Mike Penna
Mike Penna first sat down behind a microphone in 2003 when he began co-hosting the popular Saturday morning "Equine Forum" talk show. In 2005, Mike and the late Pete Kules established the Horse Racing Radio Network (HRRN). In addition to producing the "Equine Forum" every week, the duo started to travel to racetracks around the country, providing fans with live coverage of many of the nation's biggest races. Mike is currently President of HRRN and also serves as the anchor for all of its broadcasts. In early 2011, Mike and HRRN received an Eclipse Award for coverage of the 2010 Breeders' Cup World Championships and in 2013 was honored with the prestigious Old Hilltop Award by the Maryland Jockey Club. Each year HRRN broadcasts more than 100 major thoroughbred stakes races including the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont Stakes and Breeders' Cup. Mike's passion for racing spans more than 19 years. In 1989, he stood alongside the rail at historic Saratoga Racecourse and watched as Easy Goer won the Travers Stakes. After cashing his winning ticket on the heavy favorite, he was hooked for life. A native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Mike and his wife, Michelle, relocated to Lexington in 1997. Mike worked at The Jockey Club, Thoroughbred Times, and Keeneland's racing office before pursuing his interest in broadcasting.
