Ontario Racing’s Independent Chair Andrew Gaughan / NYRA’s Director of Communication’s Keith McCalmont / Lynne O’Brien, Executive Director of Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre

Ponies 24-7 The Radio Magazine

Larry and Ann are joined by Ontario Racing’s Independent Chair Andrew Gaughan, who discusses his role as Independent Chair which he has held since November 2022 and whether the job is what he expected when he signed on, or whether there have been any surprises. He also talks about the assistance he has received from his predecessor John Hayes and another colleague, Jamie Martin, who has been a major help to him settling in. Andrew also talks about his prior experience to becoming Independent Chair and his career stops over the past 30 years. NYRA’s Director of Communication’s Keith McCalmont, who discusses what the atmosphere is like at Saratoga today as they get ready to host the Belmont Stakes for the first time ever. Keith also talks about the field for the Belmont Stakes and who he likes to win the race and discusses the upcoming schedule of racing Saratoga and Aqueduct over the next couple of months. Keith also talks about the undercard races at Saratoga today. Lynne O’Brien, Executive Director of Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre, who discusses their upcoming ‘Celebrate Sunrise’ fund raiser on June 23rd and mentions what visitors to the event can expect to see. Lynne also talks about the rehabilitation work that Sunrise does on- site and mentions some of the horses and special cases and why it’s important that they host such an event like ‘Celebrate Sunrise’.; In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look At The Way It Was In Horse Racing News, Larry discusses the stakes victory that local Apprentice Jockey Pietro Moran had at Woodbine last Saturday and some of the connections involved with the winning horse, Fabulously Fab. In our new regular feature, ‘Road Trip,’ Larry talks about todays Belmont Stakes at Saratoga today and mentions about some of the history behind the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ later today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today, later in the show.

Key Points:

• Andrew talks first about his role as Independent Chair for Ontario Racing and whether the role has come with any extra challenges or even surprises. He also discusses some of the many roles that he has held over the past 30 years in the horse racing and gaming industries and whether any one of the roles helped prepare for him for the Independent Chairperson position. He also mentions how long-time horse-racing industry person Jamie Martin has continued to be a major help to his position as well as former Chair John Hayes and mentions what the role of an Independent Chair consists of. Andrew also adds that his introduction to the business side of horse racing and gaming was quite different than other people and talks about the Ontario Racing board and why he believes they could be considered a highly active Board.

• Keith discusses todays Belmont Stakes which is being held for the first time at Saratoga and how the atmosphere surrounding the race is and whether the fans have accepted the track change. He also discusses the Belmont itself and who he likes to win and mentions who has trained well leading up to today and whether we could see an upset winner today. Keith also talks briefly about some of the other stake’s events at Saratoga today and discusses whether the new distance of the Belmont Stakes will hinder or help any of the entrants. He also mentions the NYRA racing schedule going forward at Saratoga and Aqueduct over the next few months and gives his opinion on whether todays Belmont Stakes winner could be the front runner for Horse of the Year honors or is there maybe another race coming up that may be more influential.

• Lynne discusses Sunrise’s upcoming fund raiser, ‘Celebrate Sunrise’ on Sunday June 23rd and why it is so important in helping to sustain the facility. She also talks about the itinerary on June 23rd, the cost and how someone can buy tickets and mentions the many programs being offered at Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre and how events like ‘Celebrate Sunrise’ help fund them. Lynne also talks about some of the horses at Sunrise and gives examples of the programs being offered and talks about the history behind Sunrise and how it became a special facility. She also adds the location of the Sunrise facility and gives out the web site in case the listeners may be interested in attending ‘Celebrate Sunrise’ on June 23rd.