'Winning Ponies' Welcomes National HBPA CEO Eric Hamelback and Handicapper Joe Kristufek
March 23, 2017
Hosted by John Engelhardt
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Guest Information
Episode Description
Eric Hamelback is the CEO of the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. He is the former general manager of Frank Stronach’s Adena Springs Farm in Paris, Ky. Originally from Frierson, Louisiana Hamelback attended Louisiana State University where he graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Systems. As CEO of the National HBPA, Eric serves as representative for the largest horsemen’s group in North America. He will tell us how he got involved with thoroughbreds and racing. Biggest week of racing for Turfway Park “Kentucky’s Winter Track.” The Florence, Kentucky oval is calling in the services of handicapper Joe Kristufek to be the day’s on-air talent. He will share his thoughts with John on the main races - The $500,000 Jack Casino Spiral Stakes (G3) which carries points for the Ky Derby and the $100,000 Bourbonette Oaks (G3) the points race for the Ky Oaks. For horses that couldn’t get in the Spiral there is the $100,000 Rushaway Stakes.
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.”
