Emilio Trotta, Ajax Downs General Manager / Samuel Marin, Jockey / Bob McClure, Harness Driver

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Ajax Downs General Manager Emilio Trotta, who returns to Ponies 24-7 following a record-setting opening day for the twenty twenty-six Quarter Horse racing season. Ajax Downs opened its meet on Wednesday with an all-time wagering record of more than two hundred eighty-one thousand dollars bet on the nine-race card, a milestone Emilio discusses in detail as he reflects on what drove the strong turnout and betting interest. He also previews the remainder of the Ajax Downs season, including several special events planned throughout the summer, highlighted by an appearance from the RCMP Musical Ride. Emilio explains the unique appeal of Quarter Horse racing, discusses fan growth and horse population trends, and outlines his goals for the continued expansion of the sport in Ontario.Also today, jockey Samuel Marin returns to the show following another sensational season at Tampa Bay Downs, where he successfully defended his riding title in dominant fashion. Marin recently broke the single-season wins record at the track and twice recorded six-win days during the meet, continuing the remarkable momentum he has built over the past several years. Samuel reflects on the goals he set entering twenty twenty-six, the role his agent Mike Moran has played in his success, and the adjustments he made after arriving in North America from Venezuela. He also discusses learning to ride on turf for the first time, the mentors who helped him establish himself in the sport, and the major races he still hopes to win as his career continues to rise.Then, top Woodbine Mohawk Park driver Bob McClure joins Ponies 24-7 to discuss the highly anticipated return of Horse of the Year Beau Jangles, who makes his first start of the season as a three-year-old tonight at Woodbine Mohawk Park. McClure shares what it has been like driving one of harness racing’s fastest-rising stars and explains why Beau Jangles has already captured the imagination of racing fans across North America. Bob discusses the colt’s recent qualifier in Florida, compares him to some of the greatest pacers in the sport’s history, and reflects on the excitement surrounding a horse many believe could become the next true superstar in harness racing. He also provides an update on his own twenty twenty-six campaign and talks about the goals he has set for the season ahead.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 Kentucky Derby, the iconic mile-and-a-quarter test for three-year-olds and the most prestigious race in Thoroughbred racing.