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Published by Hot 2 Trot
We Are Off! Get ready to experience the excitement of the racetrack racing into your speakers with grace and style — It’s Hot 2 Trot! Join host Ashley Wood — your racing and pop culture guru from the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association — as she brings you hot topics, funny commentary, interviews, and more on each episode of Hot 2 Trot. It’s not just a podcast, it’s a winner’s circle of wit and wisdom. Hold your reins, annnd they’re off!
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Sun Stakes Saturday brought the heat this year! Host Ashley Wood sat trackside at Mohegan Pennsylvania with guest co-host Derick Giwner, Editor of DRF Harness for Daily Racing Form, to talk about handicapping, wagering, and the day’s big races, including the Earl Beal Jr. Memorial and the Delmonica Hanover. Throughout the show, Ashley and Derick interviewed Dr. Ian Moore, a legendary standardbred trainer and veterinarian, and Pocono Racing Secretary Rick Kane. Timestamps: 00:00 — Welcome to Sun Stakes Saturday at Pocono Downs 04:00 — Handicapping, Wagering & the Day’s Big Races 08:34 — Dr. Moore: Flying In, Shalom Hanover & His Stable 14:24 — Bojangles, Four-Year-Olds & Dr. Moore’s Career 17:01 — From Veterinarian to Hall of Fame Trainer 20:00 — Life in the Air: Dr. Moore’s Pilot Journey 22:00 — The Future of Training, Family & Retirement 30:14 — Racing Secretary Rick Kane on Building Big Race Days 39:19 — Late Pick 4: Lynch, Trot, Pace & Earl Beal Picks 46:12 — Max Hempt Memorial & the Best Three-Year-Old Pacers 49:39 — Earl Beal Memorial, Final Tickets & Sign-Off
There’s a real need in our industry to invest in youth education and showcase all of the job opportunities horse racing can provide — and Don Johnson wants to do something about it. Ashley Wood and guest co-host Jessica Paquette sit down with Don, the previous manager of Philadelphia Park (now Parx Casino & Racing), to discuss PTHA Charities and its mission to expose middle schoolers to the dozens of careers in the racing industry. To learn more about PTHA Charities, visit patha.org/charities . Timestamps: 00:00 — Welcome to Hot to Trot & Meet Don Johnson 06:45 — Horse Racing Regulation, Safety & Industry Governance 10:08 — The Future of Horse Racing Wagering & Computer-Assisted Players 16:12 — Bringing Youth Into Horse Racing Through Education & Mentoring 27:04 — Building Local Racing Programs & Industry Partnerships 32:49 — Making Horse Racing Relevant to a New Generation 40:11 — Reaching Students, Changing Perceptions & Racing Safety 47:14 — Hot Seat: Coffee, Cruises, Pizza & More 53:50 — Jockey Life, Marathons & Life Beyond Racing 59:10 — Final Thoughts, Youth Education & How to Get Involved
It’s the Pace for the Orchids, and who will come out on top? In this special live episode of Hot 2 Trot, host Ashley Wood sat trackside with Kevin Plowcha, the track handicapper for The Meadows, to talk about all things Adios. They are joined by special guests including Mike Carter, the Director of Racing at The Meadows, and Ron Burke, a Hall of Fame horse trainer. Plus, previous co-host Meadow Twaddle makes a guest return to Hot 2 Trot! Timestamps: 0:00 – Welcome to Hot to Trot Live 3:56 – Director of Racing Mike Carter Previews Adios Day 6:54 – Handicapping Tournaments & New Betting Opportunities 14:59 – National TV Coverage & Final Preparations 17:34 – Ron Burke on His Powerful Adios Stable 28:0 – Race Day Mindset with Ron Burke 30:38 – Meadow Twaddle Returns & Weekend Preview 33:43 – Handicapping the First Adios Volo Division 38:00 – Handicapping the Second Adios Volo Division 42:52 – Breaking Down the 60th Adios Pace 52:37 – Final Picks & Closing Thoughts
Join Ashley Wood and Jessica Paquette as they discuss the latest in horse racing, including Pennsylvania's Day of the Races, harness racing, and the impact of stallions like Smarty Jones. Catch their insights, personal stories, and tips for racing enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Welcome with Jessica Paquette 02:03 – Summer Heat, Horse Racing & Life on the Road 08:47 – Pennsylvania Day at the Races Preview 12:18 – First 2-Year-Old Race & Stakes Race Handicapping 20:20 – Uncle Heavy, Bartlett & Pennsylvania Stakes Contenders 26:22 – Fillies, Stallions & Pennsylvania Breeding Spotlight 30:05 – Smarty Jones Memories & Racing Legacy 33:44 – Summer Rapid Fire: Ice Cream, Beaches & Boardwalks 39:19 – Final Thoughts & Pennsylvania Day at the Races
What’s it like when your job involves flying around a dirt track at 30 mph? Guest co-host Jessica Paquette joins Ashley as they sit down with harness racing driver Jeremy Indof to find out! Jeremy races at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows in Washington, PA, and has achieved some great milestones throughout his career, including driving Keg Stand to an awesome Open Handicap Trot win down at Oak Grove and days at The Meadows where he casually pulls off four or five wins on a single card. Ashley and Jessica learn about how Jeremy became a harness racing driver, his family ties in the industry, and what the view is like from the seat of the race bike. Timestamps: 0:00 – Welcome & Meet Harness Driver Jeremy Indof 1:43 – Growing Up in Racing & Becoming a Driver 6:07 – Career Highlights, Big Wins & Lessons from the Horses 10:53 – Life Behind the Bike: Weather, Equipment & Daily Routine 16:14 – Horse Care, Racing Misconceptions & Growing New Fans 19:34 – The Hot Seat: Music, Coffee, TV & Gas Station Snacks 23:23 – Final Thoughts & Farewell
Find out why Pennsylvania is one of the absolute top racehorse breeding hubs in the entire country on this episode of Hot 2 Trot. Host Ashley Wood sits down with Dr. Deanna Manfredi, a third-generation horsewoman, a Princeton PhD in Cognitive Psychology, a stakes-winning breeder, and the history-making, first-ever female President of the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association (PHBA). They cover everything from Dr. Manfredi’s early interactions with horse racing to her appearance on reality TV in the American Dream Derby and what it means to be the first female president of the PHBA, since its inception in 1948. And if, after this episode, you want to see some PA-bred horses in action, join us for Pennsylvania Day at the Races at Parx Racing on July 18, 2026! Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Meet Deanna Manfredi 01:33 – Growing Up in Pennsylvania Racing & Breeding 03:36 – The Horse Industry’s Impact on Agriculture & Open Space 10:14 – Winning a Reality Show and Launching a Breeding Farm 17:29 – The State of Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Breeding Today 24:13 – Life Beyond Racing: Second Careers for Thoroughbreds 30:13 – Protecting Pennsylvania Racing & Breeding’s Future 34:33 – PA Day at the Races, Yearling Show & Industry Events 42:26 – The Hot Seat: Ghosts, Horses & Rapid-Fire Questions 46:43 – Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks
Join us for a Hot 2 Trot episode recorded LIVE trackside at Penn National Race Course! Host Ashley Wood and guest co-host Jessica Paquette discussed this year’s Penn Mile race and the PA-bred stakes races that were held on Friday, May 29. Plus, hear from guests inlcuding Chris McErlean, the Vice President of Racing at Penn Entertainment; Larry Collmus, the voice of the Kentucky Derby; and Nathan Klein, the new announcer at Penn National Race Course. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Welcome to Hot to Trot Live at Penn National 00:01:53 – Pennsylvania Racing, Breeding & Penn Mile Preview 00:10:31 – Chris McErlean on Penn Mile History & Race Day 00:17:55 – Penn Mile Trivia, Records & Racing Stories 00:25:26 – Larry Collmus on Calling Racing's Greatest Moments 00:43:54 – Meet Nathan Klein: Penn National's New Announcer 00:59:20 – Penn Mile Night Stakes Race Analysis & Betting Picks 01:14:14 – Penn Mile Selections & Final Thoughts
Join us for a thoroughbred/harness racing crossover episode with driver Ridge Warren and jockey Jorge Vargas, Jr. Despite being athletes in the same industry, Ridge and Warren have vastly different experiences when it’s time to race. Ashley talks with them about the demands of the sport, how drivers and jockeys differ, and how they got started in the horse racing industry. Find out who has the harder job, their tips for making it in this industry, and how they balance work and family on this episode of Hot 2 Trot! Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Jockey vs. Driver Debate 02:17 – Growing Up in Horse Racing Families 04:34 – Life on the Road & Racing Grind 12:37 – Understanding the Horses 18:31 – Risks, Injuries & Mental Toughness 27:00 – Family Life Outside the Track 31:34 – Career Highlights & Defining Success 37:37 – Funny Rapid Fire Questions & Outro
Grab your fancy hats and mint juleps because horse racing’s biggest event is here: the Kentucky Derby! Ashley sits down with Jessica Paquette and Dick Jerardi, two big names in the Parx Racing circuit, to take an in-depth look at the Kentucky Derby field. Hear this trio break down their thoughts on who will take the crown as we get ready to head down the road to the roses! Gambling is for ages 18 and up. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & 2026 Kentucky Derby Preview Begins 00:45 – Kentucky Oaks 2026: Top Fillies & Early Favorites 03:42 – Best Oaks Bets: Sleeper Picks & Race Strategy 09:32 – Horse Racing Betting Tips: How to Bet the Oaks 13:34 – Final Kentucky Oaks Picks (Best Bets & Tickets) 16:09 – Kentucky Derby 2026 Favorites Breakdown 24:10 – Derby Longshots & International Horses to Watch 39:44 – Final Derby Picks + Where to Watch & Events
What will the next generation of horse racing trainers be like? Ashley sat down with John Kirby, a young and respected name on the Parx Racing circuit and a third-generation horse trainer, to find out. Join Ashley and John as they dive into the world of thoroughbred racing and discuss John’s years of experience developing racehorses and navigating the highs and lows of the sport. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Welcome 00:20 – Meet Trainer John Kirby 01:18 – Life Outside Racing & Farm Talk 03:37 – How John Got Into Horse Racing 06:17 – Young Trainer Journey & Early Success 09:21 – Career Highlights & Churchill Downs Win 13:17 – Mentors, Favorite Horse & Barn Life 18:42 – Running a Barn & Industry Insights 27:14 – Goals, Industry Future & Hot Seat Q&A
Where are our horse girls at? In this episode, Ashley sits down with Jessica Paquette to talk about handicapping, finding your people, and learning life lessons from the horses in our lives. In this, the year of the horse, big things are on the horizon — including the Kentucky Derby, the Florida Derby, and PA Derby Day. Jessica is the track announcer and director of public relations at Parx Racing. She also hosts the Amateur Hour Podcast, an inclusive and open space for horse professionals and amateurs to discuss current events and the equestrian experience. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Welcome 00:34 – Horse Racing Connections 02:15 – Learning the Game: Handicapping Stories 04:05 – Jessica’s Life Update & Horses 06:18 – Life Lessons from Horses 07:27 – Tough Winter & Race Calling Challenges 10:01 – Behind the Scenes: Race Calling & Handicapping Style 12:22 – Awards, Industry Recognition & Competition 14:33 – Kentucky Derby Trail & Top Horses 27:00 – Personal Life, Community & Industry Culture
What does it take to run a horse racing track? In this episode, Ashley catches up with one of her former co-workers, Scott Lishia, to find out. Scott recently became the new Director of Racing at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Grantville, Pennsylvania, but has held many roles throughout the thoroughbred and harness horse racing industries. Their conversation covers everything from their time together working at the Maryland Jockey Club to Scott’s new role and some of his goals for Penn National this year! Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:36 – Scott’s Racing Roots & Career Journey 03:57 – From Operations to Regulation 08:19 – Different Perspectives in Racing 10:35 – Maryland Jockey Club and Triple Crown 18:40 – Favorite Racing Moments 23:23 – Harness vs. Thoroughbred Racing 32:13 – New Role at Penn National 37:22 – Industry Challenges & The Future of Racing 47:39 – Events, Fan Experience & What’s Next 50:49 – Hot Seat Questions
We’re back! Season 4 of Hot 2 Trot kicks off with a behind-the-scenes look at Foal Cam season. We are joined by Samantha Wilton and Rhiannon Swimelar, college students in Delaware Valley University’s equine program who are gaining real-world, hands-on experience. While balancing classes and campus life, they’re also taking on the responsibility of watching mares around the clock during one of the most important times of the breeding season. This episode offers a unique look at the dedication, learning opportunities, and excitement that come with being a student at DelVal University!
We’re kicking off a special Hot 2 Trot mini-series in partnership with Parx Racing and On The Rail! Meadow and Ashley sit down with Parx announcer and host of On The Rail, Jessica Paquette, to talk track vibes, standout storylines, and what’s coming next behind the scenes. If you love racing culture, insider moments, and the energy you only get when you’re trackside, this episode sets the tone for the entire series. Dive in and get the first look at what’s happening at Parx right now.
Welcome to the Hot 2 Trot 2025 Year-In-Review! In this episode, Meadow, Ashley, and Jaylin take you through every major moment that shaped Pennsylvania racing this year — Super Sunday at Harrah’s Philly, Sun Stakes at Pocono, the Penn Mile, the Adios, PA Day at the Races, the PA Derby, the Presque Isle Mile, the Masters, and more. We dive into standout performances, the storylines fans couldn’t stop talking about, and our own top memories. We also look ahead to 2026 with predictions, goals, and a New Year lightning round. Don’t miss it!
This week on Hot 2 Trot, Meadow and Ashley sit down with Averie Levanti, Executive Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Breeders Association, for a deep dive into the 2025 breeding season. We discuss what’s new in the PA stallion roster, what makes Pennsylvania’s breeding incentives so strong, and what breeders should be thinking about as the season approaches. Whether you’re a breeder, owner, fan, or just curious how the PA program works, this is a must-watch episode!
Join Meadow and Ashley on Hot 2 Trot as they sit down with jockey Ramon Moya, one of the most recognizable young riders on the PA circuit — both on the track and online. Ramon opens up about the grind of being a jockey and the standout moments of his career so far. He also dives into his massive social media presence, with 40K+ Instagram followers and 135K+ on TikTok, where he shares behind-the-scenes looks at jockey life, race clips, and day-in-the-life content that fans can’t get enough of!
On November 4, Ashley and Meadow traded in the track for the PA Farm Show Complex and went LIVE at the Harrisburg Black Book Sale! Tune in to see which special guests they talked to and hear all about the sale-day buzz.
It’s a Hot 2 Trot reunion! Meadow and Ashley catch up with former co-host Dawnelle Mock-Johnson, who’s now the Executive Director of the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association. Dawnelle shares what her role entails, her favorite moments from her first year leading the MSOA, and a few exciting life updates along the way!
Step inside the announcer’s booth with Jeff Zidek, the voice of The Meadows Racetrack! In this episode of Hot 2 Trot, Meadow and Ashley chat with Jeff about his journey to becoming a full-time race announcer, behind-the-scenes prep, and what it really takes to call thousands of races with accuracy and excitement!
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 10, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
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