Episode 5: Inside the Kentucky Derby — From Legends to Longshots

Summary

Episode 5: Inside the Kentucky Derby — From Legends to Longshots

Release Date: May 8, 2025

---

Introduction: Welcome to Derby Week

In Episode 5 of The Andy Beshear Podcast, host Andy Beshear takes listeners on an exhilarating journey to Churchill Downs during the highly anticipated Derby Week. Breaking away from the usual political discourse, this episode delves deep into the world of Thoroughbred racing, offering an insider's perspective on one of the most celebrated sporting events in the United States.

---

Spotlight on Kenny McPeek: A Historic Triumph

Timestamp: [00:51]

Andy opens the episode by introducing Kenny McPeek, a distinguished trainer who achieved the remarkable feat of winning both the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby in the same year—a rare accomplishment not seen since 1952.

Kenny McPeek shares his excitement and the culmination of years of hard work:

"A lot of fun. A whole lot of fun. We put years and years of hard work into all this... it's really about the horses."
[02:18]

He reflects on the significance of his horses, Torpedo Anna for the Oaks and Mystic Dan for the Derby, emphasizing his deep connection and unwavering confidence in their abilities:

"She helps you exude confidence. And she's in again this weekend... she's a world-class athlete."
[03:23]

Kenny also opens up about his personal journey, detailing how he almost ventured into a career as a stockbroker before dedicating himself to horse training. He explains the role of a hot walker in the racing industry, highlighting the meticulous care involved in preparing horses for races:

"A hot walker is someone that when a horse goes to the racetrack to come back, somebody has to grab that horse and walk it while it's hot... walking for 30 minutes, maybe graze for five or 10 minutes."
[06:17]

He candidly discusses the challenges and emotional rollercoaster of waiting for the Derby win, expressing both the highs of victory and the lows of near misses over the years:

"It's really part of the allure of it and why it's so hard. It's not easy."
[05:22]

Charlie O'Connor from Coolmore America: Breeding Champions

Timestamp: [15:18]

The conversation shifts to Charlie O'Connor, Director of Sales at Coolmore America, one of the premier Thoroughbred operations housing legendary horses like American Pharaoh and Justify. Charlie shares insights into the meticulous process of breeding and training champion racehorses.

He elaborates on the importance of pedigree and the strategic selection of sires and broodmares:

"It's about looking at horses and recognizing the bays and the chestnuts and the grays... it's really a big, like, I guess a bit of a chess match."
[08:27]

Charlie recounts memorable moments, including an amusing anecdote about American Pharaoh interacting with Vice President Mike Pence:

"American Pharaoh came out and he just stood there and the Vice President went to pat him and he nipped him."
[22:23]

He also touches upon the emotional aspect of running a Thoroughbred operation, especially when honoring the legacy of influential figures in the industry:

"I believe in a higher power. It's there. There's no doubt... Ronnie was an amazing horseman."
[12:50]

Eric Wood (John Rabinowitz): From the Gridiron to the Mic

Timestamp: [24:15]

Eric Wood, known off-air as John Rabinowitz, transitions the conversation to his illustrious career in football and his subsequent move into broadcasting. As a nine-year veteran of the Buffalo Bills and now a color commentator for the Buffalo Bills Radio Network, Eric provides a unique athlete's perspective on the Kentucky Derby.

Reflecting on his journey from a two-star recruit to an All-American offensive lineman, Eric emphasizes the role of hard work, opportunity, and mentorship:

"I put in a lot of hard work, but I was fortunate to be in a great position as well."
[25:19]

He discusses the passionate fan base of the Buffalo Bills and their unwavering support, drawing parallels to the community spirit surrounding the Derby:

"It's an incredible, passionate fan base that makes it a lot of fun to play for."
[27:36]

Eric also shares his excitement about hosting other athletes and celebrities during Derby Week, highlighting the event's vibrant and inclusive atmosphere:

"The energy around the derby is like nothing else... it's a more positive atmosphere than most sporting events."
[30:21]

Mike Zigler: Behind the Scenes with Churchill Downs

Timestamp: [34:07]

Andy introduces Mike Zigler, General Manager of Churchill Downs, who provides an expansive view of the company's operations beyond the iconic Twin Spires racetrack. Mike outlines Churchill Downs' diverse holdings, including multiple racetracks, wagering companies, casinos across various states, and their foray into historic horse racing games.

Discussing the meticulous planning that goes into each year's Derby, Mike emphasizes the dedication of the Churchill Downs team:

"We start planning for Derby right after the year prior... We do after actions and we go through every detail of Kentucky Derby to make sure that the next year is right."
[36:20]

He leads a fun segment of Derby Trivia, engaging both Andy and Eric in testing their knowledge about the event's rich history. This interactive portion not only entertains but also educates listeners about lesser-known facts of the Kentucky Derby.

Mike shares his personal connection to the Derby tradition, expressing his pride in being part of such a storied event:

"It's such a great tradition. It's such an honor to be a part of it."
[42:23]

Heartfelt Memories and Community Connections

Timestamp: [43:38]

As the episode draws to a close, Andy, Kenny, Eric, and Morgan reflect on their favorite Derby memories, illustrating the profound impact the event has on their personal and professional lives.

Kenny reminisces about the emotional journey of last year's victory and the support from his family:

"It's one of the things that I never realized that, like, I believe in a higher power... Ronnie was an amazing horseman."
[12:53]

Eric shares the joy of witnessing trainers and jockeys celebrate their victories, emphasizing the sheer excitement and satisfaction of winning:

"I enjoyed probably the most, Kenny's story macp, about the emotional journey he had last year... the families that were with him that touched you."
[43:52]

Morgan adds a personal anecdote about placing a long-shot bet that paid off, highlighting the thrilling unpredictability of the Derby:

"I put a long shot bet on Animal Kingdom... it paid off very well."
[44:19]

---

Conclusion: Celebrating Tradition and Connection

In this special Derby Edition of The Andy Beshear Podcast, listeners are treated to an immersive exploration of the Kentucky Derby, enriched by personal stories, expert insights, and a celebration of tradition. From the meticulous training of championship horses to the passionate support of athletes and fans, the episode encapsulates the essence of what makes the Derby a cherished event.

Andy wraps up the episode with heartfelt encouragement to listeners to create lasting memories with their loved ones, echoing the community spirit that defines Derby Week:

"During the Kentucky Derby, families make memories that last a lifetime... turn off the news, take a break and spend some time with the people you love."
[46:16]

Whether you're a seasoned racing enthusiast or new to the excitement of the Kentucky Derby, this episode offers a comprehensive and engaging look into the heart and soul of one of America's most beloved sporting events.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Kenny McPeek: "She helps you exude confidence. And she's in again this weekend... she's a world-class athlete."
  [03:23]

• Charlie O'Connor: "It's about looking at horses and recognizing the bays and the chestnuts and the grays... it's really a big, like, I guess a bit of a chess match."
  [08:27]

• Eric Wood: "It's an incredible, passionate fan base that makes it a lot of fun to play for."
  [27:36]

• Mike Zigler: "We start planning for Derby right after the year prior... We do after actions and we go through every detail of Kentucky Derby to make sure that the next year is right."
  [36:20]

• Andy Beshear: "During the Kentucky Derby, families make memories that last a lifetime... turn off the news, take a break and spend some time with the people you love."
  [46:16]

---

Thank you for tuning into Episode 5 of The Andy Beshear Podcast. Be sure to subscribe on all major social media platforms to stay updated on future episodes filled with real conversations and real connections.

Transcript

[Andy Beshear]

This is a paid Advertisement with over.

[Morgan]

$25 billion recovered for over 500,000 clients. Morgan. And Morgan has a proven track record of fighting to get you full and fair compensation.

[Kenny McPeek]

Cool.

[Andy Beshear]

Moore America, often referred to as the home of champions, is home to some of the best young sires in the United States. The stallion roster is led by Triple Crown winners Justify and American Pharaoh. And with a fantastic combination of proven sires and exceptional young sire prospects standing alongside the illustrious duo, it's safe to say Ashford's iconic stallion barns will continue to house influential breed shapers for many years to come.

It's episode five of the Andy Beshear Podcast and we are on location and at Churchill Downs during Derby week. This is going to be fun. No politics this week. Just taking you inside the Kentucky Derby and Thoroughbred racing. You're going to hear about how people train these horses. From the trainer that won last year's Kentucky Derby, you're going to hear what it's like to run a Thoroughbred operation. A former nine year veteran of the Buffalo Bills and All Pro is going to talk about the athletes and celebrities that descend on Louisville for the Derby. It's going to be a lot of fun. We hope you enjoy it. Big thanks to Churchill Downs for hosting us today. Let's get to it. Our first guest on this special Derby episode of the Andy Bashir podcast is Kenny McPeek. Kenny was the winner not just of last year's Kentucky Derby, but of Kentucky Oaks as well. That's the first time that's been done since 1952. It's only been done several times in our history. Kenny, welcome to the Andy Bashir Podcast.

[Kenny McPeek]

Thanks for having me.

[Andy Beshear]

So we've been friends for, for a while, but last year was something special. Winning the Oaks, winning the Derby. So let me start with the toughest question. What's it like to dominate Derby weekend?

[Kenny McPeek]

A lot of fun. A whole lot of fun. You know, we put years and years of hard work into all this and, and it's so hard. I mean, and for both these horses to accomplish what they accomplished, help us accomplish, I mean, it's really about the horses. Really neat thing. And so since you're here, I don't think you, I don't know if you remember, but I told you, I said one day you're going to hand me that trophy.

[Andy Beshear]

Yes, you did. Yes, you did.

[Kenny McPeek]

I believe in channeling things. I think that if you, if you focus in on something and you believe you're going to do it, you can do it. And for whatever reason, I Always knew you would do that. Thank you.

[Andy Beshear]

So Torpedo Anna for the Kentucky Oaks, Mystic Dan for the Derby. And you were pretty confident about both of them. I remember seeing you saying, we're going to win the Oaks.

[Kenny McPeek]

Well, she was a Philly that. She is so big and strong and actually had one, one reporter ask me, what do you think your chances? And I said, all I know is they better bring a bear because I'm bringing it. Grizzly. Wow. And they, they've nicknamed her the Grizzly since the.

[Andy Beshear]

How many horses have you had like that where you are so confident even going into such a big race?

[Kenny McPeek]

Not that many. Yeah, but she, she helps you exude confidence. And she's in again this weekend. So Friday, Friday's a big day for her and she gets to show off her talents here. Hopefully she gets it done. But, you know, she's a rare one. Immodest pedigreed horse, but just on the physical, just an amazingly well made filly, A great mind on her and you know, like a world class athlete that she is. I mean she, she does things easily.

[Andy Beshear]

So they, they say that you work with working class horses. Tell us what that means, how it differentiates you from other trainers.

[Kenny McPeek]

Well, okay, so I think the better, the better way to verbalize it would be more that. That I find bargains at auction all my career. I started my career as a small trainer at Lexington and I convinced one of my clients when I was young, in my 20s, that if they'd let me, if he'd let me buy me yearly. And I bought him a Philly named Warside Men and Roy Monroe, great family over there in Lexington. And Roy, we had a lot of wins with that filly. And then two years later, he let me go back to auction and I bought my first derby horse, horse named tehana run for $20,000. So I've got this great vase of clientele that, you know, look, I don't need somebody that has a zillion dollars. I think that.

[Andy Beshear]

But it is helpful.

[Kenny McPeek]

Yeah, it is. But you know, at the same time, good horses come from anywhere and everywhere. And so when you're working auctions, you're worried about like which is the best horse in the group. You don't really worry about what they cost. You have to focus in on which ones you think you can win with. And it's a very artistic thing. For those that have ever never been to a yearling sale, of course we've got the best ones here in Kentucky, Keeneland and Fasig Tipton. But that's where I've really kind of started my career is working in sales.

[Andy Beshear]

And you won The Belmont in 2002.

[Kenny McPeek]

2002.

[Andy Beshear]

But then had to wait for the Derby win 22 years later. How excruciating is it? 29 years left.

[Kenny McPeek]

Oh, my goodness. If you had asked me it would have taken that long, I would have, I would have thought, no, I can do that before. But I had had, I'd had a list of good horses going into the Oaks and the Derby, but I had been second. Second had three seconds of the Oaks and then the Derby after Tejano Run. You know, I had some horses that could have, would have, should have. But that's part of the allure of it and why it's so hard. It's. It's not easy.

[Andy Beshear]

So this, this podcast is about getting beyond just the what and oftentimes to the why here, and the interesting things about people's life that drove them in a certain direction. So you were very close to not being in this business at all. I think you went through college and you looked at becoming a stockbroker, but you opted instead to take a job as a hot walker. Now, this is a family show, so if you could explain what your why about why doing that. And also, what is a hot walker?

[Kenny McPeek]

I don't have a hot walk is so. So let's do that first. When you're, when a hot walker is someone that when a horse goes to the racetrack to come back, somebody has to grab that horse and walk it while it's hot. And then you have to cool it down slowly. And typical hot walking is 30 minutes while horse gets a bath. You walk for 30 minutes, maybe graze for five or 10 minutes, and then you maybe walk them 10 more minutes. And so once that horse is done hot walking or cooled out, cooling out, then you go to the next one.

[Andy Beshear]

So you really took a risk. I mean, going from coming in as a stock broker to, to starting well, I don't want to eat.

[Kenny McPeek]

I don't want to eat up all your time. But it's a long story that I was a classic C plus B minus student. And in 1984, interest rates.

[Andy Beshear]

There's hope for you, John.

[Eric Wood]

There's hope for me.

[Charlie O'Connor]

Thank you.

[Kenny McPeek]

1984, there were 18% interest rates coming out of school. There weren't a lot of job, job, job opportunities. And I actually finished my last class at UK and my roommates all threw a little party for me, and I was sitting on a sofa with it with a friend of mine. And I said to him, I said, wow, I've got to get a job. And he says, well, what do you love? I said, well, that's easy. I love horse racing. He slapped me on this shoulder and said, good, I'm going to bed. It was 4:05 in the morning. I have a photographic memory that I can still remember the digital clock. And I sit there and I kind of was taken aback and I thought to myself, you know, he's right. Do you know he works for me today?

[Andy Beshear]

Really? That's amazing.

[Kenny McPeek]

He helps run my farm. That's amazing. And, you know, I just started doing it and I've been, you know, winning a race is this unique thrill at all levels, whether it's a claiming horse or the great the Kentucky Derby, there's a real thrill to put in the work in. And then when you win that race, there's a lot of satisfaction today. And so I got hooked on it and, and I think I'm a couple thousand wins now, and I'm gonna keep going.

[Andy Beshear]

So if you're talking to the casual spectator and they say you've trained all these horses, how should I pick a winner? What do you tell them?

[Kenny McPeek]

Well, I would love for people to spend more time breeding pedigrees. Like when you open a program, look at who the sire is, look at the mayor's name, the broodmare Zadnamo. Yeah. And what people don't realize about thoroughbred racehorses, it's one of the most analyzed mammal in the history of mankind. They have studied the thoroughbred for centuries, and all the genetics in the bloodlines are. It's really one of the most interesting things about the horse is the breeding. But it's not all about gambling. It's about looking at horses and recognizing the bays and the chestnuts and the grays and, and then how they're made and what are the family lines and, and it's really a big, like, I guess a bit of a chess match. And you learn how to mate horses and you want it good speed, the distance, and conformationally. Like, for example, you don't want breeding. You don't want to breed a wine glass to a beer bottle. Now, that'd be that bad analogy. But horses are that way also makes.

[Andy Beshear]

You sick the next morning.

[Kenny McPeek]

Yes, you have skinny horses, you have, you have blocky horses, and so you're trying to do all that. But people that invest in breeding horses are amazing because it's one of the most difficult things ever.

[Andy Beshear]

So in this last year especially, you are now across all types of Media. You have a podcast. Tell us about that.

[Kenny McPeek]

Well, I invented an app actually. Horse Races now it's been in, been in the market for over a decade. We've got a million, almost a million one users in 223 countries.

[Andy Beshear]

John, that sounds like a great sponsor for the Andy Beshear podcast Derby edition.

[Kenny McPeek]

Wait, we live county every month. We, we actually have this huge base and it continues to grow. For those that are interested in this, if you download the Horse Races now app, you simply register and then it'll send you notifications for your favorite tracks, horses, jockeys, governors.

[Andy Beshear]

Good. I hope he just sends you one name. There we go. And, and you're also now on a Netflix show.

[Kenny McPeek]

Yeah, that's been an interesting journey. Somewhat interesting how that evolved. I think they put me in as more was kind of a supporting cast and, and then we ended up winning both races. So they used a lot of our footage.

[Andy Beshear]

My wife, I got to stand up there next to you.

[Kenny McPeek]

Yeah, my wife and my daughter and my dog are prominent and all that, you know, and, but we were just ourselves and, and we had a blast with it and we were fortunate enough that the horses ran super and look, I've always wanted to promote our sport. I've always felt like we need to figure a way to grow it. I think it's really, it's one of my life passions is to figure out how to grow this sport.

[Andy Beshear]

One of the striking memories I have of last year is your daughter walking with you across that track. How proud she was seeing, standing with you for that photo with a, with the horse getting up there for the Derby presentation. How special was it to share it?

[Kenny McPeek]

Well, my whole family, I think kids and grandkids and seemed like all the whole family made it except for my oldest daughter because that, you know, she had something else going on, but she'll come this year. But you know the weird one about that, and I haven't told many people about the how I actually felt going into the circle. I had a trainer friend of mine, an older trainer who passed away and through a series of events I ended up with his urn, his ashes. And so, so for those out there that remembered Ronnie Warren, who had been second Kentucky Derby as a trainer when, you know, back in the 60s and 70s and 80s, he was really strong, but he done. And when I got his ashes. What do you do with those? Right. I took him to the finish line at Oak Lawn, I took him to the finish line at Keeland and I finished the last portion of the urn I spread in the. In the roses.

[Andy Beshear]

Wow.

[Kenny McPeek]

Around the, around the derby circle. And I hadn't stepped foot in there since I had done that. It was like you. Like he was standing there. He was weird.

[Andy Beshear]

So you got to share this pinnacle moment of your career with a friend.

[Kenny McPeek]

He would have been so proud.

[Andy Beshear]

He is so proud. Emotional is so proud.

[Kenny McPeek]

But it's one of those things that I never realized that, like, I believe in a higher power. It's there. There's no doubt. You got to believe in it. And yeah, Ronnie was. Ronnie Warren was amazing horseman. Didn't have quite the opportunities that I've had, but taught me a lot.

[Andy Beshear]

This year, Kenny has a horse that has a very special story from an owner who's no longer with us, but whose name most of you would know. Tell us a little bit about your entry this year.

[Kenny McPeek]

Renter Judgment is owned by Toby Keith and his family. I had started buying horses for Toby a couple of years ago and obviously passed away a year ago February. And so this is a really emotional thing for him and his family, some say. His family says that Toby liked horse racing more than he didn't use it.

[Andy Beshear]

Really?

[Kenny McPeek]

Yes. And that's saying a lot. And he was obsessed with it. Loved to go to the races, loved to banner up with a lot of the horsemen. He knew most of us. You'd see him a lot at Oakland park, and he was known to come in and perform for Breeders cup events. But he would be so happy to know that his horse made the race. And realistically, the horse needs to show a whole lot more. But I do think we've got a little higher power riding along with us. And Toby's family is just really excited about the horse running, and we're going to lead him over there with all the optimism we can. And I think the horse will run well. I think he can perform well.

[Andy Beshear]

Do you have a favorite Toby Keith story from a day at the track that you can share?

[Kenny McPeek]

I don't know. It might be a little bit.

[John Rabinowitz]

A little bit?

[Kenny McPeek]

Because he was a funny guy.

[Andy Beshear]

Now. Yes.

[Kenny McPeek]

My youngest daughter, we had her in a. In a stroller when we were at the races at Oak Lawn. And Toby's. He walks up and he says, is that your granddaughter?

[Andy Beshear]

I said, no.

[Kenny McPeek]

I said, that's my daughter. He says, you're still breeding?

[Andy Beshear]

Oh, wow. To a horseman, To a trainer.

[Kenny McPeek]

I said, yeah, Toby. He looked at me. He's like, you're crazy.

[Andy Beshear]

We've had a good Willie Nelson story. We've had a good turkey Losing its pardon story.

[Kenny McPeek]

Yeah.

[Andy Beshear]

And now we got a good Toby Keith story.

[Kenny McPeek]

Yeah. He was a good man.

[Andy Beshear]

In this special Kentucky Derby episode of the Andy Beshear podcast, we're trying to take you not just inside the Kentucky Derby, but inside thoroughbred racing itself. So John Rabinowitz is joining me for my next guest, Charlie o' Connor, who is director of sales at Coolmore America, one of the largest thoroughbred operations in the country. And they are home to the two living Triple Crown winners, American Pharaoh and Justify. Charlie, welcome to the podcast.

[Charlie O'Connor]

Thank you very much, Andy. It's a pleasure to be here.

[Andy Beshear]

Now, Charlie, from a very young age, you knew that this is what you wanted to do.

[Charlie O'Connor]

Yeah, from a very young age. I was grew up in County Kildare in Ireland, and it's a very. It's for. Most of the trainers train in Ireland, so it's a little bit like Lexington where I've ended up. And we rode ponies from. From a very young age. And I. From a very young age, I knew that that's all I wanted to do.

[Andy Beshear]

Did you ever think you were going to be a jockey?

[Charlie O'Connor]

I actually did, which is a little bit frightening compared to the size I am now. I thought, though, I wasn't going to be a flat jockey. I thought I might have been a National Hunt jockey.

[Andy Beshear]

So, you know, my son Will, I certainly do. Will is 6, 3, 6 4. And I remember as a kid, he said, I'm going to be a jockey. And I said, will, you might be a little too big. And he said, you can't tell me what to do with my body.

[Morgan]

And Charlie, just out of curiosity, when was the last time you were on a horse?

[Charlie O'Connor]

It's been a while ago, but I. Probably about 10 years ago, but I'm still able to throw my leg over one if I had to.

[Andy Beshear]

But in seriousness, you. You work inside this industry where, where you, you take and you train these horses. You try to pick the one that could be that next Kentucky Derby winner. Tell us a little bit about that. Tell the listeners, you know, what it's like to. To constantly be looking for that next amazing athlete.

[Charlie O'Connor]

You know, we're in this business and we love, love, love horses, and we. It starts off with the foaling season, which is the. One of the nicest times of the year. It's in the spring in Kentucky. And when you. You can't wait. When you hear that your mare foal last night, you can't wait to go up and look what the foal looks like. And then to see that Foal progress during the summer, and then to see it being weaned off his mother. Then the next stage is he grows into be a nice yearling. And you're looking at these animals constantly to see how they're performing and how they're progressing and turning in. Then the time is to pick a trainer. And we've been very fortunate that in Coolmore at home, we have Aidan o' Brien, who trains most of our horses. You want to get what you feel is the best trainer, possibly for your horse, Charlie.

[Morgan]

As you know, we host these big guests at Keeneland and here at Churchill Downs, and one of the questions we get asked all the time is how does the trainer pick the jockey?

[Charlie O'Connor]

The trainer tries to have a relationship with a jockey, but then there's a jockey's agent, and he's there trying to pick the best mounds for his jockey, because that's his job. But the trainer wants to build up a relationship and wants him to ride a lot of his horses. So it's. It's a tricky. It's a trick.

[Andy Beshear]

So the trainer and the agent are fighting over the jockey's time.

[Charlie O'Connor]

Correct.

[Andy Beshear]

And I'm guessing compensation.

[Charlie O'Connor]

Correct. And it can be nasty. I know a lot of these jockeys, and I'll. I'll see them and I'll say, will you ride our horse next week? And they'll all go, yeah, Charlie. Yeah, we'll ride for you.

[Andy Beshear]

Just call my agent.

[Charlie O'Connor]

And. No, he won't even say that. Then the horses entered into the race, and there's. There's a different jockey. And I go, what the hell happened here? Well, the agent got in the way, Charlie. The agent wouldn't ride him.

[Morgan]

Charlie. We had Kenny McPeak here earlier.

[Charlie O'Connor]

Yeah.

[Morgan]

And he talked about how winning at any level is still a thrill.

[Charlie O'Connor]

Of course it is.

[Morgan]

Do you agree with that?

[Charlie O'Connor]

100%. We get as much joy your horse winning at any level because it's such a trill and it's such a difficult thing to do and to even be sitting here in Kentucky Derby week. And we're lucky to be enough involved with three horses.

[Kenny McPeek]

It's.

[Charlie O'Connor]

It's a dream, and it's so difficult to get here.

[Andy Beshear]

Do you remember your first big win?

[Charlie O'Connor]

I do, actually. I'll tell you, it was. It was probably not till I got to America, till it was in Keeneland. And if you're from Kentucky and you live in Kentucky, Keeneland is your track and you want to win. And we won a maiden race for, actually, John Morgan, and that was a big Big thrill for us. That was his first time being involved on the horse. And his dream was also to win in Keeneland. And then our next race was to come to Churchill. So we hit Keeneland and Churchill in Kentucky.

[Andy Beshear]

So when we look at the Triple Crown, I think it's the hardest thing to win in sports. Yeah, you see so many horses winning. The first two, the Derby and the Preakness. Well, we had, what, three straight years at one point where it looked like we had some dominant horses. But then the Belmont comes along. Your farm, your operation, has the two living Triple Crown winners, American Pharaoh and Justify. The two most famous racehorses in my lifetime, except maybe when I was one, Affirmed, or maybe when I was born, Seattle Slough, which I will miss later in the episode. When asked about. Tell us what they're like, those two horses.

[Charlie O'Connor]

Unbelievable. And to be involved. We bought into American Pharaoh at the end of his two year old career. He was a champion two year old. And to be on that journey with him going through the Triple Pan, I must say, it was very, very, very exhausting. We probably drank a lot of champagne. But to see them, to see him have his offspring, he's two runners in the Derby this year. He's going to have another horse that we own with Ron Winchell, run into Preakness. And to see them progress to be sires of good horses, it's amazing to talk about American Pharaoh. He loves being shown he's like a family pet, which is rare for a stallion, which is pretty rare because they're covering a lot of mares and they're pretty high energy. But this guy is just. And this will show you how. He was so good at the Triple Crown because he was able to handle everything. He loves coming out and being shown to people and loves being fed carrots. Now, the other fella, Justified, he's a different story. He's a bigger horse. He's a little bit more rambunctious and, you know, a little bit more of a man. I'm the man here, so you don't want to take your eyes off him.

[Andy Beshear]

What's the best story that you have from either American Pharaoh or Justified?

[Charlie O'Connor]

When. When Vice President Mike Pence came to the farm and he. All he wanted to do was see American Pharaoh and to see his entourage come up the main avenue of the farm. And we all got out. He got out and we all greeted him. He couldn't wait to come down and see American Pharaoh. And American Pharaoh came out and he just stood there and the Vice President went To pat him and he nipped him.

[Andy Beshear]

American Pharaoh bit the Vice President of the United States. Did the secret seraph leave with the horse?

[Charlie O'Connor]

There was a little bit of movement and then he was quickly kind of went away. But he took it in his stride.

[Andy Beshear]

In fairness, was the horse ever charged by a federal prosecutor?

[Charlie O'Connor]

No, but it did, I think come up in a story the following year that American Pharaoh, the Triple Crown winner.

[Andy Beshear]

Bit the vice president. So this, this Triple Crown winner who's like a family pet.

[Charlie O'Connor]

Yeah.

[Andy Beshear]

Chose this one person to bite and it was the Vice President of the United States.

[Charlie O'Connor]

If he. Yes, if he had to biden you and the vice president of.

[Morgan]

So it didn't happen before and it hasn't happened after?

[Charlie O'Connor]

No.

[Andy Beshear]

So we've had a Willie Nelson story. We've had a story of a turkey losing its pardon because it charged the media. And now American Pharaoh biting the Vice president. Charlie o' Connor, thanks for joining us on the podcast.

[Charlie O'Connor]

It's my pleasure, Andy. Thank you very much for having me.

[Andy Beshear]

The Andy Beshear Podcast is excited to invite our next guest, a friend of mine, Eric Wood. Eric was a star at the University of Louisville. He went on to play nine season for the Buffalo Bills. Now lives back in Louisville, though, is the color commentator for the Buffalo Bills Radio Network. Eric, welcome to the podcast.

[John Rabinowitz]

Thanks for having me. It's quite the honor.

[Andy Beshear]

Well, we're thrilled that you're here. And it's derby week. How much do you love derby week?

[John Rabinowitz]

I love it. I loved it when I was in college. Now we do derby a lot different now than we did it in college. But for me being from Louisville, this is a special weekend every year to bring people in town, show them the city, show them the best week of the year in our town. It's really special.

[Andy Beshear]

So you are the first professional athlete we've had on the Andy Bashir podcast.

[Morgan]

The only athlete so far, yes.

[Andy Beshear]

Probably the only athlete. No Will was on.

[John Rabinowitz]

That's true.

[Morgan]

That's true.

[Andy Beshear]

So I want to start by talking a little bit about your career and then I want to move and talk specifically about derby and how it brings out athletes and celebrities. One of the things that fascinates me about your career is you leave high school as a two star recruit, yet within, what, two years you are a freshman all American at UofL. I mean, was that work? Was that effort? What, what took you from the two star to being one of the top rated offensive linemen and in the ncaa?

[John Rabinowitz]

Well, I'll say this, there's, there's A good amount of luck to it. You got to fall into the right situation where you can get on the field. And I wish I could say that I looked at the situation at Louisville. It was the perfect situation for me to come in and start right away as a retro freshman. But it was my only scholarship offer, and so it made the decision very easy for me. So, you know, I. I said this when I got into U of L's hall of Fame. I said I had one goal when I got here, and that was to make sure they got a great return on their investment. I hope that this is a sign that they got a great return. But at UofL at that time, we had incredible coaches. You know, starting with coach Petrino, his entire staff. Jeff Brahm was on that staff. That's actually the one who recruited me. And so we had an incredible coaching staff. I was like a sponge. I loved basketball. I had only played one season of O line, so I didn't have bad habits and they could kind of form me into what they wanted. I put in a lot of hard work, but, you know, I was fortunate to be in a great position as well.

[Andy Beshear]

So you go through your years at UofL and then you are a first round draft pick. Actually two centers, I think, that year, and the first time that that had happened in. In a while. So we all watch the NFL draft and you see the. The video of people in their homes sitting with their. Their parents and the phones in front of them, and you just start wondering what it's gotta feel like waiting for that call. And then when it rings.

[John Rabinowitz]

The 27th pick had not even fully been announced as I'm getting a call from a 716 area code, which changed my life. I played my entire career for them. I still work for the Bills. I call their games on the radio, host a podcast for them now, and have a lot of fun still being involved in the organization.

[Andy Beshear]

So when that. When the phone number pops up, did you know what the 716 area code was?

[John Rabinowitz]

No, I did not.

[Andy Beshear]

But just who had the next pick?

[John Rabinowitz]

Yeah, yeah, I knew Buffalo had the next pick. I did not know their area code at the time. It was. It was an incredible situation for me to hop into.

[Morgan]

Eric, I will tell you, I had my first experience this year in Buffalo. I was blessed to see the 49er game where it was, I think, like wind chill, negative 30. And it was snowing. I don't know how many inches. People acted like there was snow on the ground, but I've never seen A better fan base in any of my NFL experiences. I mean, was it like that your whole career?

[John Rabinowitz]

It was. And I was playing for the. For all of my career. My final game was when. My final regular season game was when we broke the playoff drought. Is the longest playoff drought in all of professional sports at the time. 17 years. And in this fan base still stuck behind us, we'd be pulling into a game for December, a game when we're already eliminated from the playoffs.

[Kenny McPeek]

Oh, wow.

[John Rabinowitz]

And here's all the fans in the parking lot with their little garbage can. Yeah. Garbage can bonfires. Their shots on a. On a ski.

[Andy Beshear]

Jim Kelly jerseys.

[John Rabinowitz]

Absolutely. Now they're all Josh Allen jerseys. But at the time, it was, you know, the 90s Bills jerseys. But it's an incredible, passionate fan base that makes it a lot of fun to play for.

[Andy Beshear]

So nine years playing and then moved over pretty quickly into the. Into the broadcast move and. Tell us about that.

[John Rabinowitz]

Yeah. So for an offensive lineman that didn't play in a very big market, you got to transition into the media world quick if you want to get in. So, fortunately, I had been great to the guys that had covered our team for years on a national level and local level. Many of them reached out and said, hey, if we can ever do anything, let me know. A couple guys like Ian Rapaport and Mike Silver, they connected me with their agent, and they were able to get me over with Fox first, then espn, and then ultimately, I've settled in on this Bill's radio gig, and I grew up in Cincinnati. Dave Lapham's been calling games on the radio for about 30.

[Morgan]

You're a huge bangle for you.

[Kenny McPeek]

I am.

[John Rabinowitz]

So about 35 years. And I always wondered, why did Dave do this all these years? Because it's fun. Because it's fun to be around a team. We're allowed to talk about them. We're allowed to cheer for them during the game. You're still working, but it's a lot of fun. And now that my kids are into it and all that, it makes it more fun bringing them to games.

[Morgan]

That's great.

[Andy Beshear]

So first, tell us about the podcast. We launched this not long ago and always looking to learn.

[John Rabinowitz]

Yeah, so I've watched the first episode, and you guys are doing a great job. And to me, the podcast world, for someone in my situation, probably like yourself, you learn the other side of the mic. You're used to other people asking you questions all the time. You learn the other side of the mic, which is valuable, especially when you transition to Media. And so I have a podcast now called the center on Buffalo podcast. And our most recent guest is Sean McDermott. We recorded 30 minutes prior to the draft starting the other night. He's in his dress shirt and code are ripped on him for dressing up for the podcast.

[Morgan]

Also a great human being, by the way.

[Andy Beshear]

Sean McDermott, it's not like having Eric Wood on your podcast. You did all right.

[John Rabinowitz]

Yeah, this podcast world's pretty fun.

[Andy Beshear]

And let's talk about derby.

[John Rabinowitz]

Yep.

[Andy Beshear]

So what we've seen, especially over the last several years, is the derby isn't just getting bigger and bigger about the number of people watching and the number of people coming here, but the athletes and the celebrities that are showing up seems to grow every year. Tell us a little bit about the draw.

[John Rabinowitz]

Yeah, I mean, the draw is. I think it's the most fun sporting event to go in the country. And it's, bar none, the best sporting event to bring your wife to. They get to do the red carpet, they get to dress up, is a call, you place a few bets for them. They get into it, you get your show pool going. You make the women choose the bets. And so I've learned how to kind of win over the wives of the group, too. They talk about it. They want to keep coming back. You know, the Tom Brady's, the Aaron Rogers of the world, they kind of made it popular as NFL guys to come here, where now the Josh Allens, the Patrick Mahomes, and that crew, they want to come be a part of it. And it's just a special time. It's it. The energy around the derby is like nothing else, because there's not two competing fan bases showing up for a game. We're all here to have a great time, place a few bets, you know, show off your outfits, whatever it may be. And so it's. It's. It's a more positive atmosphere than most sporting events that you'll go to.

[Andy Beshear]

So what is your favorite thing to tell people who are coming in to derby for the first time that they have to do or experience or remember?

[John Rabinowitz]

You know, get your outfits right. I tell. Get your outfits right because you look great.

[Andy Beshear]

Thank you, Sean.

[John Rabinowitz]

We need some more. He always looks sharp.

[Morgan]

All right, listen, I get grief every podcast, everyone, but.

[John Rabinowitz]

But get your outfits right, because I tell them every time I go visit a former teammate of mine or someone from out of town that's coming in, when I walk into the living room, it's a picture of them from the red carpet at the derby. So make sure that you get your outfits right because you're going to have that picture for the rest of your life. But when people come in, I just tell them, you know, bring some cash, get ready to have some fun and let loose because it's just such an incredible atmosphere.

[Andy Beshear]

So the derby every year is obviously right here at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. But you chose to come back to Louisville to make this your home. Let's. Let's close on. On telling the listeners what you love about Louisville and why you wanted to raise your family here.

[John Rabinowitz]

Yeah. So I love the people of Louisville. I grew up on the west side of Cincinnati and still have a lot of love for that area and appreciate the man that that area turned me into. But when I got down here, my wife's from here and the friends we have here, the people we have here, the connections we have here, I always kept the house here when I was playing in Buffalo. This was always going to be home based. I built my dream home here in 2016, right as I signed a contract extension, knowing one day this would be home for us. And so we have a lot of love for this city. This city embraced me from the second I got here, and all the people have. And so I'm just, I'm grateful to be a part of this community and give back to it in many big ways as we can.

[Andy Beshear]

Well, it's helpful that at the time, you were very, very, very good at football and now are committed to giving back, whether that's going to the Bellarmin events or others. We're really blessed to have you as a part of this community. Ladies and gentlemen, Eric Wood. Each week I talk in my Kentucky accent, a segment where I normally talk about what burns me up, what's really gotten to me that week. We're doing things differently this week. During the Kentucky Derby, families make memories that last a lifetime. But you don't have to be here to do that. Remember, life's short. So turn off the news, take a break and spend some time with the people you love. Those are the things we treasure. So let's make sure we get out there and enjoy this great life we've been blessed with. I'm now joined by John McConnell and our next guest, Mike Zigler, who is the general manager of Churchill Downs. Mike, welcome to the podcast.

[Mike Zigler]

Thank you, Andy. Pleasure to be here.

[Andy Beshear]

So most people think of Churchill Downs as this incredible track behind us with the Twin Spires, but Churchill Downs is a company with a lot of different holdings. Tell us a little bit about it.

[Mike Zigler]

Sure. So Churchill Downs started with this racetrack and then expanded to multiple racetracks. We have a presence throughout Kentucky with three thoroughbred tracks and a standard bread track. We have an ADW company account wagering company that's based here in Kentucky. We have casinos throughout the northwest and down all the way through Mississippi and Louisiana. You have casino in New York, casino in Iowa. So we started as a small thoroughbred racetrack in Louisville. Kentucky expanded, but we're housed right here in Commonwealth.

[Andy Beshear]

Not so small anymore. Not so small anymore. But we love that you're housed here and continuing to grow and to get into. To different areas.

[Mike Zigler]

That's right. We have expanded into, we call historic horse racing games. We own a company called Exactus Systems that makes games for our properties and others throughout the Commonwealth and outside the Commonwealth. We have a huge online presence and all these casinos throughout the country.

[Andy Beshear]

But the biggest day for Churchill Downs every year has to be the Kentucky.

[Mike Zigler]

Derby first Saturday in May every year. That's what we're known for. That's what we're really proud of.

[Andy Beshear]

And now there's a whole week leading up to it. We're here on Tuesday of Derby week.

[Mike Zigler]

It's called 5O Tuesday for the locals. $5 General Mission. And here we are in right. Right in the last race on 5o Tuesday.

[Andy Beshear]

See, I remember growing up when, when the Louisville day was Friday and then I remember it being Thursday and now we're back to Tuesday. This has gotten so popular.

[Mike Zigler]

That's right. The whole week is fun for Everybody. Starts with 5O Tuesday. Well, actually started on Saturday night with opening night. Today's 5o Tuesday, tomorrow's Wednesday, which is when we are giving back to the community. So charities throughout Louisville are, are benefiting from ticket sales and from a. From a raffle tomorrow. And then on Thursday we got therby Friday's oats and Saturdays of the day.

[Andy Beshear]

So being the general manager, no pressure. You're only in charge with putting on one of the biggest sporting events in all the world every year. What's it like in the. In the lead up?

[Mike Zigler]

Well, you just made me not want to come in on Saturday. But what it's like, what's it like? So we start planning for Derby right after the year prior. So we started on Derby 151 and basically the week after Derby 150. We have a fantastic team that eats, breathes, sleeps Derby. We try to fix everything that went wrong the year prior. We do after actions and we, we go through every detail of Kentucky Derby to make sure that the next year is right. Make sure that everybody enjoys themselves and that it's safe on the racetrack or the horses and the talkies.

[Andy Beshear]

That sounds like. And you could hear the race going on behind us and how excited everybody gets. That sounds like. Your week after was like my dad, after every test, you come in and he'd say, what did you get? And I'd say, a 97. And he'd say, what happened to the other 3%?

[Mike Zigler]

That's right. And that's really how we get better. We look at what we did wrong, and we improve it.

[Andy Beshear]

So today, Mike has a treat for us. He has brought us Derby trivia to test John and my knowledge. We're going to see how this goes.

[Mike Zigler]

Okay, now, I didn't do any due diligence on you, John. So the question for both of you is, who won the Derby the year you were born?

[Andy Beshear]

1977. I. I think 78 was affirmed.

[Mike Zigler]

Yes.

[Andy Beshear]

77. Yeah. No. Was horse that did not win the Triple Crown.

[Mike Zigler]

You sure?

[Andy Beshear]

77 did.

[Mike Zigler]

You heard of Seattle Slope?

[Andy Beshear]

Oh, my goodness.

[Eric Wood]

Oh, wow. We failed on that one.

[Andy Beshear]

Big. What year on the same sales.

[Mike Zigler]

Yeah.

[Eric Wood]

You had two chances here. We still didn't get it for you, too.

[Andy Beshear]

You should be. You should be. How did I have Affirmed the next year?

[Mike Zigler]

Yeah.

[Andy Beshear]

And not Seattle Slope. Yeah.

[Mike Zigler]

No big deal. The Seattle Slope. He just stood out there in Midway at Three Chimneys for a few years after his career on the track.

[Andy Beshear]

Pretty successful.

[Mike Zigler]

All right, next question. Ready, guys?

[Eric Wood]

Okay.

[Andy Beshear]

You can't look at the answer after that one. I feel like this is.

[Mike Zigler]

On what post position has made the most Derby winners?

[Andy Beshear]

Oh, so I like betting, John. On. On the five, it seems.

[Eric Wood]

I'm gonna say three. Oh, never five.

[Mike Zigler]

All right, now, what about the least?

[Andy Beshear]

I feel like we had one from 20 we've had not too long ago.

[Eric Wood]

I'm gonna say seven.

[Andy Beshear]

No, I'm. I'm gonna go. I'm gonna go somewhere in the teens. Somewhere in the teens, but not too far. I mean, because if you're far enough outside, you can move in. But getting boxed in. I'm gonna say 14.

[Mike Zigler]

Okay. 14 is actually a big number that there's been a few winners, but 17. There's been winners. The only post position with no winners is 17.

[Andy Beshear]

So you think that's because 18, 19, and 20 jump out and move in so fast they get blocked or just. Just luck.

[Mike Zigler]

I think part of it's luck. But guess who's in the 17 spot this year?

[Andy Beshear]

Who do we have?

[Mike Zigler]

Sandman. I want the favorites. This could year. This could be the year. Okay. A little bit more. What weight do the jockeys wear, Carry in the Derby if they're riding a colt?

[Andy Beshear]

What weight?

[Mike Zigler]

How many? How many pounds?

[Andy Beshear]

How many? What do you think, John?

[Mike Zigler]

A lot lighter than the three of us.

[Andy Beshear]

Yes. Each of us individually a lot lighter. I'm going to say 130 pounds, 126.

[Mike Zigler]

Okay, now, if a guy's riding to Philly, what's. What's his weight going to be?

[Andy Beshear]

120.

[Mike Zigler]

121. That was doing it.

[Andy Beshear]

All right. Okay, here. All right. After I miss Seattle Slough, I've got to make it up somehow.

[Mike Zigler]

What was the first year that Churchill Downs used the souvenir mint julep glass?

[Andy Beshear]

So Brittany has gotten me some older glasses because I've collected these, much to the chagrin of everybody around me or anybody trying to grab the glasses from you and Darby. I'm gonna say 1920s.

[Eric Wood]

I'm gonna guess 30s.

[Mike Zigler]

30S is right.

[Eric Wood]

Okay.

[Mike Zigler]

1938 was the first year that 1938.

[Andy Beshear]

And has. And has there been a souvenir mint shoe lip glass every year since?

[Mike Zigler]

Every year, I believe. And I don't know the exact year of that because of rationing. They went to a plastic cup one year.

[Andy Beshear]

But was there still bourbon in it?

[Mike Zigler]

There was definitely bourbon in it. And then that makes it all okay. All right, here we go. When did the Derby move to the first Saturday in May permanent? So prior to this year, the Derby moved around? Yes, in a specific year, it moved to the first Saturday of May.

[Andy Beshear]

I believe it's been the first Saturday of May since I came to my first Derby in the early 80s, I think I'm on Derby 20 something.

[Eric Wood]

I was going to get 70s.

[Mike Zigler]

1931.

[Andy Beshear]

So, okay, so a little bit before the 30s, so just about when you were born, John.

[Mike Zigler]

Okay, and then here's going to be my last question. So when did we start the tradition of singing My Old Kentucky Home? Prior to the running of the Kentucky Derby?

[Andy Beshear]

When did we start singing My Old Kentucky Home? See, I wish I knew this one because, you know, I get to hear it, and actually we both get to hear it from inside the track. And it's just amazing how. How everybody's singing. You feel it, and then the roar of the crowd when. When the horses come around, you feel it through, you know, every atom. It's amazing in. In your being. Every other answer's been the 30s. I'm gonna go 1938.

[Mike Zigler]

1921, man.

[Eric Wood]

Oh, wow.

[Andy Beshear]

Guess the 20s earlier.

[Mike Zigler]

Okay. Now you've got to Ask me who I like in the Derby.

[Andy Beshear]

So in this Derby.

[Mike Zigler]

In this Derby.

[Andy Beshear]

Because now I feel like I should ask you who was favored in 1965, and then really, because of your question. So. So what are you thinking this year? Okay, first of all, how are you making your pick?

[Mike Zigler]

The. The. Well, I've got a simple answer that you'll love, but the year I was born, I can't remember who it was.

[Andy Beshear]

Thank you.

[Mike Zigler]

I'm just kidding.

[Eric Wood]

I feel better. I feel better about it.

[Mike Zigler]

Dust Commander. You know, I was born 1970. I'm old. No. Here's what I root for every year of Kentucky Derby. I root for all the horses that make it around safe. But this year, I'm rooting for the Kentucky bread.

[Andy Beshear]

Okay.

[Mike Zigler]

Guess who the Kentucky bred is.

[Andy Beshear]

Who?

[Mike Zigler]

All the horses except for two.

[Andy Beshear]

Yeah. Each year. Each year. I mean, we've got. This year, we've got some great stories. We do. We've got, you know, our former governor, Brereton Jones, who we lost last year. His estate has a horse. We have Ron Winchell, who came just within a couple of lengths from winning a couple of years ago. We have the return of Bob Baffert to Churchill Down. So you got a lot of storylines.

[Mike Zigler]

There's great stories this year and there is every year, but again, this. This thing is such a great tradition. It's such an honor to be a part of it. I pinch myself every day that I get to work under these twin spires. They actually pay me to come here. It's amazing.

[Andy Beshear]

Well, thank you for joining us and making us both look like we don't know anything.

[Eric Wood]

That's right.

[Andy Beshear]

About the Kentucky Derby.

[Mike Zigler]

That's my job.

[Andy Beshear]

Well, the day here at Churchill Downs is coming to a close, and so is this special Kentucky Derby episode of the Andy Bashir podcast. Guys, what was your favorite part?

[Morgan]

Well, besides the view.

[Andy Beshear]

Yes.

[Morgan]

I thought it was great to hear the perspective from the trainer, from the owners, and from the people that the fans that come and get to host and talk about their experience. So I think it was just great to hear the journeys and the stories.

[Eric Wood]

I enjoyed probably the most. Kenny's story mcp, about the emotional journey he had last year coming up, the training with the Derby winner and what that meant to him and the families that were with him that touched you.

[Andy Beshear]

And hearing how Eric Wood loves this city and this Derby and almost serves as a host to other athletes and celebrities that come through. Now, between all of us, we've been to a few derbies. What is your favorite Derby Memory.

[Morgan]

Well, I was going to say when I saw Giacomo win because it was one of my first experiences, but then I thought about it a little bit more, and when I didn't have two nickels rubbed together, I put a long shot bet on Animal Kingdom.

[Kenny McPeek]

Wow.

[Morgan]

And it paid off very well. And I never knew that much money ever existed in this world, so I still remember to this day.

[Andy Beshear]

I've never had a bet like that.

[Eric Wood]

I'd say my favorite derby memory is probably sitting downstairs and watching the trainers, the jockeys and the owners come through at the end of the night when they're tired after they've got the win. And the look on their faces is still one of just joy, excitement, and some surprise and just watching them come through for that experience.

[Morgan]

And Andy, I will say it doesn't matter how many times you come. There's nothing like hearing my old Kentucky home before the race goes off.

[Eric Wood]

That's true.

[Andy Beshear]

Pretty special. I mean, I remember a number of derbies. I remember when Unbridled won, and that was one of the only times that my bet had ever paid off. And it was a horse that always came from the very back to the very front. But the first year, my kids came a couple years ago, really special. John McConnell taught him how to bet. Thanks, John.

[Eric Wood]

I wasn't going to bring some of.

[Andy Beshear]

That up, but you did okay that year.

[Eric Wood]

Yes, I did.

[Morgan]

But you always made the bets.

[Eric Wood]

I always made the bets.

[Kenny McPeek]

Thank you.

[Andy Beshear]

Keeping it legal.

[John Rabinowitz]

That's right.

[Andy Beshear]

Everybody, I hope you enjoyed this episode. No politics, just fun. Take some time this week. Enjoy yourself. Make some good memories with your family. We will see you back for the next episode of the Andy Beshear Podcast.

[Morgan]

Let's talk about John.

[John Rabinowitz]

You know what I.

[Andy Beshear]

You know what he. I want to know what his outfit looks like this year.

[Morgan]

Have you picked it up?

[Eric Wood]

Oh, yeah.

[Morgan]

New. Brand new.

[Andy Beshear]

Do you. Oh, yeah. Do you know, were you there for the super bowl when he came in? He looked like the Russian mafia.

[Charlie O'Connor]

Oh, I do remember that.

[Andy Beshear]

Yeah. I mean, he had like the felt suit, you, gold chain. You were there, Charlie.

[Kenny McPeek]

He looked like dmc.

[Eric Wood]

You're going to come in wearing a tracksuit.

[Kenny McPeek]

You just got to own it at that point.

[Andy Beshear]

Thanks for tuning in. Be sure to subscribe at Andy Beshear Podcast on all major social media platforms.

[Kenny McPeek]

Cool.

[Andy Beshear]

More. America, often referred to as the home of champions, is home to some of the best young sires in the United States. The stallion roster is led by Triple Crown winners Justify and American Pharoah. And with a fantastic combination of proven sires and exceptional young sire prospects. Standing alongside the illustrious duo, it's safe to say Ashford's iconic stallion barns will continue to house influential breed shapers for many years to come. This is a paid Advertisement with over.

[Morgan]

$25 billion recovered for over 500,000 clients. Morgan. And Morgan has a proven track record of fighting to get you full and fair compensation.