WP Welcomes Old Friends Michael Blowen & Race Caller Bobby Neuman
December 2, 2021
Hosted by John Engelhardt
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Guest Information
Episode Description
If there is a Santa Claus for thoroughbred horses, he/she/them/they would look a whole lot like Michael Blowen, founder and director of Old Friends Retirement Facility. Through his tireless efforts he provides a home for racing greats and not-so-greats where they can live out their lives in a warm, welcome setting where they receive the utmost in care. Fans of these stars of racing are allowed an up-close experience and can even join in ownership of one of Old Friend’s champions. Michael will join John to discuss what it is like to be the caregiver of the many storied horses who have been a part of Old Friends over the years. He will also let our listeners take advantage of a unique opportunity where they can buy a “share” in any of the classic winners or their fan favorite. Just in time for the Holiday gift with the horse lover in mind. One size fits all! Track announcer and radio host Bobby Neuman is another in the long line of successful Race Track Industry Program graduates that pepper the landscape of racing in every aspect of the game. Every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3-6PM Eastern Bobby hosts Race Day on HRRN featuring live racing from across the country, expert analysis, and special guests from inside the racing world. His broadcasts can be found at Sirius219, XM 201, or at horseracingradio.net (https://horseracingradio.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4e77801d87&id=d92cdbb45c&e=7557876f93) Bobby will reflect on his career in racing that included replacing Todd Shrupp as the paddock host at Calder and a track announcer. “I started calling at the Arizona fairs in the early90s.” he recalled. “I was at Thistledown for three years, at Calder for 15years, I called harness races at The Red Mile and Pompano Park, I had a fill-in stint at Churchill Downs, and I was in the booth at Los Alamitos for four Thoroughbred meets through 2019.” Neuman is currently the track announcer at Prairie Meadows. He will join John in handicapping the three graded races at Aqueduct on Saturday.
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.”
