Blinkers Off

FanDuel TV’s Andie Biancone for a Breeders Cup Retrospective, Dale Romans for Senate and Awesome Hawaiian, Mail from the Rail about CAWs and Early Retirement

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 Twin Spires. Finally, Colton sits down with Andie Biancone, FanDuelTV Analyst, for a boots on the ground recap and retrospective of this years Breeders’ Cup. We wrap with Mail from the Rail, tackling late odds shifts and early retirements. Blinkers Off is your weekly deep dive into horse racing, from gate to wire.

White Abarrio Scratched, Griffin Johnon Faces Backlash for an Award Won? CAW Lawsuit and More on the Future of Racing

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 finally, CAWs (Computer-Assisted Wagering) face a federal class-action lawsuit. Colton explains what it means for casual bettors, how the system got so broken, and what could fix it. This solo episode tackles fan engagement, racing narratives, and the shifting tone in horse racing coverage.

GOAT Jockey: Mike Smith, Dave Portnoy Battles CAWs, Canadian Tax Reform, and How Much Does it Cost to Buy a Racehorse?

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 Then, we examine how outdated Canadian tax laws are choking Ontario’s horse racing economy and discuss the record-breaking Fasig-Tipton sale.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 a very special interview, Colton is joined by Hall of Fame jockey and Triple Crown legend Mike Smith. From Breeders’ Cup pressure to Zenyatta memories, and what he felt riding Justify, Mike shares candid reflections from a career like no other. Finally, in Mail from the Rail, Colton answers a common question: what’s the least it costs to get involved with a racehorse?

TAA Director: Yvonne Schwabe. Why Horse Racing Needs to Work Together, and New Equibase Ratings

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 Yvonne Schwabe joins the show to share her experiences, reflections on the 2025 sales season, and how the industry can better prioritize aftercare and long-term horse welfare. Finally, in Track Talk, Colton unpacks the new Equibase Rating System and its potential to reshape North American race conditions, examines HISA's new nutrition coaching for jockeys, and explains how Australian racing continues to thrive with smart, youth-forward innovation.

Trainer Riley Mott, Florida Decoupling and Thumps. Why has car racing grown faster?

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 attention to the political showdown in Florida over casino decoupling, why it threatens the future of Thoroughbred racing, and how it might set a dangerous precedent across North America. Finally, Colton is joined by Riley Mott, multiple Grade 1-winning trainer, to talk about his path to the Breeders’ Cup, life as Bill Mott’s son, and what gives him hope for the next generation of racing fans. And as always, we wrap things up with Mail from the Rail, tackling a listener question about why F1 has outpaced horse racing in the global fan race.