WP Welcomes Author Kimberly Rinker and Writer/'capper Bob Roberts

September 23, 2021
Hosted by John Engelhardt

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Guest Information

Episode Description

The popularity of horse racing in Chicago was not to be rivaled in any other metropolitan area. Since the 1800’s, the Windy City’s enthusiasm for both harness and Thoroughbred racing led to 10 major racetracks being built in the Chicago area. Sadly, it appears that racing in the area will be dealt a major blow with the apparent demise of Arlington Park which has hosted racing since 1927. Our first guest, Kimberly A. Rinker, a 1983 graduate of the Ohio State University, has been involved with Chicago horse racing since 1984 – both as a writer and as a participant. An award-winning journalist, she is a licensed trainer-driver of Standardbreds and represented the U.S. in the International Drivers Championship in Moscow, Russia. She has documented the racing history of the Chicago-area tracks in two published books – “Chicago’s Horse Racing Venues” and “Arlington Park Racetrack.” Our guest handicapper will be Bob “Railbird” Roberts, a veteran turf writer, handicapper and author of “ Writings of a Railbird.“ The modern day Damon Runyon character still holds weekly handicapping seminars, creates tip sheets and coordinates handicapping seminars in the greater Cleveland area. Bob will join John to examine the outstanding races that will take place at Parx on Saturday. On a program that features two Grade 1, a Grade 2 and two Grade 3 events, the duo will formulate a Pick-4 ticket on races 9-12. The marquee races of the 13-race day that starts at 12:05 pm, are the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby for the boys and Cotillion featuring fillies. With the defection of Medina Spirit, Hot Rod Charlie takes center stage in the Derby and readies for a rematch with Midnight Bourbon, who he harshly eliminated in the Haskell and disqualified for his actions. The Cotillion is a race where you will need your E-Z Win Forms and plenty of fillies on your ticket – no less than six graded stakes winners will enter the starting gate for the winner’s share of $1 million.

Winning Ponies

Thursday at 5 PM Pacific Time on VoiceAmerica Variety Channel

On the show we will talk about the Sport of Kings. We will delve into the different features of the WinningPonies.com website. John Engelhardt will talk about the issues of the day that affect horse racing, such as synthetic surfaces, medication rule changes, the fate of the industry as a whole, VLTs and Casinos, and human interest stories of triumph and defeat. You will also hear our spot play of the week, where John will handicap the feature races for the upcoming weekend, and will give out his best plays. We will keep you abreast racing’s big events. Featured on the show will be guests (trainers, jockeys, owners, celebrity handicappers and industry insiders). Promotional giveaways will be featured, such as brand merchandise and free WinningCredits.

"Winning Ponies" is broadcast live every Thursday at 8 PM Eastern/5 PM Pacific on the VoiceAmerica Variety Channel.

John Engelhardt

You may recognize him as "Racing's Regular Guy." For ten years, John Engelhardt hosted the informative and sometimes irreverent handicapping show from his base at River Downs in Cincinnati, Ohio. He developed a passion for thoroughbred racing as a youngster at Saratoga, and has been able to make his love of the sport his life's calling.

Engelhardt, a native of Syracuse, New York is a graduate of the University of Dayton. His professional career in racing began as the track photographer at Beulah Park in 1983 and he has worked in racing ever since. John produced "The Stretch Run" for eight years, which aired on the CBS affiliate WCPO-TV in Cincinnati. For four years Engelhardt co-hosted "The Regular Guy Handicapping Show on HOMER 1530-AM in Cincinnati with former "Winning Ponies" host Ed Meyer.

John served as the President of the Turf Publicists of America in 2009 and 2010, after serving several years as the Midwest Vice-President of that organization. He is currently a consultant for Pinnacle Entertainment handling publicity, public relations, marketing, advertising and special events for River Downs. Under the "nom-de-course" of Heart of an Angel Stable, he has bred and owned thoroughbreds for 18 years.

"Racing's Regular Guy" has been exposed to racing on many levels and greets the sport with enthusiasm and well-rounded knowledge. Tune in Thursdays at 5PM PT, as he welcomes nationally recognized guests, who will help you find those "Winning Ponies.”



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