WP Welcomes Marketing Mgr. Brian Skirka and 'Capper Rich Ruda
June 20, 2019
Hosted by John Engelhardt
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Guest Information
Episode Description
Monmouth Park in Oceanport, New Jersey was the site of one of racing’s most surprising results last week when 1-20 shot and the horse that crossed the finish line first in the Kentucky, Maximum Security was upset by King for a Day. Over it’s 149 year history the oceanside track has seen many greats capturing the prestigious United Nations Stakes over their turf course such as Round Table, Manila, English Channel, Dr, Fager, Halo and Lure. The United Nations will head up a card with 4-stakes – 3 of them graded. John will be joined by Brian Skirka who is the Marketing Manager at Monmouth Park Racetrack to analyze the stakes. Veteran handicapper Rich Ruda will make his annual appearance on winningponies, which can mean only it’s Ohio Derby Day at JACK Thistledown! The Ohio Derby has attracted better fields each year and won its listing back as a graded stakes race. The $500,000 Derby will be supported by two $75,000 stakes – the George Lewis Memorial and J. William Petro.
Winning Ponies
Thursday at 5 PM Pacific Time on VoiceAmerica Variety Channel
On the show we will talk about the Sport of Kings. We will delve into the different features of the WinningPonies.com website. John Engelhardt will talk about the issues of the day that affect horse racing, such as synthetic surfaces, medication rule changes, the fate of the industry as a whole, VLTs and Casinos, and human interest stories of triumph and defeat. You will also hear our spot play of the week, where John will handicap the feature races for the upcoming weekend, and will give out his best plays. We will keep you abreast racing’s big events. Featured on the show will be guests (trainers, jockeys, owners, celebrity handicappers and industry insiders). Promotional giveaways will be featured, such as brand merchandise and free WinningCredits.
"Winning Ponies" is broadcast live every Thursday at 8 PM Eastern/5 PM Pacific on the VoiceAmerica Variety Channel.
John Engelhardt
You may recognize him as "Racing's Regular Guy." For ten years, John Engelhardt hosted the informative and sometimes irreverent handicapping show from his base at River Downs in Cincinnati, Ohio. He developed a passion for thoroughbred racing as a youngster at Saratoga, and has been able to make his love of the sport his life's calling.
Engelhardt, a native of Syracuse, New York is a graduate of the University of Dayton. His professional career in racing began as the track photographer at Beulah Park in 1983 and he has worked in racing ever since. John produced "The Stretch Run" for eight years, which aired on the CBS affiliate WCPO-TV in Cincinnati. For four years Engelhardt co-hosted "The Regular Guy Handicapping Show on HOMER 1530-AM in Cincinnati with former "Winning Ponies" host Ed Meyer.
John served as the President of the Turf Publicists of America in 2009 and 2010, after serving several years as the Midwest Vice-President of that organization. He is currently a consultant for Pinnacle Entertainment handling publicity, public relations, marketing, advertising and special events for River Downs. Under the "nom-de-course" of Heart of an Angel Stable, he has bred and owned thoroughbreds for 18 years.
"Racing's Regular Guy" has been exposed to racing on many levels and greets the sport with enthusiasm and well-rounded knowledge. Tune in Thursdays at 5PM PT, as he welcomes nationally recognized guests, who will help you find those "Winning Ponies.”
