Down the Stretch for April 12, 2021

There’s a very satisfying female component to this week’s episode. Host Peter Gross talks with the irrepressible Chantal Sutherland whose epic career continues as she is winning races at Gulfstream. Another lady rider, Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to take down the prestigious Grand National, the gruelling 4 ¼ mile steeplechase at Aintree. Trainer Gail Cox sent out a winner at Gulfstream for Sam Son Farm and Aida Yahyapour is an award winning culinary expert who helps us pair great meals with great races. Also in this podcast – Woodbine’s CEO, Jim Lawson tells us how frustrating it is to run a horse racing operation when the government won’t allow live racing. Harness driver Jonathan Drury did a wonderful thing – he sought out one of his favourite horses, bought him out of a sale and sent him to the farm for a well-deserved retirement. Scott Zeron and Mark MacDonald continue to take down purses at the Meadowlands. And all the Kentucky Derby preps have been run; the two Stakes last Saturday produced long-shot winners.