Send us a text

• 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."

Support the show

Please forward any questions directly to @paddockpulse, you can find us on twitter, instagram and facebook!

Thanks for Listening!!

Send us a text

Summary

In this episode of the Paddock Pulse podcast, Leah O'Meara & Leah Allesandroni meet with Robbie Timmons, former ABC news reporter, to discuss the importance of thoroughbred aftercare and the work done by Canter, a thoroughbred transition group. They explore the retraining process for retired racehorses, the challenges faced in finding them new homes, and the impact of social media on horse adoption. The conversation also highlights the significance of veterinary support, funding, and the misconceptions surrounding thoroughbred adoption. Personal stories and experiences with thoroughbreds are shared, emphasizing the emotional connections formed between horses and their adopters.

Links:

https://www.canterusa.org/

https://therrp.org/about-the-makeover/

https://www.upperville.com/news/25000-thoroughbred-hunter-derby-coming-to-upperville-in-2026/

Takeaways

Thoroughbreds are ideal for retraining after racing.
Canter focuses on transitioning, not rescuing, thoroughbreds.
The program has successfully reduced horse slaughter in the U.S.
Social media plays a crucial role in horse adoption.
Veterinary support is essential for rehabilitating retired racehorses.
The Thoroughbred Makeover showcases the potential of these horses.
Funding is primarily through donations, with no paid staff.
Misconceptions about thoroughbreds need to be addressed.
The adoption process includes thorough vetting of potential owners.
Personal stories highlight the emotional bonds formed with thoroughbreds.


Sound bites

"Every dollar goes to help thoroughbreds."
"Thoroughbreds are not livestock."
"We have made a lot of changes."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Thoroughbred Aftercare
02:45 The Role of Canter in Thoroughbred Transition
05:51 Challenges in Thoroughbred Adoption
08:36 Adjusting to Life After Racing
11:34 The Importance of Outreach and Education
14:14 Veterinary Support and Rehabilitation
17:11 Funding and Support for Thoroughbred Programs
19:48 The Financial Reality of Horse Rescue
20:59 Vetting and Adoption Processes for Horses
23:06 Legislation and Advocacy for Horse Welfare
24:23 The Importance of Euthanasia Resources
25:41 The Role of Racing Owners in Horse Welfare
26:56 Education and Awareness in the Horse Industry
28:39 Personal Stories and Connections with Horses
31:36 Progress in the Horse Racing Industry

Keywords

thoroughbred, horse racing, aftercare, Canter, adoption, retraining, equine welfare, veterinary care, horse rescue, equestrian

Support the show

Please forward any questions directly to @paddockpulse, you can find us on twitter, instagram and facebook!

Thanks for Listening!!

Send us a text

Summary

In this episode of the Paddock Pulse podcast, hosts Leah Alessandroni and Leah O'Meara welcome Tanner Raisman and Timmy Schmidt, co-founders of Next Gen Thoroughbreds. The conversation explores their backgrounds, the vision behind their initiative to engage the next generation in horse racing, and their upcoming projects, including a partnership with First Rodeo Racing. The hosts and guests discuss the importance of inclusivity in the racing industry, share personal connections to racing, and highlight the excitement surrounding Derby Week. The episode concludes with fun hot seat questions that reveal the guests' favorite racehorses and inspirations in the industry.


Takeaways

Next Gen Thoroughbreds aims to engage a new generation in horse racing.
Inclusivity is a core value, with a belief that everyone has a place in the industry.
The founders come from diverse backgrounds, bringing unique perspectives to racing.
Upcoming projects include a Derby Week giveaway and experiences for fans.
Partnerships with organizations like First Rodeo Racing are crucial for growth.
The podcast serves as a platform to share insights and stories from the racing world.
Personal connections to horses can inspire newcomers to the industry.
The importance of mentorship and education in thoroughbred racing is emphasized.
The highs and lows of racing create a unique emotional experience for participants.
The industry is thriving, and now is the time to get involved.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Next Gen Thoroughbreds
00:58 Foundations and Backgrounds of the Founders
10:56 Current Projects and Future Aspirations
19:57 Partnerships and Collaborations in the Industry
24:42 Discovering the Missing Piece in Racing
25:03 Engaging the Next Generation of Fans
26:24 Experiencing the Thrill of Racing
26:50 Claiming Races: Luck and Strategy
28:17 The Highs and Lows of Racing Life
28:58 Hot Seat Questions: Personal Connections to Racing
31:56 Connecting with Next Gen Thoroughbred
32:58 The Time to Thrive in Racing

Keywords

Next Gen Thoroughbreds, horse racing, Tanner Raisman, Timmy Schmidt, Derby Week, First Rodeo Racing, thoroughbred industry, racing syndicates, equine education, podcast

Support the show

Please forward any questions directly to @paddockpulse, you can find us on twitter, instagram and facebook!

Thanks for Listening!!