Tag: Kentucky Derby

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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FEATURE
15,000 Orthoscopic Surgeries and a Lifetime of Tales with Dr. Wayne McIlwraith (Ep. 22)

15,000 Orthoscopic Surgeries and a Lifetime of Tales with Dr. Wayne McIlwraith (Ep. 22)

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People in the horse racing, farming, and ranching industries have two things in common; a passion and love for animals. 

Today’s guest is a renowned equine orthopedic surgeon, a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences, and the founder of the Orthopaedic Research Center at CSU. It is clear when you hear him speak that he too has a passion and love for animals.

Join Dr. Wayne McIlwraith as he recounts his humble beginnings on a sheep station in New Zealand to becoming a trailblazer in the field of equine orthopedic surgery. He shares his innovative approach to arthroscopic surgery, shedding light on the advancements he has made, including many discoveries that have helped progress orthopedic procedures for humans.

Throughout the podcast, Billy Peterson and Dr. Wayne McIlwraith explore:

  • Dr. Wayne’s extensive experience and contributions to the field of equine medicine
  • The multifaceted challenges that face the equine industry including the need for uniformity in safety and testing standards
  • Why you should seize opportunities and pursue your passions
  • Techniques used to help horses recover from injuries and improve their performance
  • And more!

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About Our Guest: 

Professor McIlwraith obtained his veterinary degree from Massey University, New Zealand, and was in practice in New Zealand and the UK followed by an internship at the University of Guelph, Canada, and a surgical residency at Purdue University. He also obtained MS and PhD degrees from Purdue University. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, the European College of Veterinary Surgeons, the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, and a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Since 1979, he has been a faculty member at Colorado State University. Currently, he is a University Distinguished Professor, holds the Barbara Cox Anthony University Endowed Chair in Orthopaedics, and is the Founding Director of the Orthopaedic Research Center. He also has a referral equine orthopedic surgical practice based in Southern California and is a consultant and surgeon for clients elsewhere in the US and Ireland, England, France, and New Zealand. His research interests focus on equine orthopedic surgery and translational joint disease research, including novel treatments for osteoarthritis and articular cartilage repair, mesenchymal stem cell therapies, and early diagnosis of osteoarthritis and pre-fracture disease using imaging and fluid biomarkers.

He has received multiple awards, including the Founders Award and Legends Award from ACVS, induction into the International Equine Research Hall of Fame, the John Hickman Award from the British Equine Veterinary Association, the AAEP Research Award, the AVMA Lifetime Excellence in Research Award, the Markowitz Award from the Academy of Surgical Research, the Marshall R. Urist MD Award from ORS and is an Honorary Fellow of ICRS.

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FEATURE
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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FEATURE
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!

Resources:

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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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