PONIES 24-7 Volume 6 / issue 2 / 2020 $2.95 CDN

Jessica Buckley Racing Behind Closed Doors

Eddie Olczyk Revisiting The Former NHLer, Broadcaster, Handicapping Jack Guru, And Now Author Knowlton His Sackatoga Stable Offers Creative Ownership Opportunities

HORSE RACING LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCE

HORSE RACING LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCE

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ORDM 111315 wstgt.com/ 45570957659 show, email Larry Simpson at, [email protected] TP #: EDITOR AT THE POST LARRY SIMPSON Larry Simpson is an avid and passionate writer, horseplayer, handicapper, and marketer for both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing. He HORSE RACING LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCE has published and edited several horse racing journals, conducted handicapping seminars for both breeds and is a major proponent for the A MESSAGE TO OUR VALUED PONIES READERS education of new racing fans through publica- tions like PONIES 24-7, and initiatives that develop ‘fresh’ demographics for racing, produce cultured In these uncertain times in the world, local FM radio station, and is also avail- bettors and promote the value of the horse racing we hope that this issue of PONIES 24-7 able to listen to live on their web site, advertising space! 22 34 6 provides you an opportunity to HORSEreflect RACINGwww.1059theregion.com LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCE . Why not on happier previous moments, and check it out-it provides something for the anticipation of better things to everybody and the perfect enhance- come in the not too distant future. ment for our PONIES 24-7 digital mag- 04 At The Post 18 Ed Olczyk 30 Leaps And Bounds azine. A message to our Ponies readers Revisiting the former NHLer, Support for healthy joints and It is very difficult to fathom that the broadcaster, handicapping guru, and flexibility issues in canines HORSE RACING LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCE Jack Knowlton now author world has pretty much been in a lock- Speaking of our magazine, please 06 Sackatoga Stable’s Operations down state since mid March, almost take the opportunity to allow this edi- DURWELL Equine Manager continues to promote afford- 22 The Meadowlands, 32 six months to be exact, and what crazy tion of able and creative ownership to new Naturals months they have been! Hockey and PONIES 24-7 to again act as perhaps investors Tioga and Vernon A company with your horse’s basketball being played in the sum- a positive distraction to the everyday Trio of tracks continue to health at heart! mer, the Belmont Stakes in June, race- challenges that we all continue to face Racing Behind Closed conform to the new normal! tracks playing to empty grandstands, together, and to remain positive as we 12 26 34 The Racer’s Edge and a Kentucky Derby in early Sep- look ahead to healthier times. And LIVING Doors Westgate Las Vegas A handicapping primer tember. please, feel free to share this magazine Woodbine adjusts to the new normal Resort & Casino with friends and family, to assist in fill- THE of live horse racing New safety protocols for the Here at PONIES 24-7, we have used ing the possible void of time during SuperBook, and expansion on the the time between publications to de- their day and again as a further show HORSE RACING horizon! velop a terrestrial radio show about that together we will continue to fight horse racing-“Ponies 24-7, THE RADIO the fight. Also, don’t forget to inform LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE”. them about our radio show, “Ponies A crisp array of features on personali- 24-7, THE RADIO MAGAZINE” – they

VOLUME 6, ISSUE 2 24-7 ties and races from both sides of the will be happy you did! border, the show is currently being SEPTEMBER, 2020 sponsored by Woodbine and Wood- Until next time PUBLISHER & EDITOR bine Mohawk Park and is available for LARRY SIMPSON your listening pleasure on Saturday Larry Simpson mornings, from 8:30 until 9:00, Eastern [email protected] ONLINE EDITOR Time. It is aired on 105.9 The Region, a KELLY SIMPSON ART DESIGN ABOUT THE COVER PONIES MUSKOKA GRAPHICS Sackatoga Stable’s current star, Tiz The Law THE RADIO MAGAZINE Photo by Skip Dickstein PONIES 24-7 Magazine is published by PONIES 24-7 Inc., and distributed bi-monthly across EXCLUSIVE TO: North America to racing fans, racetracks, racing associations equine supporters and those devoted to the love of horse racing. SATURDAYS 8:30 AM (ET) The contents are published as a matter of news, information and entertainment only and reproduction in whole or Streaming Live At 1059theregion.com in part are prohibited. Tune In or Available For Download

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Jack Knowlton is one of the ‘brain trusts’ Jack Knowlton behind Sackatoga Sackatoga Stable’s Operations Manager Stable, owner of Continues To Promote Affordable And 2003 Kentucky Der- Creative Ownership To New Investors by and Preakness winner Funny Cide, By Larry Simpson and Tiz the Law, one Photos by Skip Dickstein of North America’s It’s no secret that I have been hang- top three-year-old ing around a racetrack since I was a more wagering opinions than money ‘wee lad’, and part of an era where back to bet with, need not apply! Recently, I had the opportunity to con- colts this year. then, a trip to the racetrack was a so- nect with Sackatoga’s Founder, where cial visit first, and an opportunity to bet Jack Knowlton is one of the ‘brain the topic, no surprise was horse racing. a harness track called Vernon Downs, second. It was a time where we hud- trusts’ behind Sackatoga Stable, owner and we really enjoyed the experience. with me, and they suggested that the working with Frank Coppola Jr., who dled on a regular basis in a group with of 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness LARRY SIMPSON: Jack it’s great to I then moved to Albany, and did my three of us put in $500 each and buy was one of the leading driver/trainers new found friends that we had previ- winner Funny Cide, and Tiz the Law, speak to you, I guess the first question I Masters work at the University of Alba- a horse, so we did, and of course, the at Saratoga, and I should add just re- ously met at the track, handicapping one of North America’s top three-year- have to ask is how did you get involved ny, eventually got married and my wife horse never ever saw the racetrack. So tired after winning almost 6,000 races the upcoming race-yes race as this was old colts this year. I have never met in the horse racing industry originally? had an Uncle that had a girlfriend, and that was actually my first experience as a driver. Five of us put together The long before today’s simulcasting where Jack personally, however even with the two of them were just degenerate you could say as an owner. Breakfast Club Stable, where we would a multitude of betting opportunities that being said, if this was ‘back in the JACK KNOWLTON: I actually to be hon- gamblers! (Laughing) The two of them go to breakfast on Saturday mornings, now exist. In many cases, ‘track days day’, and with his current enthusiasm est with you, started on the Standard- took my wife and I to the Saratoga har- LARRY SIMPSON: Obviously your luck and we raced for about 11 or 12 years or nights’ were the only time that you for horse racing, there certainly would bred side, ness track, Saratoga Racecourse and in ownership did change though? and actually in 1993, owned the Sara- saw your cohorts, but I think what was be no problem in letting him into that Green Mountain when they were rac- toga Harness Horse of The Year, Sunset more important though was the fact coveted circle mentioned above, sight LARRY SIMPSON: Me too! ing Thoroughbreds back in the day and JACK KNOWLTON: Yes, eventually the Blue. you were very selective in who you al- unseen! that kind of got me started. After work- three of us got together again and lowed into this coveted circle. In other JACK KNOWLTON: In my Senior year in ing for about 12 years, I had a couple of bought another horse that did make words, the ‘racetrack tout’, who had College, my roommate and I drove to friends that worked in the Legislature it to the races and actually I ended up

6 Ponies-247 Ponies-247 7 Jack Knowlton “Barclay has been a Thoroughbred trainer for 50 years and is very knowledgeable of the Thoroughbred industry.”

LARRY SIMPSON: So, what was behind the de- between $50,000 and $100,000 maximum JACK KNOWLTON: Barclay has cision to move into Thoroughbreds? on a horse. In fact, up to a couple of weeks been a Thoroughbred trainer ago, the most we had ever spent at a sale was for 50 years and is very knowl- JACK KNOWLTON: A combination of things. At $180,000, and that was for two horses. With edgeable of the Thoroughbred the time there was a horsemen’s strike at the the success of Funny Cide and now Tiz the Law, industry. He and his Assistant harness track which became problematic in we have helped fuel the interest in New York Trainer, Robin Smullen, also 1994, then one of our partners got very sick Bred horses and in our case, we have this op- serve as our Bloodstock Advi- and another moved to Texas, so it was just portunity to race in all of these races that are sors. time to move on! About a year later, I hooked restricted just to New York Breds, right from up with five of my high school friends, and Maiden to Stakes races. And you don’t have to LARRY SIMPSON: Obviously I somebody suggested that we buy a Thor- have a ‘fabulous’ horse to at least break even, have to ask, what was it like to oughbred, and that was the beginning of the and with some cases like ‘Niko’, you end up own a horse like Funny Cide? story behind Sackatoga Stable. ahead of the game! JACK KNOWLTON: We had a HORSES PREFER NATURAL INGREDIENTS. LARRY SIMPSON: How many horses did it take LARRY SIMPSON: Would you consider the New very modest stable back then, you before you finally came up with Funny York Stallion Stakes to be one of the best in the so never in a million years did Cide? country? we ever think that we would own a horse like him. It was JACK KNOWLTON: Funny Cide was the ninth JACK KNOWLTON: I would, but you also have totally unexpected, but once horse that we owned. the opportunity as we did with Funny Cide it happened, we just enjoyed and Tiz The Law, where you can send a mare to the ride! And of course, being LARRY SIMPSON: And what was the success Kentucky and she can come back to New York a gelding, we had the opportu- rate of the previous eight? and drop the foal and they too are considered nity to enjoy him as a racehorse a New York Bred. What we really like and we for six years. JACK KNOWLTON: Not that great! (Laughing) find it more challenging quite honestly, is to They all won some races, but I would say that find a good stallion that stands in New York. none of the eight made us money. But you We have Niko’s Dream and her full sister Adri- know yourself that it is a tough game and you atic Holiday, who just ran second at Saratoga always keep hoping that you will get lucky. We recently, and both are by Central Banker who have been twice blessed with Funny Cide and stands at McMahon Farms here in Saratoga now Tiz the Law, but obviously these types where Funny Cide was born, and both of them of horses don’t come along all the time. We are eligible for the Stallion Stakes. We just have a nice filly now by the name of Niko’s bought a colt and a filly by Laoban, who stands Dream, and she just won a second level al- in New York, so both of them will be eligible to Obviously lowance race at Gulfstream, and earned about the Stallion Stakes. I should add too that we $200,000 so far. This is the type of horse that have also been very lucky with first crop sires, I have to we like to concentrate on when we buy New Funny Cide, was by Distorted Humor, while Tiz the Law is from the first crop of Constitution. INTRODUCING JOINTS + MOBILITY WE WILL HELP York Breds. It’s all about getting them through ask, what YOUR HORSE THRIVE their conditions and into some New York Bred Our product contains naturally occurring essential minerals info durwell-equine.com stakes races, and then we will be very happy. LARRY SIMPSON: How many horses does Sack- was it like to necessary for proper joint health. It has proven to help keep @ atoga currently own Jack? own a horse horses in peak performance. www.durwell-equine.com LARRY SIMPSON: Jack you actually led into my next question, I know that Sackatoga has JACK KNOWLTON: Right now, we have seven like Funny made a point of buying New York Breds, why in training here at Saratoga with Barclay Tagg. COMING SOON CUTS + GASHES A proprietary blend of essential oils that will provide quick relief from owies. is this? Cide? WITH LARRY SIMPSON: You have enjoyed a very E L D O V A E good business relationship with Barclay for M I JACK KNOWLTON: Really, we look at it as an N A D C A N A opportunity, as historically we usually spent some time now, why is this?

8 Ponies-247 Jack In the Forefront, Is A Regular Backstretch Visitor. fourth fastest time in Travers history us twelve weeks to get to the Belmont JACK KNOWLTON: Well his pedigree and where he received a Beyer speed and Barclay did his job. was tremendous, sure you were taking figure of 109. We actually believe that a shot with Constitution, but his race if Manny (jockey Manny Franco) called LARRY SIMPSON: And your dream of record even though it was short was on him, especially if he got a fast pace wanting to win the Travers Stakes fi- excellent (with two Grade l wins at Gulf- in one of the races, he would receive a nally became real with Tizz the Law’s stream). And being a son of Tapit, you bigger Beyer number. He has a lot of recent victory. How did it feel halfway figure anything is possible and, in our energy and is very competitive, in fact, down the stretch when you knew that case, the anything is possible, turned if he’s just jogging around the track and your dream had become reality? out to be almost more than you can he sees another horse, he will want to believe is pos- go after it, and try JACK KNOWLTON: It was one of tre- sible! We loved to go by. mendous pride for the ‘hometown fa- the dam too as vorite’ and even money betting choice she was a Grade LARRY SIMPSON: to avoid entry into the ‘Graveyard of ll winner on the What is it going Favorites’. turf, and she was to be like having by Tiznow, who a Kentucky Derby LARRY SIMPSON: Finally, Jack, what is a dual Breeders’ in September this does the future hold for Sackatoga Cup Classic win- year? Stable? ner. JACK KNOWLTON: JACK KNOWLTON: We actually just pur- LARRY SIMPSON: Well the current chased three, two-year-old’s, includ- He seems to be plan is calling for ing the most expensive horse we have a pretty versatile live spectators at ever bought, $290,000 for a Tonalist horse, doesn’t he? Churchill in a lim- filly. They actually cancelled our favor- ited capacity, but ite sale here in Saratoga, the New York JACK KNOWLTON: for ourselves, Bar- Bred Fasig-Tipton Yearling Sale because He is, about the clay has the job of of COVID, and they have moved it to only knock I heard prior to the Travers keeping Tiz the Law a fresh horse and Kentucky in September. Barclay and I was some of the TV broadcasters saying ready to run, a lot longer than what will be attending and hopefully picking he hasn’t had that breakout race. Well, is normally required. He was ready to up a couple more horses. It’s also very the Travers was that breakout race, peak the first Saturday in May, com- satisfying to know that recently we LARRY SIMPSON: I remember, that you even made a stop where he won by 5-1/2 lengths in the ing off the Florida Derby and it took have brought in a lot of new partners with him here at Woodbine, correct? into horse racing, which is what Sacka- toga is all about! JACK KNOWLTON: That is correct, and actually one of my to run fast. He didn’t have any patience at all. favorite posters hanging in my office is the one that says, ‘See An American Hero on Canada Day, Saturday, July 1st, LARRY SIMPSON: Tell me, when you go to a yearling sale, 2006’. I remember it was the Dominion Day Stakes and do you sit down with Barclay and say I like these horses in Richard Migliore went up to ride him for us and he just the catalogue, or do you leave it up to him? went to the top, and stayed there. And Woodbine treated us so well that day, and that certainly helped us enjoy our JACK KNOWLTON: Barclay is our Bloostock Advisor and time up in Toronto. together with his assistant, Robin, we will go over the catalogue, and then compare notes. After that, Barclay LARRY SIMPSON: You haven’t been to Woodbine since? will go and look at the horses that are on the list. Once in a while we may say that we want to buy a colt, or a JACK KNOWLTON: No, I haven’t had a horse that is good filly, but in most cases it’s ‘best available athlete’, similar to enough to take us there, but you never know what the fu- what they do in the NFL draft. When we bought ‘Tiz’, we ture may bring. I need a good turf horse to race up there already had fillies so we only concentrated on half of the though. sales catalogue. Typically, we only end up with a handful of horses that meet our criteria, and once we have a vet LARRY SIMPSON: Let’s talk about Tiz the Law now. Are look at them, usually half will be eliminated. To be honest, there any similarities between him and Funny Cide? at most of the sales, we are lucky if we get three or four horses that we want to bid on. JACK KNOWLTON: Yeah, they both run fast and they both win! (Laughs) Other than that they are completely differ- LARRY SIMPSON: What was it that attracted you to Tiz the ent, Tiz The Law is so laid back and very easy to manage, Law, was it his pedigree? where Funny Cide was very head strong and just wanted

Jack. With Trainer Barclay Tagg. 10 Ponies-247 Ponies-247 11 THE BUSINESS OF HORSE RACING RACING BEHIND CLOSED DOORS Woodbine Adjusts To The New Normal Of Live Horse Racing By Larry Simpson For Woodbine Entertainment Group, it was a difficult decision to suspend live racing at their harness track, Woodbine Mohawk Park on March 19th. They had continued to practice the necessary safety precautions for their Standard- bred horsemen to race and being ‘the only game in town’, one could certainly understand if there was a slight hesi- tancy to come to a complete stop. Also, the fact that the harness oval was in the midst of riding a hot streak of some tre- mendous nightly betting handles, also made the decision even more testing. Understandably, controlling the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic became pri- ority number one, and Woodbine did Clive Cohen Photo the right thing to suspend racing and Michael Burns Photo turn their attention primarily to work- ing with the various provincial agen- cies to provide members of the Stan- “Just as horses were beginning to ship back dardbred industry financial assistance in to the Woodbine backstretch, COVID-19 hit ment. During this time, we had over 900 essential workers bine was doing everything possible to keep people safe, so and the essential care needed for their daily through our Covid-19 screening check point and we that we could continue racing operations without specta- horses. Canada and plans quickly changed course.” are grateful to report that we have had no known cases on tors. We were learning more every hour and as the threat of the backstretch to date. We put the Thoroughbred season the virus in North America began to take hold, we knew ul- At the same time, on the Thorough- opening on hold, however, at the appropriate time, Jim Law- timately more and more activities would be shutting down bred front, instead of preparing for an in early January, and as the pandemic oughbred racing industry and meeting son began constant communications with the government in the Province. We made the decision to suspend harness Opening Day of April 18th, the efforts continued to ravage in the Spring, one new owners and trainers. Just as hors- group working on the re-opening plans for the Province. We racing, in the interest of the health and safety of our staff turned to taking the needed precau- could assume that her skill-sets would es were beginning to ship back in to are extremely fortunate that the Ontario Government rec- and of the horse people, and for the greater good. tions to keep horses already stabled on be put to the test so to speak, as Wood- the Woodbine backstretch, COVID-19 ognizes the importance of racing and that we can operate the backstretch unscathed. Addition- bine wrestled with the effects of the hit Canada and plans quickly changed as an outdoor sport without spectators. PONIES 24-7: A decision to stop harness racing obviously ally, at the same time, providing a safe COVID-19 virus. course. It was 10 weeks of implement- came down to more than just dollars and cents incurred by working environment for the limited ing protocols to keep people safe, and PONIES 24-7: Take us back to March now, you had been rac- Woodbine correct, as there’s the welfare of the horses to staff responsible for feeding, grooming Recently we had the opportunity to our horses cared for in a safe environ- ing without spectators at Woodbine Mohawk Park for a brief take into consideration, their owners who are continuing to and regular exercise of the equine set, speak with Jessica, and the following period when the decision was made to suspend Standard- pay bills even though there is no racing, and trainers whose became a major prerequisite. interview took place. bred racing indefinitely. How difficult of a decision was this, livelihoods are also being challenged? With no stabling at especially when other racetracks in the US continued to race Mohawk, these horses still needed to be trained and looked Jessica Buckley was one of the many PONIES 24-7: First off Jessica, thank you without spectators and with tremendous betting handles, I after at training facilities, so the costs just kept adding up Woodbine personnel who ‘stepped up for taking the time out of what I know might add? correct? to the plate’ when the COVID virus took has been a very busy schedule for you a stranglehold over the horse racing recently. Initially, let’s talk about what JESSICA BUCKLEY: After March 11, which was approximately JESSICA BUCKLEY: Most definitely Larry. These athletes community in March, and created an it was like for you basically going ‘from the same time that other major sports leagues suspended need daily training and care. Jim Lawson and the Woodbine environment where ‘normality’ became the fireplace to the fire’ with your new operations, we immediately put plans in place to screen all team immediately took to communicating with govern- a thing of the past. With over two de- position. Did you have any time at least racing participants coming into the paddock, and limit to es- ment about the needs of the horses and the racing industry cades of racing industry experience in to settle in? sential personnel only. We began with COVID-19 screening participants to sustain horse welfare and jobs through this tow, Jessica was named Woodbine En- questions, then secured touchless forehead thermometers lockdown. tertainment’s Senior Vice President of JESSICA BUCKLEY: I was really looking to take temperatures of each person entering the paddock. Michael Burns Photo Standardbred & Thoroughbred Racing forward to reconnecting with the Thor- Horse people were extremely cooperative and knew Wood- PONIES 24-7: During the early days of the pandemic, people

12 Ponies-247 Ponies-247 13 and I might add that many were equine backstretch for our essential workers and COSA to verify all active race From Dark Horse welfare activists, accused the Thor- and implemented new cleaning pro- horses in the Province and issue relief oughbred racetracks that continued to tocols, hand washing stations, closed fund cheques to owners. The criteria race as simply being greedy, instead of all common areas, but kept the back- was set by the OLG and intended to looking at the entire picture. The bot- stretch kitchen operating for take out give relief to owners that would have tom line is if a racetrack like Woodbine only aligning with other restaurants in been racing during the months of shuts down or delays an Opening Day, the Province. We have set-up services April and May. We were grateful that to Winner. you have a major problem, as the hors- with a home-care health provider in relief was provided. Owners received es still need to be taken care of, and the event that anyone in the dormi- $1500 per month for a Thoroughbred, in most cases the backstretch is their tory became ill. Additionally, the HBPA $1000 for a Standardbred and $750 for home, correct? purchased masks for every backstretch Quarter horse, which amounted to ap- worker to keep people safe. proximately 50% of the training bill per Sign up Bet smart JESSICA BUCKLEY: You are correct Lar- month, and therefore allowed staff to ry. The return on investment for the PONIES 24-7: Every day we have been stay employed. now and get entire industry depends upon racing. hearing about the financial impact straight out of Without racing and wagering, there is COVID-19 has had on businesses and PONIES 24-7: Live racing at Woodbine no income for anyone. Ninety per cent industry. Could you put a number on and Woodbine Mohawk Park started of that wagering business in Ontario the financial consequences that the vi- again in June without spectators. $30 the gate. is generated by Woodbine and Wood- rus has had on the Thoroughbred and Around the same time, both the US bine Mohawk Park and we know how Standardbred industries in Ontario to and Canadian governments elected to * many thousands of jobs across the date? continue border restrictions for non- Province, mainly in rural areas, depend essential businesses. What impact if on us! on the wagering engine at Woodbine JESSICA BUCKLEY: It’s easy to calcu- any did this have on both live racing to drive the industry. We are fortu- late the huge impact on lost wager- products? Use promo code nate to have the Long-Term Funding ing, however, we are pleased that we agreement in place with the Ontario will be able to maintain our average JESSICA BUCKLEY: Thankfully horses Government, that works to augment daily purses for both breeds for the are permitted through the border and GET30 purses for the horse people and help remainder of the 2020 season. Wood- there were no restrictions during the support these jobs. In the absence of bine took quick action to reduce our lockdown period. As in the past, many racing, we immediately turned our at- costs immediately, so that we could US and foreign horses will ship into tention to helping Ontario Racing work remain in a position to afford returning Canada and go in to the care of a Ca- with OLG to repurpose these funds for to racing and paying purses. We have nadian-based trainer and staff. This has relief for Standardbred and Thorough- done that. The longer-term effect on continued. Should racing participants bred horse people during the months Woodbine will come as a result of the wish to accompany their horses, a 14- of April and May. Horses needed to lost time and activity for the gaming day isolation period would be required be cared for and the essential workers company. This will ultimately affect currently. As this is an evolving situa- needed to maintain an income. These the next one to three years and Wood- tion, we are continually checking on relief funds were paid to owners to help bine’s plans to reduce the dependency the latest government news regarding offset training costs, and keep people on the long-term funding agreement the border. employed while keeping the horses to help fund purses for horse people. well cared for. These equine athletes We will get there, but this impact will PONIES 24-7: Finally, Jessica, on a posi- need daily care and attention! We be felt. tive note, could the COVID-19 pan- D O W N L O A D T H E A P P maintained all main track training sur- demic perhaps provide horse racing faces for the daily light exercise regime PONIES 24-7: I know that when Mo- an opportunity to create a new de- of the Thoroughbreds at Woodbine hawk’s live racing was suspended and mographic of fans, especially through during the shutdown while Standard- training at Woodbine shut down tem- innovative betting products? As we breds were able to maintain training at porarily, Woodbine CEO Jim Lawson know, unlike other sports, horse racing local training centers. stated that the main focus going for- is more dependent on wagering reve- ward would be to work at providing nues than gate receipts and Woodbine PONIES 24-7: And of course, let’s not financial aid to the horse people of has successfully worked at developing forget about the grooms and other both horse racing industries in Ontar- HPI over the past few years for online backstretch help, who still need board- io. Maybe for our reader’s sake Jessica, wagering, and recently launched their ing facilities provided and also require could you elaborate on what this assis- Mobile app, Dark Horse, which will money just to live! tance included? allow for betting and viewing in real time. JESSICA BUCKLEY: Yes, we maintained JESSICA BUCKLEY: Ontario Racing P L AY D A R K H O R S E . C O M all essential services on the Woodbine worked tirelessly along with the HBPA

* V i s i t P l a y D a r k H o r s e . c o m f o r t e r m s a n d c o n d i t i o n s . 14 Ponies-247 K n o w W h e n To Ta k e T h e R e i n s . R e s p o n s i b l e G a m b l i n g . o r g WAGER ON LIVE RACING JESSICA BUCKLEY: Dark Horse is aimed at the sports bettor and those new to racing. Using artificial intelligence, it WITH A HPIbet ACCOUNT helps the new bettor make wagering decisions and increase the odds of a * payout. It also reduces the intimida- tion factor, and puts the new bettor on a more equal playing field with sea- soned handicappers. We are extremely excited about the timing of Dark Horse GET and the opportunity to bring our sport $ to a demographic of sports-starved Canadians! Additionally, as you know, we worked with TSN on a primetime † broadcast that aired throughout the PLUS YOUR FIRST BET IS ON US! summer months and showcased horse 100 racing to a new audience, with a focus on educating people about racing and wagering.

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LIVE RACING. HAPPENING NOW AT HPIbet.com JOIN FOR FREE TODAY! 16 Ponies-247 Michael Burns Photo Michael Burns Photo *Visit HPIbet.com and click Promotions to view full terms and conditions. Know when to take the reins. ResponsibleGambling.org With this issue we celebrate the HORSE RACING PERSONALITY fifth anniversary of the launch of PONIES 24-7, and with that being said, we thought it would be only fitting to revisit some- one who was part of our first issue back in 2015, former NHL player, horse owner, broadcaster and handicapping aficionado, Eddie Olczyk . Back then, Ed- die had reached the stature as one of NBC ‘s and Chicago Black Hawks ‘go to’ hockey analysts, and shortly thereafter he be- came a familiar face and handi- capping guru on most of the major Thoroughbred racing television broadcasts. And with the same grit and determination he displayed in an NHL career that spanned over 1,000 games, Eddie was fortunate to beat can- cer, receiving his two-year clear health check this past March. PONIES 24-7: Eddie, great to speak with you again. Obviously, you have “if the horse is run- PONIES 24-7: What was it that got you It has been said that when you had and still do have a well-rounded ning at a level which I interested in horse ownership? involvement in horse racing. What was think is fair then I will have a good story, you find a way it that attracted Eddie Olczyk to the EDDIE OLCZYK: I don’t think that it was to tell it, and in the case of Ed- sport, the betting, the ownership, the go ahead and play it, anything specific, maybe the hope that die Olczyk, it came last October , atmosphere…? no matter what the you find yourself a Kentucky Derby when he released a co-authored odds are.” winner sometime, which is probably book with Toronto-based sports EDDIE OLCZYK: I always like to go back everyone’s dream. I do think that it to when I was 12 or 13 years old and is another way of getting involved in journalist Perry Lefko- ‘Eddie Ol- 13 LOL! I remember going up to the went to the racetrack for the first time, window and making a couple of bets the ‘game’ which I love, other than the czyk: Beating the Odds in Hock- old Arlington Park in the suburbs of which lost (but I was only betting $3 betting side. Actually, the first horse I ey and in Life’ – more on this Chicago. I just fell in love with the ani- or $4 dollars back then), and then I hit ever owned was a Standardbred, with later as this scribe will put pen mal, their appearance on the track and an exacta bet. I remember my buddy’s former Black Hawk, Denis Savard. The to paper and review its contents how majestic and agile they were and dad (who has since passed away) and horses name was The Gift Goes On, and for our readers. how you can have these crazy human who was the one that took me to the from there I just started to dabble a lit- beings sitting on their backs going 35 track, told me that I would get $118 for tle bit on the Thoroughbred side. I got miles an hour. Then you start learn- my ticket, and when I went back to the more involved when I was traded to In the meantime, I hope you en- ing about the wagering side and for same mutual clerk who had sold me Toronto, in 1987/88, and Gary Leeman joy the following interview with me the next natural transgression after the ticket in order to cash it , he ran it and I became partners in a couple of Eddie below! that was ownership. through the machine and it came up horses with trainer Mike Mattine. To be Ed Olczyk $118.50. He then asked me ‘How old honest Larry, I actually still miss those PONIES 24-7: Do you remember how are you?’ The only response I had for peaceful days of going out to the track Revisiting The Former NHLer, Broadcaster, old you were when you made your first him was ‘You didn’t ask me how old I and hanging around the backstretch Handicapping Guru, And Now Author bet? was when I lost!’ LOL So he gave me the and talking to the other horsemen! $118.50 and I left him a tip of $3.50 and EDDIE OLCZYK: That was my first day I winked at him. He looked at me like to PONIES 24-7: Are you still looking for By Larry Simpson at the track, when I was around 12 or say ‘This kid is alright!’ that Kentucky Derby winner?

18 Ponies-247 NBC Photo Ponies-247 19 they raced against, track surface, etc., and then receive email updates when Look, I believe that the hand has been dealt and I think that horse they are ‘in to go’ next. racing has got it right! This is an opportunity Larry, for our game to PONIES 24-7: A couple of years back I come together and maybe reassess the business. First and foremost, had the opportunity to interview Ray Arsenault after he had won the handi- it has to be about the equine athlete, so really why does the Kentucky capping championship in Las Vegas, Derby have to be in May? Horses are going to be better off physically and he said to me that one key angle in September so having the Derby then could prove to be a benefit that he may look for is a change in sur- face, namely if a horse hasn’t been do- and that’s a good thing. ing anything on say the dirt, moving to the turf may wake them up. Do you writing the book with him was an op- think that the horse racing industry I believe that 2020 has provided an look for something similar when you portunity to perhaps help someone needs to get together and find a leader, a opportunity for the sport to take a are handicapping? along the way and that my battle with Commissioner, basically someone that step back. Sure, I get it, that it’s still a colon cancer would give some hope can galvanize, NYRA, Churchill Downs, business and everyone is battling for EDDIE OLCZYK: I’m actually a big be- and inspiration to others. It’s a book for and The Stronach Group and I think the dollar, but if we want horse racing liever that price horses don’t always everyone of all ages, whether you’re that other groups will follow then. to survive, then we are going to need have to win! You can make money bet- a horse racing fan, a hockey fan or Where we are with horse racing today, someone to be the one voice to take it A Very Young Ed Olczyk Signing Autographs For A Local Car Dealer. Photo Courtesy Of Fines Ford Lincoln, ting them across the board, or maybe Bolton,Ontario even someone battling cancer. In the has created an opportunity to find this to this level. And it certainly helps that as part of an exactor or triactor box. book, I was very open and transparent leader and then take our game to an- horse racing has been ‘first out of the bullet proof? No! My philosophy is that There was a horse that ran in the last and so far, it has received some great other level. Currently, the industry has gate’, pardon the pun, so we can use EDDIE OLCZYK: I’ve had a couple of real on some days there are races where race at Belmont recently, and the turf reviews. And I found that it was very too many layers to blend together, this time now to attract some new bet- nice ones over the years but nothing closers have no chance, or vice versa, course had taken a lot of rain the past therapeutic for me when I was going where everyone will be on the same tors and fans. that has been Derby worthy as yet! Ac- to the point that you make a note to couple of days before, so it was rated through my own cancer battle. If read- page, but it can be done though and tually Tony Mattine. Mike’s dad, bought bet those horses back, the next time as Good. I had done my homework and ing this book only helps one person, a real nice two-year-old for me out of they race. Like most people, I like to this horse’s best race was over a Good we have accomplished something the Ocala sale, a Cutlass filly out of a handicap prior to the races, and maybe turf course (with some moisture on it), positive and it was well worth the 16 Wancha mare, called Diana O. She had in your pre-handicapping you have so to me, this horse became a ‘must months it took to put it together. It was been consigned by Mark Casse’s father zeroed in on a horse in the fourth or use’. From two turf races, his best race a fun journey to say the least! and was a ‘special’ filly that unfortu- fifth race who happens to be a speed was over a surface with some ‘give’ to nately broke down in the Pocahontas horse, and you haven’t seen a speed it like it was that particular day. This is PONIES 24-7: Are you good now health Stakes. Up to now Diana O. was the horse win so far that day. But the track one angle that I look at when they are wise? best I have ever owned, but I’m still can change and maybe that horse will running on the grass-if the turf is softer searching and hoping for another ‘big break the bias and win. I think you will and the horse has some decent form on EDDIE OLCZYK: I’m good now, in fact I horse’. find though that you are going to win it, this horse will get my attention! An- just had my two-year scan in mid-May, some and lose some because of this. other perfect example of this is News- so all is good and I feel very blessed. PONIES 24-7: Let’s talk about handicap- On the course of a day though, if you paperonrecord, when there’s ‘give’ in ping now as I know you are still attract- observe that the 4 or 5 path is the place the ground, she is ‘lights out’, but on a PONIES 24-7: Horse racing certainly has ed to that side of horse racing. When I to be, you may want to give special firm course, she may be a play against. a different look because of COVID 19. interviewed you back in our first issue, consideration to horses that should be I like horses that are proven on a soft What is it going to be like watching the you had indicated that you were a big getting that kind of trip. But you have turf, and it doesn’t really matter to me Kentucky Derby in September? believer in track biases, does this still to be quick on your feet and be able what their Form is like, which I believe hold true? to adapt if the track does happen to is another key to this angle- if the horse EDDIE OLCZYK: Look, I believe that the change. is running at a level which I think is fair hand has been dealt and I think that EDDIE OLCZYK: I still believe in biases, then I will go ahead and play it, no mat- horse racing has got it right! This is but just to reiterate, I really wasn’t a PONIES 24-7: You mentioned about ter what the odds are. an opportunity Larry, for our game to true believer in track biases originally, betting these horses back if they raced come together and maybe reassess the until maybe 10 years ago. It was then against the bias. Do you prepare a PONIES 24-7: Tell me more about your business. First and foremost, it has to that I realized that you could have the watch list of horses, so that you don’t book? be about the equine athlete, so really fastest horse in the race, but if you miss when they are entered next? why does the Kentucky Derby have to end up on a certain part of the track, EDDIE OLCZYK: I had been approached be in May? Horses are going to be bet- you aren’t going to win. I do use track EDDIE OLCZYK: Yes, I keep a pretty a few times by Perry Lefko who I have ter off physically in September so hav- biases as part of my handicapping cal- close eye on them. I put a checklist to- known for many years to tell my story, ing the Derby then could prove to be a culations, but do I think that it is 100% gether of what track they raced at, who but when I got sick, I thought that co- benefit and that’s a good thing. But I

20 Ponies-247 Ponies-247 21 HORSE RACING’S FUTURE The Meadowlands, Tioga and Vernon Trio Of Tracks Continue To Conform To The New Normal! By Larry Simpson Photos By Lisa Photo still awaiting word on when their casinos would again be allowed to reopen.

Back during pre-COVID, you could say that Jeff and Ja- son were cautiously optimistic about live horse racing five different racetracks at in 2020, especially when discussing the Meadowlands. So, Jeff, what is the verdict on the impact of sports bet- once, and this person makes up about Jeff had indicated that “horse racing was OK in 2019”, ting to date at the Meadowlands?’ 90 per cent of our betting handle!” with the business something to build upon this racing season. He pointed to a purse subsidiary last year at the “it pretty much kept us in business, as sports betting has “(Prior to COVID), we actually saw a recent trend Meadowlands, which allowed them to card more races changed the whole dynamics of the place. When you in sports of trying to shorten games and horse rac- with fuller fields- the result being that live handle in- walk into the track now (prior to COVID) it’s busy! You ing went in the exact opposite direction of slowing creased dramatically. “On the negative side though,” Jeff have action with people betting on sports, on horses, things down which to me makes no sense at all,” added added, “we did see a decrease in handle in our imported eating with groups, you could say that there is a dif- Jason, and it’s very difficult to ask anyone to sit for five signals which could probably be attributed to a certain ferent ‘buzz’ now. And there’s people here during the hours and watch horse racing now!” extent, to some of our regular customers switching over week, even when we are not racing, and on weekends In what has been an editorial staple of past issues of PO- to sports betting.” the place is packed with sports bettors. In my opinion, So, do you think that we made horse racing too difficult, NIES 24-7, we continue the tradition where we interview there’s a different atmosphere at the Meadowlands with and if so, what can be done to fix it? the Meadowlands ‘brain trust’, Jeff Gural and Jason Set- As for Tioga and Vernon, Jason indicated that from a rac- sports betting now available.” tlemoir, though this year’s rendition is slightly delayed ing standpoint, handles at both tracks last year could be “Sports betting and horse racing both have an oppor- and also has received some updates along the way. Orig- considered ‘flat’, but said that on the bright side, the ca- tunity to provide cross inally in late winter, we discussed as usual the previous sino at Tioga did very well though, a testament more to Says Jason, “What we over wagers between racing seasons at their New Jersey oval, Tioga and Ver- its ‘newness’. saw at first Larry, was the two now, but it all non Downs, and then prognosticated on the upcoming the new ‘foot traffic’ comes down to sitting year. At least that is what we intended to do in a normal And what about Vernon? of people wanting to down with the people year, not one that has included a worldwide pandemic bet sports, then after who are running the which has brought many businesses to their knees. “Vernon is Vernon and It continues to hang in year after coming into the track. sportsbooks and see year”, Jeff said, “but unlike Tioga, it’s a lot older racetrack, they would also look if it is worth them put- By mid-March, the COVID virus had created a so called a place that many of us were going to when we were to bet something else, ting their time, effort new normal for horse racing, one that originally rele- twelve years old!” (This writer included!). like horse racing. Ini- and money into the gated horse racing to a few Thoroughbred tracks being tially there was some initiative and deciding allowed to race live without spectators and then weeks As mentioned earlier, a bright spot for Meadowland’s positive impact on our whether the return on later, permitted other North American racing facilities business took place in July of 2018, when they opened live and import handle, investment is going to including the Meadowlands, Vernon and Tioga, to be legalized sports betting within the FanDuel Sports Bet- and then it wasn’t too be there for them at the given the green light to start racing, without live ting Parlor, located in the track’s Victory Sports Bar and long after that both end. We did work with fans. The Meadowlands would begin on June 5th, Club. I remember asking Jeff and Jason last year about handles’ flat lined’. Fi- FanDuel on some cross with Tioga and Vernon having a start date of June the financial effect sports betting was having on the nally, as Jeff alluded promotional initiatives, 7th and 10th respectively and at the time of track and both agreed that it would be better to give it to earlier, we saw the on wagering on races this writing, both Tioga and Vernon were some time, and then check in on the results. decline in wager- like the Hambletonian ing begin to happen, through the sports- when the sports bettors Jeff Gural and Jason Settlemoir book, and they were at stopped betting on horse racing and then our horse rac- least a good start!” Jason says. ing customers started to bet on sports. You could say that it was a bit of a double-edged sword but really bet- Finally, in past interviews, both Jeff and Jason had some ting sports is more exciting for the bettor, they crave ac- concerns about the direction the horse racing industry tion which they can get from so many games going on was taking, is there still cause for concern? at the same time and with regular line changes. With our game, there’s a race every 22 minutes.” Jeff added that “There is, as the critical mistake the horse racing in- today’s racing game is not tailored for the on-track fan dustry made as I have said many times in the past, was now. “It’s all about the online bettor, who wants to play when we started getting all the slot money, 5 per cent

22 Ponies-247 Ponies-247 23 LIVE HARNESS RACING RETURNS SEPTEMBER 5

business here, and at all of our tracks, and we exercise our rights with them. We don’t allow people to compete that have issues as it is the racetrack’s responsibility to protect the gamblers who are betting on their product. “

Finally, would a Commissioner found in other sports help with the integrity issues?

“Yes 100 per cent,” Jason says, “as you need a person that can unilater- ally make decisions with a small board made up of representatives of the vari- of it should have been used for market- is the integrity problem, “adds Jason. ous industry groups, like drivers, train- ing. When we didn’t do this, we kind of “You know, we can’t even self-police ers, jockeys, horse and racetrack own-          wrote our own future”, says Jeff. ourselves and what should have been ers, etc. They all need to get together                             done is that the casino money should and see if they can move the needle              “And Jeff and I are on the same page, have been actually split between forward! “                            100 per cent, but I believe the other cleaning up the sport, and the mar-                            part too, which bothers me quite a bit, keting. Integrity is paramount to our                                            

           
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24 Ponies-247 Must be 18+ to wager; 21+ to sports wager. Gambling problem? 1-800-Gambler. SPORTS BETTING a few emails from people wonder- PONIES 24-7: Even though there has ing that, and I tell everyone the same been limited sports to bet, your Mobile thing, that as long as a league is go- App must have helped business a little ing to crown a champion at the end during this time? JAY KORNEGAY: Yes, they are in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino of their season, then we will recognize mountains, there’s only a couple of New Safety Protocols For The SuperBook, And Expansion On The Horizon! that champion. JAY KORNEGAY: Actually, we are very small mountain town casinos and fortunate to have our App that has al- By Larry Simpson there’s a couple of tribal casinos in the PONIES 24-7: I guess I won’t receive a lowed people to still make bets even southwest part of the State. The major- Photos Courtesy Of Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino refund on my San Jose Sharks winning though it has been a very light menu of ity though are not that far from Colo- the Stanley Cup bet, eh? sports. To use the Mobile App too, you rado Springs and there are some that have to be within the state borders and are maybe 15 minutes from Denver, JAY KORNEGAY: LOL, actually most under normal circumstances, we have with the majority of the sports handle people have been pretty good and a lot of people who when they visit, will taken through Mobile wagering. Here understand. Occasionally we get the use the App and bet off their phone in- in Nevada you actually have to sign up odd complaint that games are being stead of betting through the windows. for a Mobile account, and you have to played on a neutral field and that’s not Some find it more convenient. physically go to a location, where in why they made the bet, so you have to Colorado, much like New Jersey, they explain that everybody is in the same PONIES 24-7: Was Las Vegas one of the have what they call ‘remote sign ups’, boat! hardest hit for COVID cases at the very so, you can actually sign up for a Mo- beginning? bile Sports App, without going to a PONIES 24-7: So, prior to reopening, physical location. There’s evidence that the SuperBook was limited to just on- JAY KORNEGAY: Actually no, which I 95 to 97 per cent of all betting handle, line wagering. When you actually re- think surprised a lot of people as at will be Mobile in the state of Colorado, opened in mid-June, what were some the beginning of COVID it was thought with the retail outlets handling very of the precautions that you had to take that because of all the tourists that minimal. for your patrons? visit, we would have a greater number of cases. In Vegas as you know, you PONIES 24-7: So, will Westgate be in- JAY KORNEGAY: Obviously, the top pri- are really spread out. There’s a large volved with both the retail and Mobile ority was taking care of our guests, and amount of open areas with single fam- wagering in Colorado? also our team members. There are pre- ily homes, so no one is really living on Pictured, Jay Kornegay, In The Westgate SuperBook cautions in place like limited people at top of each other like some other cities. JAY KORNEGAY: We will. The arrange- the tables, and the slot machines will To keep the practice of social distanc- we thought it would be quite informa- JAY KORNEGAY: We are really at the ment is that we will be partnering with see every other one in use. As far as the ing, it may have been easier for us than tive for our readers, just to see how the mercy of the sports leagues Larry, and The Lodge of Blackhawk, Colorado, SuperBook is concerned, social distanc- some of the other US States. sports betting facility has been coping, when they get back to playing. Obvi- they are actually Jacobs Entertainment, ing is being practiced, and every third as a new normal slowly identifies itself. ously, each league has had several sce- the same company that owns Jacobs betting window is open. About 50 to PONIES 24-7: I understand too that the narios of how they are going to open, Field in Cleveland and they are actually 60 per cent of the seating has been re- Westgate has expanded into the state In early June, Las Vegas was gradually and we have to keep an eye on things great people to work with. We are obvi- moved with the remaining seats spread of Colorado. Tell me about this. showing signs of a reopening, to the so that we will be ready once they start ously going to have the Mobile Book, out to at least 6 to 8 feet apart. And our point that we were able to catch up up again. These leagues have an over- as well as a retail outlet at The Lodge booths that normally hold eight are re- JAY KORNEGAY: We were actually sup- with Jay once again and talk a little whelming task at hand, with so many and we plan on having the retail open duced to four maximum. Plus, there are posed to begin the expansion on May about how it has become a new way of people to satisfy so it’s understandable in time for the NFL season this year. several hygiene protocols in effect for 1st, but that obviously didn’t hap- conducting business, be it gambling or that it will take some time to get back the casino, like cleaning the chips, wip- pen as our partners in Colorado were sports betting. in business so to speak. Plus, you have PONIES 24-7: That’s pretty close to ing down the machines regularly, and also shut down, plus our Vendors had to be aware, once they are in opera- home for you, correct? In our last issue of PONIES 24-7, we this is just the beginning. some hurdles that they had to clear. PONIES 24-7: Obviously Jay COVID tion, of any changes in scheduling that featured Westgate Las Vegas Resort We expect to be open there latest first has wreaked havoc on Las Vegas, and could be created by COVID issues. JAY KORNEGAY: Yes, Vegas is my home, & Casino ‘s Vice President of Race & PONIES 24-7: And didn’t I read some- week of July, and right now because more personally the Westgate and in but I did grow up in Colorado, and SportsBook Operations Jay Kornegay, where that your tellers have a partition the sports world is pretty much shut particular, the SuperBook. For yourself PONIES 24-7: What about the many Fu- went to school there at Colorado State, who is in charge of the recently remod- in front of them? down, there really is no big rush, but and the SuperBook, what is it going to ture wagers that were placed prior to but I still have lots of family and friends eled Race & Sports SuperBook, one of we would like to get it out there sooner take to get to a semblance of ‘business the shutdown, will there be a new pro- in the area. the top places to bet sports. Being that JAY KORNEGAY: Yes, similar to what rather than later. as usual’? cess in handling them? the interview took place pre-COVID, you would see in a bank which I think PONIES 24-7: It sounds like it is an excit- should suffice for the time being. PONIES 24-7: Are these casinos that JAY KORNEGAY: Actually, I have had ing project? you are working with in Colorado?

26 Ponies-247 Ponies-247 27 BREED • BUY • RACE

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In 2020 Ontario sired and bred JAY KORNEGAY: It is, and we can’t wait PONIES 24-7: Will the Kentucky Der- actually similar to other sports. When maiden 2-year-old’s have to get out there. We are not looking by have the same ‘buzz’ this year we reposted all of the NHL odds, I run for up to $126,000 to be in every State, and just for your from a bettor’s side, with it taking heard from so many people about information Larry, the SuperBook is place in September? this team being healthy now, well In 2020 over $10 million its own entity and once it operates guess what every team have their available in Ontario Bred outside of Nevada, the company is JAY KORNEGAY: It’s hard to gauge guys back now and every team is and Ontario Sired Purses called the SuperBook, not the West- what is going to happen, but I re- healthy at this point! gate SuperBook. In Colorado, it will ally hope that it does have the same Only 609 Registered be referred to as the SuperBook at level of interest. Actually, I would PONIES 24-7: With everything being Ontario-Bred Yearlings In 2020 the Lodge. For the future, we plan on like to see more interest than usual, said, the new normal has certainly being in the States that make sense and who really knows. One advan- made for some interesting times in Ontario tracks offer five individual financially for us. tage may be that it is being held on the sports betting business, and as surfaces, three turf tracks, one dirt a holiday weekend, so it is going to we move ahead, I’m sure it’s safe to DAVE LANDRY and one Tapeta surface PONIES 24-7: Jay if there are any be interesting that is for sure! We do say that life around the SuperBook PINK LLOYD | YEARLING PURCHASE PRICE $30,000 positives for your business that has have to keep in mind though that won’t be boring, correct? 2017 HORSE OF THE YEAR | 2017, 2018 & 2019 CHAMPION MALE SPRINTER resulted from COVID, would it be the we will be doing business differently, 2019 CHAMPION OLDER DIRT MALE | 2017 CHAMPION OLDER HORSE MULTIPLE GRADED STAKES WINNER OF $1,908,139 fact that when sports get back to a and everything is going to revolve JAY KORNEGAY: Certainly, with hock- near normal scale, there may be the around making sure that everyone is ey and baseball extending their sea- opportunity to develop some new safe, and that the safety and health sons, the NFL set to start in Septem- 2020 CANADIAN PREMIER Fasig-Tipton Keeneland wagers, would you agree? protocols are being followed. ber and of course don’t forget about YEARLING SALE SELECTED YEARLING SHOWCASE SEPTEMBER YEARLING SALE horse racing’s new schedule includ- September 2 September 9 - 10 September 13 - 25 JAY KORNEGAY: I think that you will PONIES 24-7: One positive that has ing the Breeders’ Cup in November, Woodbine Racetrack, Sales Pavilion Lexington, KY Lexington, KY see a few. There are so many vari- come out now though is the fact that we are preparing ourselves for some ables that will probably affect what a later Derby could mean that a few interesting times. CLICK TO CLICK we do, but the key is getting to the more horses may be ready to com- VIEW FOR point that people will visit and feel pete in September, rather than rush- YEARLINGS YEARLINGS safe and comfortable doing so. But ing them to make the first Saturday we need to crawl before we walk and in May, would you agree? walk before we run but before all that, we need to start somewhere. JAY KORNEGAY: I do agree and it is ONLINE / TELEPHONE BIDDING WILL BE AVAILABLE ontarioracing.com 28 Ponies-247

48298_OR_BreedBuyRaceSalePromo_Ponies_8.375x10.875.indd 1 2020-08-19 2:35 PM and someone would have to carry her. activity level now is starting to mirror only natural supplement so certified, We had been made aware that as Pen- the old ‘Penn Monster days’ again, in and since it has plenty of research on ny got older, she may be prone to an fact her over eagerness has reached humans in Canada, perhaps that’s not early onset of arthritis, possibly inher- the point where my wife is asking a surprise. These studies were double, ited from one or both of her parents, whether we can cut the treat in half , blind, placebo-controlled and cross- and being a cross between a Poodle LOL, as she is getting tired of picking over studies (meaning everyone took (her father) and a Shi Tzu (her mother), up pillows off the floor and remaking the “treatment” and the “placebo” for there was a good chance that it was beds that Penny keeps making a habit successive equal periods.). It’s really inherited from both. It has been well- of jumping and rolling around on! hard to get favorable results for this documented that arthritis can be quite kind of research, but the leader of the common with Shi Tzu’s, and Poodles as Actually, we are just kidding about cut- study in London, Ontario, Dr. Mal Ev- they mature, can also be susceptible as ting the treat in half for Penny, instead ans, concluded that the treatment (Si- well, so there was a pretty good chance it’s great to have her back the way she erraSil) improved the quality of life for that Penny could have been in the early was, and hence the reason for this ar- participants. After the Sportmed study stages herself. Around the same time, ticle. SierraSil LEAPS AND BOUNDS at UBC in Vancouver, Dr. Jack Taunton we noticed a slight decrease in Penny’s has been a real eye opener for us, as said that every Canadian Olympian activity level, sure part of this could be we have continued to see a change in should be on SierraSil! chalked up to the fact that she was get- Penny’s activity levels since December. ting older, but it also could be some She is now a very happy and healthy So, if you or your dog are feeling the aches and pains factoring in as well. Shih Poo that is enjoying life to the aches and pains of life, put the prod- fullest, and LEAPS AND BOUNDS in its ucts of this Canadian company to the We received the samples of LEAPS AND short time, has played a tremendous test. If they don’t work for you, the BOUNDS from Michael, and for the re- part in this healthiness. We continue company stands behind a satisfaction “It Worked For Penny!!” cord, Penny has been taking one treat to include one LEAPS AND BOUNDS guarantee (details on their web site, a day as instructed since the first week all-natural dog treat as part of Penny’s www.sierrasil.com). You have nothing of December, which at the time of this daily regime, and are more than happy to lose, and everything to gain. Their writing was approximately 10 weeks with the results that we continue to products work for me, they work for ago. To date, the results to be quite see. It worked for Penny, imagine what Penny and most others, well actually, honest have been remarkable to say it could do for your canine friend? in my case, all others that I know who the least, as we noticed a significant have tried them. change in Penny within the first couple Another nice feature of SierraSil LEAPS of weeks. Going up stairs was no lon- AND BOUNDS, is that all of the ingredi- Here’s the offer for PONIES 24-7 ger an issue, instead Penny is literally ents are natural, sourced only in North readers! flying up both sets! On this topic alone, America and Europe. Also, the “active” By Larry Simpson LEAPS and I should note too that we had our share ingredient, SierraSil, is a natural miner- of snow since December, but snow- al complex sourced in the Sierra Moun- covered deck steps which were a prob- tains of the western USA, that has two I found it necessary to set up a phone ity issues in canines. Michael said that lem in the early winter snowfalls, aren’t patents as a nutritional treatment for call with Michael Bentley, the President he would send some samples over for even an issue for her now. And Penny’s osteoarthritis. I think that it may be the of the SierraSil company, where a por- Penny to try and to let him know if we bounds tion of our discussion centered on new saw any changes in her. In a prior issue of PONIS 24-7, you may markets that SierraSil was interested recall that I penned how I had been in- in possibly penetrating. This itself be- Penny, was a welcome addition to our troduced by a friend to SierraSil® Joint came an open invitation for me to household in 2010. She was around Formula Curcumin, as the wear and ask Michael if the company had ever eight weeks old when we got her, and tear on my joints attributed to vari- considered the growing canine mar- for the next seven and a half years or ous sports activities and injuries, was ket, as it has been well documented so, she was an active, more like ram- creating some arthritic discomfort for that some dog breeds are more sus- bunctious Shih Poo puppy, active me, especially in my knees. (To read ceptible to arthritis then others, and enough to be given the moniker, ‘Penn my story on how I became a daily Si- our dog Penny, who is a Shih Poo just Monster’ especially in her early years! erraSil user see Volume 5 Issue 4 of may happen to fall into this category. Last summer, we noticed a change in PONIES 24-7, check out our web site, Michael indicated that the company Penny, as she seemed to be having an www.ponies247.com.) The product was actually in the process of introduc- issue going up the set of stairs to the had worked wonders for me, so ing SierraSil LEAPS AND BOUNDS Soft upper level of the house, or climbing much so that Chews, an all-natural chicken flavored the four or five steps on the outdoor dog treat, which had been designed deck. In fact, it actually progressed to to support healthy joints and flexibil- the point that she would balk going up

30 Ponies-247 Ponies-247 31 HORSE RACING HEALTH jobs – and certainly have no regrets! ever found in normal turmeric powder. and healing properties that are entirely Much like Joints + Mobility, Repair + based on natural oil extracts. This is a We began our equine journey by focus- Restore also features components that proven formulation developed by a ing on nutritionals to help with joint is- have been proven in both humans and friend who has been with the Horse sues and inflammation and featured a horses to help keep our bodies, as well Protection Society of BC, and has used story on Bianca’s horse Falcon and his as those of our equine competitors, it effectively in hundreds of instances. journey to healing in a previous Ponies working with less pain and fewer ef- This particular product has also helped 24/7 article. We also introduced our fects following hard workouts. drive our desire to give back to the Joints + Mobility product, in partner- community, therefore we are commit- ship with SierraSil®, in the same article. In our continual effort to develop new ting to donating a portion of all Dur- Since then, Durwell has continued products, we have been working to fi- well profits to our neighbours at the to work on joint products as we have nalize a formulation using herbal ingre- Horse Protection Society (https://www. continued to find that there is such an dients for calming anxious horses. We horseprotectionsocietyofbc.com). intense need for them. An article was have seen great success in helping our published (with the survey results) by own horses along with other friends’ For all of our products, we know all of the National Animal Health Monitor- horses who have tried the product. We the ingredients that go into them and ing System which outlined that injury call it Cool + Zen to reflect the desired we do not add anything that could (trauma/wounds), lameness and colic result of cooling down and relaxing show up in a drug test routinely done were the most common problems oc- ‘hot’ horses prior to competition with- in equine competitions. As scientists, curring at horse operations, from over out any sedative effect. Your horse will we want to know how and why any half of the problems reported. Addi- remain focused on its job with less of product can work to help normal body tionally, other published studies have the unpredictable behaviour that may functions. Some of the other ideas we shown that more than 60% of equine have been problematic. We have found have, which we hope you will discover lameness is attributable to osteoar- it to be effective both in the stable on in future by keeping in touch with us, thritis (OA) and interestingly, it is now a regular basis, as well as during horse include learning more about inflam- widely accepted that OA can affect any shows (which we were just able to test mation and pain, as well as better ways horse at any age. in the last few weeks now that shows to encourage gut health and treat- have re-started on a limited basis with ing metabolic disorders that occur in Now, Durwell is excited to introduce COVID-safe practices). And as we test many horses. Please visit our website our second product, Restore + Repair, new formulations, we expect to release at durwell-equine.com and sign up for featuring a unique extract of turmeric other versions of products in this cat- our newsletter so we can share all of that gives a much higher dose of active egory. our exciting news with you as our com- Cara Grimshaw Photo curcuminoids that have been proven pany heads off on our journey to help scientifically to have tremendous anti- Finally, we will also be able to provide all horses thrive! inflammatory effects. The key active a new salve to treat everyday ‘nicks’ DURWELL Equine Naturals ingredient is a curcuminoid that is at and scratches that inevitably do hap- Coupon code: PONIES247 a much higher concentration than is pen. Cuts + Gashes has anti-bacterial A Company With Your Horse’s Health At Heart! (Part 2) By Lesley Esford

Launching a new company always has sometimes horses need a little help to time at the stables and with busy work its challenges, even in the best of eco- thrive. and school lives, we realized how much nomic times. Trying to launch though we enjoyed our time with the horses in the midst of a global pandemic may Durwell is a family start-up headed by and how the stress would melt away seem more than challenging – one two scientists (a microbiologist and a when we were there. The special bonds might even say ‘foolish’. However, Dur- biochemist) and their equine-focused we developed with the horses Bianca well Equine Naturals did plan to open daughter Bianca. Our passion in sci- has rode, has made us reflect on where for business on March 15, 2020 and we ence has been centred around human we wanted to go with our lives, includ- all know what happened right around health and nutrition, with our labora- ing taking on the challenge of buying a that time. Needless to say, we have tory having moved from academia to former horse property that we’ve been started off slowly, which has allowed our stable and now centred on equine able to restore and turn into our coun- us to focus on developing exciting new health and nutrition. As our family got tryside paradise. Now with 12 to 15 products and although I do believe to know and love horses, we found our- horses and ponies on the property, we that high quality forage is the best diet, selves spending more and more of our have clearly turned it into our fulltime

32 Ponies-247 Ponies-247 33 The Racer’s Edge A Handicapping Primer By Larry Simpson Photos By Michael Burns

It’s All About The Trotters!

Considered by many to be the more ‘natural and pure’ harness horse with its ‘stately’ gait, I have also found over the years that a tremendous handicapping angle exists that has ‘stood the test of time’! The angle is the fact that trotters, especially young ones seem to hold their form much better than pacers, unless of course you are talking about the stakes colts, etc.! It is not out of the ordinary to see a young trotter come out and break his maiden (win his first lifetime race, for the new harness fan), then reel off one, two even three wins in a row as it moves up the conditioned classes. Likewise too, I have found that older trotters, in a lot of cases seem to reinvent a new life as they become more mature, in fact on several occa- I have found that older trotters, in a lot of cases their more natural and stately gait, are a lot more easier on and finally aged trotters that won their last race in a high sions I have witnessed some of these themselves, and to this day is probably one of the reasons end claiming race and have stepped up to the Preferred or performers who had been toiling in seem to reinvent a new life as they become why you see many trotters still racing at the high end of the Junior Free-For All class. With the latter if you peruse his or mid level claimers, reel of several wins more mature class scale when they are seven, eight, nine or older. Several her race lines and notice a few starts back that they were in a row, working their way up the lad- come to mind! toiling in maybe a $15,000 claiming race, and have moved up the class ranks to threatening the big boys, he or she is der to the top preferred or free-for all ers who was a regular back then was over to Greenwood, and eventually as Coming full circle now, the whole purpose of this article is to certainly a horse on the improve and perhaps worth a play classes! Bill Habkirk, who knew a thing or two a three-year-old, defeated some of the point out a tremendous handicapping angle that exists on tonight. If the last race was a new lifetime mark, it makes the about trotters, having taken the $350 top trotters from the United States, the harness side, and it can be summarized as follows: play even ‘sweeter’! Why? purchase Camper to becoming recog- when he won the Civic Holiday Stakes nized as one of North America’s best at Greenwood. I overheard Bill say to When you are perusing the harness program the next time In any case, you will find this to be a very significant I became a racing fan during the 60’s, trotters of his day. Camper could be someone one night, that he believed you are at your local race track or simulcast location, look at handicapping angle over time! and being from the South Western On- considered an early day example of a that trotters have a natural progres- the several trotting races that are part of that day’s card, and tario area originally, although growing young trotter that just seemed to con- sion in their careers, that when they look for the following; young horses (two and three-year- Editor’s Note- This article first appeared in the initial issue of up at Greenwood Racetrack in Toronto, tinue to hold his form well over a long find their stride they seem to retain olds), trotters that won their last race and are moving up to PONIES 24-7, July, 2015. LOL, I did frequent as it was called back extended period of time. For him, he it, and in many cases, one win can be the next class, older trotters who happened to take a new then, Western Fair Raceway in London learnt his initial trotting steps at West- followed up by another, and so on. He lifetime mark in their last race which obviously was a win, occasionally. One of the trainer/driv- ern Fair, then transferred his good form also was a believer that trotters, with

34 Ponies-247 Ponies-247 35 You’ll be amazed at what they can do! We expect great things from our horses. Let’s make sure that they can expect a happy and dignified retirement when their racing days are over.

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