The Meadowlands COO/General Manager - Jason Settlemoir / Ontario Racing Management’s Specialist Communications - Austin Stanton / Executive Director of the Jockey’s Benefit Association Daren Gomez

Ann and Larry interview The Meadowlands COO/General Manager, Jason Settlemoir, who discusses todays Hambletonian Stakes and who he believes has a good chance of winning and mentions about why the Hambletonian Oaks has some special significance today. Jason also discusses why the Hambletonian is such a special race and mentions some of the more impressive ‘Hambos’ that he has had an opportunity to watch and why the wagering handles at the Meadowlands so far in 2023, have been so impressive. He also talks about how he got became involved in harness racing at such a young age and the path he took to becoming COO/General Manager at the Meadowlands. Ontario Racing Management’s Specialist Communications, Austin Stanton, who discusses his role with Ontario Racing and some of the inititiatives that he would be responsible for. He also talks about a shared docuseries, ONTARIO RACING UNFILTERED’ and why it is a ‘look at horse racing like you have never seen it’ and mentions how someone can watch the series on a regular basis. Austin also discusses how he was hired by Ontario Racing in his current role and his background that included sports marketing which helped in the hiring process. Executive Director of the Jockey’s Benefit Association Daren Gomez, who discusses his role with the Association and whether there was ever any negative feedback because he was not a jockey, like his former predecessors. Daren also talks about growing up in a horse racing family and in particular his Uncle, Avelino Gomez , who was one of the most famous jockeys to ever ride in Canada, and his father who was a Trainer and Jockeys Agent and encouraged him to work within the industry. Daren also discusses how racing in each province differs and what are some of the issues facing the various provincial racing jurisdictions. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look At The Way It Was In Horse Racing News, Larry discusses the recent death of former Jockey and Woodbine Trainer , Ricky Griffith and also talks about the updated King’s Plate Power Rankings that were recently released by Woodbine this week. Larry also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks today. 

Timestamps: 

Jason discusses todays Hambletonian and a horse that he has an eye on and also mentions the Hambletonian Oaks and a filly that has a special significance to the Meadowlands. He also talks about why Hambletonian Day is such a special event and discusses some of the past Hambletonians that still resonate with him and why they are important. Jason also discusses why the betting handles have been up over the past year at the Meadowlands and talks about the path he took to becoming the COO/General Manager and how and why he became so interested in harness racing at a young age. Jason also mentions about the upcoming Fall Meet at the Meadowlands and what we can expect.
 Austin originally talks about his career prior to becoming Ontario Racing Management’s Specialist, Communications and then discusses his role with Ontario Racing and the various media inititiatives and communications content that he creates and disseminates to the horse racing industry. He also talks about a new documentary series, that is a shared project of Ontario Racing and OLG, called ‘ONTARIO RACING UNFILTERED’ and why it is being described as a ‘look at horse racing like you have never seen it’. Austin also mentions how someone can watch the docuseries and how it was originally developed to help attract a new fan base for horse racing. He also mentions how someone can listen to the show and whether any similar inititatives are being planned for Ontario Racing going forward.

Daren discusses his role as Executive Director with the Jockey’s Benefit Association and how the Association helps the horse racing industry, in particular the riders. He also mentions whether there was any criticism from the horse racing industry that he was not a Jockey , like his predecessors were and talks about how the Association is Canada wide and that each province’s needs are different. Daren also talks about his family ties to horse racing which includes his Uncle, the late Avelino Gomez, one of the greatest Jockeys to ever ride in Canada, and his father who was both a Trainer and Jockey’s Agent, and whether both helped to influence his choice to become part of the horse racing industry. Daren also discusses an issue of Jockey’s Mount Fees that was resolved with the HBPA and talks about why he believes horse racing in Ontario is on an upsurge.