On the Lead is a new podcast presented by The Jockey Club in association with In the Money Media. The goal of the series is to have entertaining and interesting conversations with varying industry voices targeting owners, breeders, fans, and anyone interested in Thoroughbred breeding and racing. The podcasts will also a feature a mailbag component that will incorporate questions from the audience. The show will be hosted by Shannon Kelly, executive director of The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation, and Peter Thomas Fornatale of In the Money Media.
On The Lead: 100 Years of History into a Kentucky Derby Win w/ Daisy Phipps Pulito
In this special episode, Shannon Kelly and PTF sit down with Daisy Phipps Pulito of Phipps Stable, a Thoroughbred racing ownership operation with more than 100 years of history, following Golden Tempo’s Kentucky Derby victory. Daisy shares insight into the strategy behind Golden Tempo’s campaign, including the decision to partner with trainer Cherie Devaux and the patient approach that allowed the colt to improve with each prep race leading up to the Derby.
History was made at the 152nd Kentucky Derby, where Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the race. Daisy reflects on the trust, timing, and long-term planning in developing a Derby contender, as well as what this milestone means for both Phipps Stable and the broader Thoroughbred industry.
From the earliest stages of Golden Tempo’s development to the 152nd Kentucky Derby finish line, this episode offers a closer look at the many hands, decisions, and dedication that helped shape this defining victory.
6 Apr 2026
On the Lead Podcast: "Horse Racing's North Star: The 20-Year Mission to Keep Our Athletes Safer"
Since the first Welfare & Safety of the Racehorse Summit in 2006, the industry has achieved a 47% reduction in racing fatalities — and the work is far from over. Peter Thomas Fornatale and Shannon Kelly sit down with Jamie Hayden, president of the Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation, and Dr. Scollay, consultant for the Equine Injury Database, to look back on two decades of progress. They discuss the data, the diagnostics, the surfaces, and the culture shift that's made thoroughbred racing safer for horses and riders alike. From standardized pre-race exams and the national Vets List to cutting-edge PET scans and racing surface science, this episode explains exactly how horse racing transformed its approach to safety — and where it's headed next.
10 Nov 2025
On the Lead: Everett Dobson's First 100 Days as Chair
As season one of On the Lead draws to a close, Shannon and PTF sit down for an exclusive conversation marking Everett Dobson’s first 100 days as Chair of The Jockey Club on November 7. In this special season finale, you’ll get an inside look at the recent leadership transition and hear Dobson’s candid reflections on his expectations and vision for the future of the Thoroughbred industry.
When discussing his recent priorities, Dobson outlines a forward-thinking agenda focused on advancing the health and well-being of both horses and participants, working closely with HISA leadership to strengthen data collection and use it to drive meaningful improvements in overall welfare. Dobson also emphasizes the need for greater transparency across the industry, ensuring that both stakeholders and the betting public can better understand the economics of wagering while making data more accessible and meaningful throughout the sport.
Looking ahead, Dobson reflects on the power of storytelling and fan engagement, pointing to the NBA as a model for how a sport can successfully leverage its greatest assets, its fans and athletes, to build deeper connections and broader appeal.
14 Oct 2025
On the Lead: The Miracle of Stable Recovery
Hosts Shannon Kelly of the Jockey Club and Peter Thomas Fornatale from In the Money Media sit down with two special guests on a memorable edition of the show.
Christian Countzler of Stable Recovery and Will Walden, a Grade 1 winning trainer who is also an ambassador for the program, share their recovery experiences and talk about the special connection between humans and horses that's at the center of this amazing initiative that's helped so many people.
13 Jul 2025
On the Lead: The Ratings System - An Innovative Twist on Race Conditions
Brought to you by The Jockey Club.
Shannon Kelly and PTF are back with a look at a fascinating new Jockey Club initiative -- the creation of a new category of races for horsemen and owners: Ratings Races. Kyle McDoniel and Chance Moquette of Equibase join for an in-depth discussion about the hows, whys, and benefits of this new project that aims to create better options for connections and more interesting races for bettors.
The newly introduced Ratings Races initiative, spearheaded by the Jockey Club in collaboration with Equibase, represents a transformative advancement in the racing industry, aimed at providing enhanced opportunities for horsemen and owners. This initiative seeks to establish a novel category of races that will simplify conditions, thereby facilitating greater participation and engagement from owners eager to race their horses without the apprehension of potential claims.
In this enlightening discourse, we are joined by Kyle McDonald and Chance Moquette from Equibase, who elucidate the intricacies of this pioneering project and its anticipated benefits for both connections and bettors alike. The conversation delves into the algorithmic framework underpinning the ratings system, emphasizing its potential to produce competitive fields that enhance the overall betting experience. Ultimately, this initiative aspires to foster a more vibrant racing landscape, characterized by larger, more competitive fields and increased opportunities for all stakeholders involved.
Takeaways:
The introduction of Ratings Races represents a significant evolution in North American horse racing, aimed at enhancing opportunities for horsemen and owners.
This initiative seeks to simplify race conditions, thereby allowing owners more options and hopefully increasing field sizes at tracks.
The Ratings system is based on an algorithm that evaluates a horse's form cycle, enhancing competitive fields without the complexities of traditional weight assignments.
The collaboration between various stakeholders in the racing industry is crucial for the success of the Ratings Races initiative, fostering a spirit of community and shared goals.
This new framework is designed not to replace claiming races but to complement them, providing additional pathways for horse owners to engage with the sport.
The ultimate goal of the Ratings Races is to create more interesting and competitive racing experiences for bettors, which could lead to increased industry engagement.
Add reaction
28 Apr 2025
On the Lead: A Stake in Stardom, Griffin Johnson's Ride to the Kentucky Derby
Brought to you by The Jockey Club.
Shannon Kelly and PTF are back with you for the most timely episode yet of the On the Lead podcast. They sit down with TikTok superstar Griffin Johnson, who owns Kentucky Derby contender Sandman in partnership with West Point Thoroughbreds.
Rachel Miller of America's Best Racing joins as well for a fun and freewheeling look at the world's of influencing and horse racing.
9 Apr 2025
On the Lead: Horse Training and Technology
It wasn't that long ago when even large horse training operations used clipboards and index cards to manage all the complexities of their operations. That's all changed because of technology, which now allows training operations of all sizes, and the industry as a whole, to keep a much better handle on their affairs. In this episode of On the Lead, a joint venture between the Jockey Club and In the Money Media, Pete Fornatale and Shannon Kelly sit down with Tracy Attfield, the creator of TLore, and Maggie Sweet, former COO for Todd Pletcher and current Executive Director of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, to talk all about how technology has changed and improved the lives of trainers everywhere.
25 Feb 2025
On the Lead Presents Horse Racing Unites in Crisis: A Tale from California
This episode offers a sobering examination of the catastrophic fires that have ravaged parts of California, particularly focusing on their impact on horse racing . Peter Thomas Fornatale and Shannon Kelly engage with Jodie Vella-Gregory and Kristina Schulz, who provide firsthand accounts of the crisis, detailing the urgency and fear experienced during the height of the fires. The conversation reveals the immediate response measures implemented at Santa Anita, where a crisis plan was swiftly executed to ensure the safety of horses and personnel alike. From there, Jodie Vella-Gregory highlights the 1/st team’s initial response to the crisis and how it organically evolved into a way to help the community as a whole.
Throughout the show, listeners learn about the amazing job the 1/st team did in delivering crucial support to affected individuals, detailing the various forms of assistance available. Shannon Kelly also informs listeners about the role of the Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation in the crisis so far and the recovery yet to come.
This episode not only highlights the challenges posed by natural disasters but also showcases the strength and unity of the racing community as they rally to support one another.
Takeaways:
The ongoing crisis in California due to fires has deeply impacted the racing community.
Shannon Kelly discussed the scope of assistance provided by the Jockey Club Safety Net foundation.
Eyewitness accounts reveal the harrowing experiences of those affected by the California wildfires.
The collaboration among various organizations showcases the racing community’s commitment to support each other during crises.
The Safety Net foundation is prepared to assist individuals in the racing industry for the long term.
Efforts to help the broader community during the crisis reflect the racing community’s strong ties and responsibility.
9 Dec 2024
On the Lead, Episode 6: Jockey Mental Health
Jockey mental health advocates Donna Brothers, Nathan Horrocks, and Trevor McCarthy share their personal struggles and insights on the unique factors contributing to jockey well-being and the importance of support systems.
26 Sept 2024
On the Lead, episode 5: The Sport of Queens -- A Discussion of Women in Racing
Presented by The Jockey Club
On the latest episode of the On the Lead Podcast, presented by The Jockey Club and In the Money Media, host Shannon Kelly brings us in before welcoming co-host PTF. Laura Barillaro, CFO of The Jockey Club, joins them for the intro to talk about her journey as a woman in racing who rose to a position of prominence.
The first official guest is Stella Thayer, president of Tampa Bay Downs who tells the story of how she got involved in racing and describes her reaction to winning the Pillar of the Turf award from the National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame.
Next up, Jessica Paquette joins to tell us about how she became a racing fan and what made her want to go on to make history as the first female announcer to call a Grade 1 race. She also shares her experience and advice about dealing with trolls on social media.
Last but not least, Shona Rotondo shares her story of starting an all-female company, Ground Slam Social (now GSS The Agency) and how they became a powerful player in horse racing marketing. She also shares her vision for the Horse Racing Women's Summit and offers some advice to those looking to become allies.
28 Aug 2024
On the Lead, episode 4: The Past, Present, and Future of Horse Racing Data
Presented by The Jockey Club
On the latest episode of the On the Lead Podcast, presented by The Jockey Club and In the Money Media, hosts Shannon Kelly and Peter Thomas Fornatale delve into one of the hot button topics in horse racing today: the past, present, and future of data.
They kick off with Professor Marshall Gramm, a handicapping champion and owner, as he talks about the evolution of data in the sport and expresses what elements of data are most important to the modern horseplayer.
Then Kyle McDoniel of Equibase is here to address some of Marshall's concerns and to lay out his vision for the sport to improve and innovate when it comes to its data.
15 Jul 2024
On the Lead, episode 3: Aftercare Is Not An Afterthought
Presented by The Jockey Club
PTF and Shannon Kelly are back with the third edition of On the Lead in which they discuss the importance of thoroughbred aftercare and its evolution in the sport.
The show kicks off with Erin Birkenhauer of West Point Thoroughbred speaking about her role in the company's internal aftercare organization, The Congie Fund, and her views about what more the industry can do to help its equine athletes.
Next up, Kendra Potasiewicz, a thoroughbred owner, talks about how important aftercare was to her decision to get involved in the business and to relate her experience taking care of Causeforcelebration, an ex-West Point runner.
Last but certainly not least, Kristin Werner of the Jockey Clubs gives us a little bit of the history of TJC's involvement in aftercare and relates some amazing personal stories about the powerful connections between humans and horses she's seen.
22 Jun 2024
On the Lead e2: All About Influencer Marketing
Presented by The Jockey Club
PTF and Shannon Kelly are back with the second edition of On the Lead in which they discuss the effects of influencer marketing on the sport of horse racing.
The show kicks off with Dan Tordjman of America's Best Racing as he talks about ABR's continuing efforts in the influencer marketing space and tells us about taking the concept to the next level in the form of their Stake in Stardom program.
Next up, Lindsay Czarniak drops by to discuss her roles as both a journalist and influencer, connecting racing marketing efforts to those in other sports and revelaing what she thinks are the top marketable stories in racing today that might help the sport reach a mainstream sports audience.
Last but certainly not least, Peter Rotondo Jr. of 1/st is here to give some history on the concept of using celebrities to help market horse racing including an early experiment at the ESPYs from a few years back. He also delves into the "Alix Earle effect" and how it led to an impressive spike in ratings at this year's Pegasus Stakes at Gulfstream Park.
29 May 2024
On the Lead, episode 1: What’s in a Name?
Hello and welcome to a new podcast from The Jockey Club and In the Money Media.
In this first episode, hosts Shannon Kelly and Peter Thomas Formatale are joined by The Jockey Club’s Associate Registrar Lori Johnson, to discuss the process of registering a thoroughbred. Then Jaime Roth, of LNJ Foxwoods, drops by to discuss the “method behind the madness” of her naming process with details about her love of familial lines, pop culture, art and sport all become evident in the names she chooses. She has 150 names on reserve and runs us through some of her favorites. Finally, Tom Durkin takes the story full circle, and tells us how the name on paper comes alive in his legendary race calls.
22 May 2024
Episode 0
On the Lead is a new podcast presented by The Jockey Club in association with In the Money Media. The goal of the series is to have entertaining and interesting conversations with varying industry voices targeting owners, breeders, fans, and anyone interested in Thoroughbred breeding and racing. The podcasts will also a feature a mailbag component that will incorporate questions from the audience. The show will be hosted by Shannon Kelly, executive director of The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation, and Peter Thomas Fornatale of In the Money Media.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.2 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
3.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 10 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
8
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
31
Contact On The Lead
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of On The Lead?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
