WP Welcomes Back Awards Winning Writer Bob Roberts
January 6, 2022
Hosted by John Engelhardt
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Episode Description
Bob Roberts is a native Clevelander who grew up in Willowick, an eastern suburb. He knew he wanted to be a sportswriter when his father took him to an Indians game and he asked who those guys were typing on a counter top behind home plate in the upper deck of old Municipal Stadium. “They’re sportswriters”, said his dad. “That’s their job.” Roberts began his career at the Mentor Morning Monitor before heading over to The News Herald where he was named sports editor in 1970 at the age of22. Roberts was hired by The Cleveland Press in 1973 and returned to The News Herald when The Press folded in 1982. The Cleveland Plain Dealer hired Bob in 1985 and he remained there for over 20 years before accepting a buyout in 2006. Roberts is a multiple award-winning writer who has covered racing for the Cleveland Press and Plain Dealer for over 40 years. His duties included his daily selections. Roberts covered every Kentucky Derby from Secretariat to Barbaro and is an avid handicapping contest participant. Bob will join John to discuss “2021 Greatest Hits” and look at a Kentucky Oaks Prep and the graded stakes action at Gulfstream Park. Oaks points are offered in the Gr. 2 Santa Ynez at Santa Anita where the 3-year-oldfillies will slowly stretch out in this 7 furlong event offering $200,000. The Grade 3 Tropical Turf is the local prep at Gulfstream Park for the Pegasus World Championship Turf Invitational. Todd Pletcher sends out Largent, who has not seen action since finishing a neck behind Colonel Liam in the Grade 1 PWC Turf Invitational last January 23.
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.”
