'Winning Ponies' welcomes trainer Chad Brown and jockey DeShawn Parker
September 30, 2010
Hosted by John Engelhardt
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Episode Description
Chad Brown, a Mechanicville, NY native, got into horses early at an upstate New York track. He was an understudy to Hall of Fame trainer Robert Frankel. In November 2007, Brown went out on his own. He picked up his first Breeders' Cup victory with a 2-year-old filly named Maram to win the inaugural $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf by a nose at Santa Anita Park in 2008. Brown competed in his first Saratoga Race Course meet in 2008 and won with the very first horse he entered, Star Player, on opening day. Brown went on to win a total of 6 races during the 36 day meet. In 2010, he had a smoking hot meet at Saratoga, finishing 3rd in the trainer standings, with 17 winners saddled. Anytime DeShawn Parker reflects on his success, he is quick to point out that his career might not have been possible were it not for his father, Darryl Parker. The elder Parker, has experienced virtually every facet of racing since 1964 and in '86 became the first African-American steward in racing history when he took up the position at Thistledown. DeShawn began riding races at age 17 while still in high school. His father told him he couldn't be a full-time jockey until he graduated from high school. He rode at River Downs, Thistledown, Detroit Race Course, Fairmount Park and Turfway Park in the early years of his career. He has ridden at Mountaineer since 1990. He points to his 1,000 career win aboard a horse named Melda Brown on July 28, 2000 as being his biggest thrill. Date of Birth: January 8, 1971. Birthplace: Cincinnati, Ohio. Residence: East Liverpool, Ohio. Family: wife, Maria; sons, DeShawn, Jr. and Justus Anytime Parker reflects on his success, he is quick to point out that his career might not have been possible were it not for his father, Darryl Parker. The elder Parker, has experienced virtually every facet of racing since 1964 and in '86 became the first African-American steward in racing history when he took up the position at Thistledown. DeShawn began riding races at age 17 while still in high school. His father told him he couldn't be a full-time jockey until he graduated from high school. He rode at River Downs, Thistledown, Detroit Race Course, Fairmount Park and Turfway Park in the early years of his career. He has ridden at Mountaineer since 1990. He points to his 1,000 career win aboard a horse named Melda Brown on July 28, 2000 as being his biggest thrill.
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.”
