Off to the Races radio returns July 18

Photo by The Racing Biz.
Off to the Races Radio returns Saturday, July 1with a lively program focused on Thoroughbred racing and breeding from Virginia, the Mid-Atlantic, and around the country.
The weekly radio show, which airs on the ESPN Richmond (VA) family of stations, and is available everywhere via livestreaming, returns for its 21st season, starting February 22. Terrestrial stations include 99.5 FM, 102.7 FM, and 950 AM. It will continue through August 29.
The program will air each Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. It will also be archived on theracingbiz.com and espnrichmond.com. The program will not air July 11.
This week’s guests include Alicia Hughes. Hughes is the Director of NTRA Communications at the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. Hughes recently wrote an article on “Diversity in Racing” for the Thoroughbred Daily News and is active on social media. She also participated in a recent article on The Racing Biz, in which she wondered about her sport, “Where is the conversation about race?”
As usual, Darrell Wood will also join host Nick Hahn for a Virginia Racing and Breeding Minute. Frank Vespe checks in with a Mid-Atlantic report. Of course, Derby Bill Watson, who gained fame as the original on-air handicapper for Colonial Downs, also will be on board.
“We are excited to get Off to the Races back up and running,” said Frank Vespe, host of the program and owner of The Racing Biz (www.theracingbiz.com), which develops the program. “This should be another great show as we recap the news, look ahead to handicap major races, and talk with some of the most interesting people in the racing game.”
In 2019, on a similar schedule, Off to the Races had a wide-ranging roster of top-notch guests. They included last year’s Preakness-winning trainer Mark Casse; Hall of Fame jockey and Triple Crown winner Ron Turcotte; trainer Graham Motion, who has won numerous Breeders’ Cup races; and many others.
LATEST BUSINESS NEWS
Global stallions app adds new feature
The Blood-Horse’s global stallions app has added a new comparison tool, the company announced.
Equineline introduces OTTB profile
The Jockey Club today announced the new Off-Track Thoroughbred Profile, the first equineline.com report centered on Thoroughbreds in their second careers.
Preakness Festival events announced
Maryland’s First Lady Dawn Moore this week announced a slate of events that will comprise this year’s Preakness Festival.
Maryland Million set for October 11
Jim McKay Maryland Million Day 2025 will take place October 11 at Laurel Park, the organizers announced today.
Ownerview webinar addresses accounting, more
The first installment in the 2025 OwnerView webinar series discussed the accounting and other considerations that affect Thoroughbred owners.
Coastal Mission repeats as WV-bred Horse of the Year
Coastal Mission, who’s earned more than $1.1 million, has been named by the state’s breeders as WV-bred Horse of the Year for the second straight year.