Tag: Horse Racing
Steering MJ Farms to Victory with Mac Murray (Ep. 37)

Steering MJ Farms to Victory with Mac Murray (Ep. 37)

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Join Billy and Cade Peterson as they welcome Mac Murray of MJ Farms, a notable name in the equine industry. Mac shares his extraordinary journey from the automobile industry to becoming a prominent figure in horse racing. He discusses how he and his wife, Janis, transitioned from starting their farm in Utah to expanding into New Mexico, seizing the opportunities presented by the state’s horse racing and casino gambling industry.

Gain insights into the challenges Mac and Janis faced and how they transformed MJ Farms from a small broodmare operation into one of the most respected horse farms in the country. 

Mac discusses: 

  • His transition from the automobile industry to horse racing
  • The importance of making strategic business decisions
  • How inflation has had an impact on the horse breeding industry
  • Valuable business insights, and challenges of running a horse farm
  • The importance of good financial backing and support staff in business
  • And more!

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About Our Guest: 

Mac Murray is a partner at MJ Farms, which is located in New Mexico. He owns the farm along with his wife, Dr. Janis Murray. MJ Farms is home to prominent New Mexico-bred sires. The farm has also owned or managed several other major sires, including Dash Ta Fame.

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Chasing Glory: Inside the Gates of the Saudi Cup – Racing for $20 Million (Ep. 33)

Chasing Glory: Inside the Gates of the Saudi Cup – Racing for $20 Million (Ep. 33)

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The thrill of horse racing is not just found on the track, but also in the stories of those who dedicate their lives to the sport.

In this episode, Billy and Cade Peterson invite Todd Fincher, a former jockey turned world-renowned trainer, to share his remarkable journey from the stables to the winner’s circle. They dive into the challenges of maintaining weight as a jockey, the transition to training, the success of their horses, participating in the biggest races, and more!

Todd discusses: 

  • Growing up in the horse racing industry and the dream of becoming a jockey
  • The extreme measures jockeys take to meet weight requirements 
  • Moving from jockey to trainer and the differences between the two roles
  • How to be a successful trainer and the never-ending task of communicating with owners
  • The benefits of a positive barn atmosphere on the horses’ performance
  • The achievements of his horses, particularly Senor Buscador
  • The strategies of preparing horses for Grade 1 races, even amidst unexpected challenges, and the excitement of nurturing potential superstars
  • The business aspects of horse racing, including the financial implications of winning the world’s richest race and managing the recent surge in industry costs due to excessive inflation. 
  • And more!

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About Our Guest: 

Todd Fincher is a well-known figure in the horse racing industry. He has made significant contributions as both a jockey and a trainer. Fincher grew up in the racing business, with his father being a jockey for 25-to-30 years and his mother a trainer. He himself was a jockey for 10 years, winning over 900 races on Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds. As a trainer, he has achieved notable success, including saddling Runaway Ghost to victory in the Sunland Derby (G3) in 2018, the Ruidoso Futurity (G1) with Saint Shackleton, and the Saudi Cup (G1) with Senor Buscador in 2024. He has won numerous training titles in New Mexico. His approach to training is grounded in his experience as a jockey, and he continues to expand his operations, bringing better quality Kentucky-breds to races in Texas and Oklahoma.

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From the Racetrack to Business Owner with Kip Didericksen (Ep. 19)

From the Racetrack to Business Owner with Kip Didericksen (Ep. 19)

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Few journeys are as exhilarating and transformative as those of a jockey.

The rush of adrenaline during races and the intricate partnership between humans and horses all come together to tell a story of talent, perseverance, and passion.

In this episode, Kip Didericksen, a renowned former jockey shares his journey from the race tracks to being a business owner, highlighting how the value of hard work and strategy contributed to his success. He also talks about memorable horses and people, and the races that taught him valuable lessons. 

Kip discusses: 

  • His childhood as a member of a racehorse family and how he idolized jockeys
  • The talent level and competition among jockeys at Los Alamitos
  • His standout horses and the trainers who supported him
  • A look back at his most successful season when he was the leading rider and won multiple races
  • His experience of being treated poorly by a fellow jockey and how it motivated him to always help others
  • And more!

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From Drywall to Derby: Pierre Amestoy’s Journey into Horse Racing (Ep. 17)

From Drywall to Derby: Pierre Amestoy’s Journey into Horse Racing (Ep. 17)

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For centuries, horse racing has captivated enthusiasts worldwide.

However, beyond the flashy and glamorous racetrack, the industry intersects heavily with the business world.

In this episode, Billy and Cade Peterson chat with Pierre Amestoy, a prominent figure in the horse racing industry. Pierre shares his story, from working in the family drywall business to having a successful business in the construction industry and what led him to enter the horse industry. Additionally, Pierre emphasizes the importance of putting money to work, pursuing passions, and taking risks.

Pierre discusses: 

  • How he got involved in horse racing, the challenges of the industry, and his success with buying and selling horses
  • The qualities of successful horse trainers and the significance of a winning attitude
  • Why he chose to amalgamate his drywall business with land development
  • The risks faced by business owners due to inflation and rising interest rates
  • The importance of finding something that makes you different from your competition 
  • And more!

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Opportunities and Challenges within the Horse Racing Industry with Janet VanBebber (Ep. 11)

Opportunities and Challenges within the Horse Racing Industry with Janet VanBebber (Ep. 11)

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There are many challenges facing the horse racing industry, both from an economic and social perspective.

Despite this, it continues to strive for growth and attract new generations.

And what better way to shed light on these topics than by speaking with someone who possesses a profound understanding of the industry?

Join Billy and Cade as they sit down with Janet VanBebber, Chief Racing Officer, at the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) to hear her insights and perspective on the horse racing industry. She candidly shares her optimism for the future of horse racing, as well as its challenges. Additionally, she talks about the opportunities for young people and professionals to get involved in racing.

Listen in as Janet shares: 

  • Some of her most memorable moments as a trainer, and equine enthusiast
  • How inflation has impacted the horse industry and AQHA
  • The need to engage the next generation  
  • Her mission to monitor emergent threats and keep integrity within the sport
  • And more!

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About Our Guest: 

Janet VanBebber is the Chief Racing Officer for the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). VanBebber is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the racing department, Racing Challenge, and related programs. Janet plays a key role in developing and implementing programs and objectives to promote the advancement of Quarter Horse racing across the globe.

VanBebber’s resume boasts a long and successful career training and racing American Quarter Horses. The former owner of VanBebber Racing Stables of Ledbetter, Texas, she has a long history of involvement with American Quarter Horses and Quarter Horse racing and is well known for being one of the industry’s most accomplished trainers.

In 2011, she became the first female trainer to eclipse the 1,000th career win mark. Her resume also included being the recipient of the 2002 AQHA Mildred n. Vessels Special Achievement Award. Her career includes training world champion TAILOR FIT, who remains ranked as one of the breed’s top money earners-15 years after his final race.

In addition to owning VanBebber Racing Stables of Ledbetter, Texas, Janet has been on the board of directors for both the Texas Quarter Horse Association and the Texas HBPA, while also owning and managing other horse-related enterprises.

 

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Lessons on Success with Jeff Tebow, Deputy Chairman at Andreini & Company (Ep. 9)

Lessons on Success with Jeff Tebow, Deputy Chairman at Andreini & Company (Ep. 9)

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To achieve success, you need to put in the effort and demonstrate your abilities. 

In this episode, Billy and Cade interview Jeff Tebow about his career and experiences in the horse industry starting from being a farm hand on the ranch to becoming the CEO of an Insurance company. 

Learn valuable life lessons as Jeff shares: 

  • How he got into the equine industry, and the significance it had on his life at a young age
  • His opinion on how reading is becoming a lost art and the value of educating yourself
  • The regulations pertaining to the safety and well-being of the horses and their riders
  • The importance of financial discipline so you can invest consistently for the long term
  • And more!

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