Blinkers Off

In this week’s episode of  Blinkers Off , host Colton Phillips dives into a trio of powerful stories shaping the racing world. First, trainer  Dale Romans  enters the political race with a bid for U.S. Senate, we break down his platform and what it could mean for Kentucky horsemen. Then, the incredible story of  Awesome Hawaiian , a $1,000 rescue from a kill pen who went gate-to-wire under the Twi...

In this week’s episode of  Blinkers Off , Colton breaks down the biggest stories shaking up horse racing. We kick things off with the Breeders' Cup vet scratches that had fans fuming, we dive into why these decisions are made, and ultimately why transparency could be the key to restoring trust. The we unpack Griffin Johnson’s “New Owner of the Year” award and how it sparked controversy. And fi...

In Episode 15 of  Blinkers Off , host Colton Phillips dives into the hottest issues shaking the racing world. First up in  Track Talk : Dave Portnoy’s viral takedown of CAWs (Computer Assisted Wagering), why his influence could be racing’s wake-up call. Then, we examine how outdated Canadian tax laws are choking Ontario’s horse racing economy and discuss the record-breaking Fasig-Tipton sale. Then...

In Episode 14 of  Blinkers Off , host Colton Phillips opens with a powerful Mail from the Rail segment tackling the popular fan question:  Why does Formula 1 have more fans than horse racing?  Drawing lessons from media mogul John Malone, Colton explores the sport’s structure, storytelling, and tech gaps. Then, in an insightful interview, breeder and Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance board member  Y...

In this week’s episode of  Blinkers Off , Colton Phillips breaks down the curious case of “thumps”, a metabolic condition that recently sidelined Skippylongstocking, and digs into the controversy surrounding electrolyte rules and equine welfare. We also examine the surprising fallout from Thorpedo Anna’s Spinster run and the bigger implications for her Breeders’ Cup hopes. Then, we turn our attent...

This week on  Blinkers Off , we explore the latest efforts in Thoroughbred aftercare as Woodbine gears up for its fifth annual Aftercare Day and Kentucky passes a major funding bill. Then, we dive into the record-breaking sales season and what it means for the industry’s future. Plus, Colton sits down with Vicky Leonard of Kickup Racing and Light Up Racing to talk about changing the public narrati...

We’re back from our September break with a packed episode. First, Colton dives into the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, where average prices soared and new owners made waves. Then, we break down Paco Lopez’s six-month suspension and what it means for rider accountability. Finally, we take a closer look at the SAFE Act and the movement to end horse slaughter permanently. But the highlight? A spe...

In the 10th episode of  Blinkers Off , host Colton Phillips signs off for the summer with a stacked show. In  Track Talk , we break down Kentucky Downs’ broadcast revolution, featuring cable cams, drones, and a 25-person media team redefining how we watch turf racing. Then it’s a double-header of interviews: First, legendary breeder and consignor  Glenn Sikura  of Hill 'N' Dale breaks down...

This week on  Blinkers Off , we welcome back King’s Plate-winning jockey Pietro Moran, the show’s first returning guest, for a full breakdown of his unforgettable Plate day, what it’s like riding against American stars, and how he balances being a full-time student with a full-blown jockey career. In Track Talk, we spotlight the launch of the 23rd class of Godolphin Flying Start, a global training...

In this week’s episode of  Blinkers Off , we speak with one of the sharpest minds in the game, bloodstock agent David Ingordo . David's eye for talent helped discover champions like  Zenyatta and Flightline . From picking a horse to managing syndicates, David breaks down what separates a good horse from a great one and shares his thoughts on the direction of the Thoroughbred industry. In Track...

It’s the 166th running of the King’s Plate, and  Blinkers Off  is going all-in for Canada’s biggest day in racing. Host Colton Phillips kicks things off with a dive into the rich history of the King’s Plate before sitting down with an all-star lineup of jockeys competing in this year’s race. Hear from Hall of Famer  Javier Castellano , rising Western Canadian star  Fraser Aebly , and Woodbine stan...

In Episode 6 of  Blinkers Off , Colton dives into  Death of a Racehorse , Katie Bo Lillis’ groundbreaking book on regulation, breakdowns, and the future of the sport. Then, we’re joined by equine veterinarian  Dr. Vicky Banks , who talks about the highs and lows of her career, the difference between private and regulatory vets, and how technology is reshaping horse care. We wrap up with  Mail from...

In Episode 5 of  Blinkers Off , we take a closer look at how artificial intelligence is reshaping veterinary assessment in horse racing. Then, we’re joined by Assistant Trainer and FanDuelTV analyst Andie Biancone for a wide-ranging conversation on life on the backstretch, transitioning into broadcast, and carving out your own identity in a sport steeped in tradition. We wrap up with listener ques...

The 70th running of the Woodbine Oaks is here, and Blinkers Off is going behind the scenes. Colton Phillips chats with top trainers Katerina Vassilieva, Catherine Day Phillips, and Rachel Halden about their contenders for Canada’s biggest race for 3-year-old fillies. Covering Reveler’s Row, Innisfree Isle, and Aristella, we get the stories, strategies, and quirks behind this year’s Oaks hopefuls....

The National Thoroughbred League is shaking up tradition. Is it the future of racing or a step too far? Plus, the Toronto Maple Leafs bring a colt to development camp, and Colton breaks down what it means for building trust in high-performance athletes. Then, Canadian trainer Santino Di Paola joins the show, and we wrap things up with listener questions, including why bettors are called handicappe...

Welcome back to Blinkers Off! In Episode 2, Colton covers some headlines, including the Supreme Court’s decision in HISA's favour, the opening of the Saratoga meet, and the issues of computer-assisted wagering.  Then, Colton welcomes the podcast’s very first guest, legendary Canadian jockey Emma Jayne Wilson. From being the first woman to win the Queen’s Plate to holding the title of highest-earni...

Welcome to the debut episode of Blinkers Off , your bi-weekly guide to North American horse racing. I’m Colton Phillips, here to break down the action, talk to the people behind the sport, and help you see The Sport of Kings, through a new lens. In this launch episode, I introduce myself, break down what Blinkers Off is all about, and preview the segments you can look forward to each episode. This...