WP Welcomes HBPA CEO Eric Hamelback and Horse Tourneys Eric Wing
December 10, 2020
Hosted by John Engelhardt
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Guest Information
Episode Description
The Claiming Crown has ended Saturday at Gulfstream Park – with a record $14.6 million wagered – it was clear how much it had grown over the past 9 years at Gulfstream. Not only was this a day when a horse claimed six weeks ago for $6,250 could win an $80,000 race, but also a day when a BC Mile (G1) runner-up could prep for the $3 million Pegasus World Cup (G1). Eric Hamelback, CEO of HBPA, which partners with TOBA on the Claiming Crown, believes the event is looked upon differently now that it is at Gulfstream. Eric and John will discuss the growth of the Claiming Crown. They will also comment on a recent release from Steve Asmussen about the effects having a “dark day” for the schedule and training of thoroughbreds. Saturday Horse Tourneys will offer many contest options on a great Gulfstream card. Eric “The Wing Man” Wing will join us to check out 5 stakes 4 of which graded - the G2 $200,000 Fort Lauderdale with 3 G3 $100,000 races the Harlan's Holiday, Rampart and Sugar Swirl.
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.”
