Tag: Horse Trainer

Joe Merrick
Once Upon The Mountain: Joe Merrick (Ep. 57)

Once Upon The Mountain: Joe Merrick (Ep. 57)

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In this engaging conversation, Billy and Cade interview Joe Merrick, author of ‘Once Upon the Mountain,’ exploring his life growing up around horses, particularly the legendary Easy Jet. Joe shares heartfelt stories about his childhood experiences, the challenges and triumphs of horse racing, and the lessons learned from his father and the racetrack. The discussion also touches on the current state of the racing industry and the importance of preserving its integrity.

Takeaways

  • Joe Merrick’s book captures the essence of horse racing.
  • Growing up around Easy Jet shaped Joe’s life and career.
  • Joe’s father instilled a strong work ethic in him.
  • Easy Jet’s racing career was unprecedented in its success.
  • The transition from racing to breeding was significant for Easy Jet.
  • Integrity in horse racing is a pressing concern today.
  • Joe’s experiences highlight the bond between humans and horses.

 

About our Guest:

As the son of AQHA Hall of Fame member Walter Merrick, Joe Merrick was a 12-year old during the legendary run of his fathers trainee in 1969, and has written a book that gives the account of those events in 1969 from the perspective of the pre-teenage adolescent.

The AQHA Hall of Fame runner and sire Easy Jet rattled out an epic two-year old campaign in 1969 that saw the son of Jet Deck score 22-victories from a lofty 26-starts as a two year-old.  During that run in 1969,  Easy Jet qualified, and claimed victories in the Blue Ribbon Futurity, Columbus Triple Crown Futurity, Lubbock Downs, Futurity, Laddie Stakes at Centennial Park, Rocky Mountain QHA Futurity, All American Congress Futurity,  Sunland Park Fall Futurity, Kansas Futurity, and the All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs.

 

Link to buy the book below!

Connect with Joe Merrick

About our Guest:

As the son of AQHA Hall of Fame member Walter Merrick, Joe Merrick was a 12-year old during the legendary run of his fathers trainee in 1969, and has written a book that gives the account of those events in 1969 from the perspective of the pre-teenage adolescent.

The AQHA Hall of Fame runner and sire Easy Jet rattled out an epic two-year old campaign in 1969 that saw the son of Jet Deck score 22-victories from a lofty 26-starts as a two year-old.  During that run in 1969,  Easy Jet qualified, and claimed victories in the Blue Ribbon Futurity, Columbus Triple Crown Futurity, Lubbock Downs, Futurity, Laddie Stakes at Centennial Park, Rocky Mountain QHA Futurity, All American Congress Futurity,  Sunland Park Fall Futurity, Kansas Futurity, and the All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs.

 

Link to Similar Episodes:

Cody Jensen’s Winning Formula in Horse Racing (Ep. 39)

From Jockey to Media Star: Zoe Cadman’s Journey (EP. 52)

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Connect with Cade Peterson:

Connect with Shaun Peterson:

 

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NYRA Horse Racing Andrew Offerman
The Thrill of the Race: Insights from Andrew Offerman (Ep. 56)

The Thrill of the Race: Insights from Andrew Offerman (Ep. 56)

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Billy Peterson and Cade Peterson discuss the current state of horse racing with Andrew Offerman, Senior Vice President of Racing at the New York Racing Association. They discuss the excitement surrounding major races like the Belmont Stakes, the challenges of hosting events at alternate venues, and the importance of engaging younger audiences through influencers and educational initiatives. The discussion also touches on the emotional highs and lows of racing, the economic impact of the industry, and the need for transparency and integrity in the sport. Andrew shares insights on how to get involved in horse racing, whether as a fan or an owner, and the efforts being made to simplify betting for newcomers.

Takeaways

  • The Belmont Stakes is a significant event with a unique history.
  • Hosting major races at alternate venues presents challenges.
  • Horse racing is experiencing a resurgence in popularity.
  • Influencers can attract a new audience to the sport.
  • Every race win is a special experience for participants.
  • Youth engagement is crucial for the future of racing.
  • The economic impact of horse racing is substantial.
  • Transparency and integrity in racing are essential.
  • There are various pathways to get involved in horse racing.

About our Guest:

Andrew Offerman | SVP, Racing and Operations

As Senior Vice President of Racing and Operations, Andrew Offerman is responsible for the leadership and oversight of racing functions at NYRA including the development, planning, and execution of NYRA’s stakes program, marquee events and live racing offerings at Aqueduct Racetrack, Saratoga Race Course and, when complete, the new Belmont Park. Additionally, he oversees several of NYRA’s general frontside operating departments including mutuels, parking, programs, security and cleaning.Prior to NYRA, Offerman served as Senior Vice President of Racing Operations at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota. In this role, he was responsible for the direct oversight of Canterbury’s racing office, wagering, track maintenance, security and other operational departments supporting live and simulcast racing operations. Offerman holds an advisory and governance position with the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program (RTIP) Advisory Committee and previously served in similar capacities with the Thoroughbred Racing Associations of North America (TRA); American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Racing Committee, and the Thoroughbred & Quarter Horse Breeders’ Fund Advisory Committees of the Minnesota Racing Commission. A native of Minneapolis, Offerman earned an M.S. degree from the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program (RTIP) and holds a B.A. from Gustavus Adolphus College.

 

Previous Episodes of Interest:

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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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