine.
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 Churchill Downs for the Grade one two million dollar Stephen Foster Stakes, a mile-and-an-eighth test for older horses and one of the premier races of the summer season.