Kevin Kerstein, PR for Churchill Downs, Ellis Park, Turfway Park / Sue Leslie, HBPA President / Cheryl L. Eriksen, Author of 'Greyhound'

Today on Ponies 24-7 The Radio Magazine, Larry Simpson previews a packed Saturday broadcast with Cameron Wilkinson, as he fills in for Drew Behm. First, Churchill Downs’ Kevin Kerstein joins the show for the first time to break down Turfway Park’s Synthetic Championships, featuring four $250,000 stakes races loaded with Canadian talent including Caitlinhergrtness, Queen’s Command, Dresden Row, and Lucky Score. Kevin discusses the Turfway meet, the track’s history, synthetic-surface handicapping, and his career in racing communications. Also on today’s show, longtime friend of the program and HBPA Ontario President Sue Leslie returns to help wrap up the 2025 Thoroughbred season at Woodbine and Fort Erie. Sue examines this year’s challenges, horse population trends, contract considerations, her own journey in the sport, and her hopes for Ontario racing heading into 2026. In addition, author Cheryl Eriksen joins us for the first time to talk about her new book on the legendary Standardbred Greyhound - the underdog trotter who became one of the sport’s earliest nationwide superstars. Cheryl shares what drew her to Greyhound’s story, her broader work in equine wellness and communication, and how listeners can purchase the book in time for the holidays. Plus, the show includes In Case You Missed It, presented by RS Bulk Propane; this week’s Road Trip, powered by Pineview Hyundai, spotlighting the La Prevoyante Stakes at Woodbine; our feature Striving For Excellence – Racing Performance of the Week, presented by Kingshore Windows & Doors; and, Larry’s Ponies Picks of the Day, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, with plays at Woodbine, Mohawk Park, and other North American tracks.(5:31) In Case You Missed It – Larry recaps this week’s major horse racing headlines, presented by RS Bulk Propane.(7:20) Road Trip – Spotlight on the La Prevoyante Stakes at Woodbine, powered by Pineview Hyundai.(11:04) Kevin Kerstein (Churchill Downs / Turfway Park) – Breaks down the Synthetic Championships at Turfway Park, highlights major Canadian connections, discusses Turfway’s synthetic-surface advantages, reviews the track’s history and meet, and talks about his path in racing communications and handicapping strategies.(26:22) Striving For Excellence – Racing Performance of the Week – Honouring standout equine performance, presented by Kingshore Windows & Doors.(29:36) Sue Leslie (HBPA Ontario President) – Recaps the 2025 seasons at Woodbine and Fort Erie, discusses challenges and horse population trends, explains the role of the HBPA and its contract structure, reflects on her decades in racing, and looks ahead to goals for the industry in 2026.(43:25) Cheryl Eriksen (Author – Greyhound) – Introduces her new book on the legendary trotter Greyhound, shares her passion for horses, talks about her work as a horse midwife and equine communicator, and explains how listeners can purchase the book ahead of Christmas.(58:16) Ponies Picks of the Day – Larry’s betting selections for Woodbine, Mohawk Park, and additional North American tracks, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing.