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• In this episode of the Paddock Pulse podcast, hosts Leah O'Meara and Leah Alessandroni welcome Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, who shares insights from his illustrious career in horse racing. Pletcher discusses his early influences, including his father and renowned trainers like Wayne Lukas and Charlie Whittingham, emphasizing the importance of horse care and attention to detail in training. He reflects on the thrill of competition and the concrete results that come from hard work, revealing how his passion for the sport was ignited from a young age.
• As the conversation progresses, Pletcher delves into the pressures of training for prestigious races like the Kentucky Derby, sharing personal anecdotes about his experiences with Derby winners Super Saver and Always Dreaming. He highlights the challenges of maintaining a horse's form and the unpredictability of racing, while also discussing the characteristics that make a great racehorse. The episode concludes with Pletcher's thoughts on the importance of philanthropy in the racing community, showcasing his commitment to improving the lives of both horses and the people who care

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Todd Pletcher

00:50
Todd's Early Influences and Career Beginnings

06:25
A Day in the Life of Todd Pletcher's Barn

09:37
The Pressure of Winning the Kentucky Derby

11:36
Preparing for the Derby: The Journey of Ted Noffey

19:20
Training Exceptional Fillies: Rags to Riches and Malathaat

21:59
Reflections on Success and Humility

25:20
Hot Seat Questions: Todd's Favorite Horses

30:25
Philanthropy in Racing: Giving Back to the Community

keywords

Todd Pletcher, horse racing, Kentucky Derby, horse trainer, Eclipse Awards, horse care, racing industry, thoroughbred racing, horse training, Paddock Pulse

takeaways

• "I kind of just grew up being the son of a trainer."
• "The one thing that you have to do is have the best bedding and the best hay."
• "The Derby is hard to win period. It's just a super difficult race to win."
• "When you get to a race like the Derby, every single thing just becomes so much more pressurized."
• "Rags to Riches is not being a Hall of Fame member... that part really annoys me."

titles

• Behind the Barn: Todd Pletcher's Journey in Horse Racing
• The Pressure of the Derby: Insights from Todd Pletcher

Sound Bites

• what about racing got you hooked: "I like the competition."
• thoughts on his first derby win "It was actually a relief."
• what make a great racehorse "First and foremost is this talent."

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Thanks for Listening!!