Around the Track | Horse Radio Network

Both growing up on a farm in rural Illinois and his early work as a ghostwriter for Jimmy the Greek helped inform Ray Paulick's career path. Horse racing would eventually take him around the world as a journalist, and his most important contribution to the sport, the Paulick Report, has become an industry must-read for those wanting breaking news, features, and investigative pieces about the sport and business of racing. By covering stories that others won't touch, Ray has ruffled his share of feathers but the website's work has led to change in the industry. In this edition of Around the Track, Ray shares stories from the good old days and what it takes behind the scenes to get the goods for some of those investigative pieces (hint: there's a car chase involved).

Both growing up on a farm in rural Illinois and his early work as a ghostwriter for Jimmy the Greek helped inform Ray Paulick's career path. Horse racing would eventually take him around the world as a journalist, and his most important contribution to the sport, the Paulick Report, has become an industry must-read for those wanting breaking news, features, and investigative pieces about the sport and business of racing. By covering stories that others won't touch, Ray has ruffled his share of feathers but the website's work has led to change in the industry. In this edition of Around the Track, Ray shares stories from the good old days and what it takes behind the scenes to get the goods for some of those investigative pieces (hint: there's a car chase involved).

In his 50-year career, Andrew Beyer created a new category of horse racing journalist, a writer outspoken about the sport and a voice for horseplayers. He also changed handicapping forever with his invention of the Beyer Speed Figure. In this edition of Around the Track, Beyer spins tales about his biggest scores and toughest betting beats; while not a touch-feely horse guy, he admits there was a filly that gave him goosebumps, plus he discusses the making of speed figures, cheating in the sport and some funny encounters he's had. We also hear from Terry Finley of West Point Thoroughbreds, one of the partners in Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming, about that experience.

In his 50-year career, Andrew Beyer created a new category of horse racing journalist, a writer outspoken about the sport and a voice for horseplayers. He also changed handicapping forever with his invention of the Beyer Speed Figure. In this edition of Around the Track, Beyer spins tales about his biggest scores and toughest betting beats; while not a touch-feely horse guy, he admits there was a filly that gave him goosebumps, plus he discusses the making of speed figures, cheating in the sport and some funny encounters he's had. We also hear from Terry Finley of West Point Thoroughbreds, one of the partners in Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming, about that experience.

Art Sherman's life is bookended with the remarkable story of two Kentucky Derby winners that have him in common. First, Swaps in 1955 when Sherman was just a teenager literally sleeping next to the horse on a cross-country train ride, then California Chrome, one of the most popular Derby winners of all time. In this episode of Around the Track, Sherman shares some of his stories from the "old school" and of course, the journey he took with Chrome. Listen in...

Art Sherman's life is bookended with the remarkable story of two Kentucky Derby winners that have him in common. First, Swaps in 1955 when Sherman was just a teenager literally sleeping next to the horse on a cross-country train ride, then California Chrome, one of the most popular Derby winners of all time. In this episode of Around the Track, Sherman shares some of his stories from the "old school" and of course, the journey he took with Chrome. Listen in...

During his 43-year career, announcer Tom Durkin's electric race calls thrilled fans and stamped historic moments with unforgettable words. He could make you laugh, too. In this episode of Around the Track, Durkin tells stories about his humble beginnings at the track, relives some of his most memorable calls, and details the craft and stresses of calling races like the Kentucky Derby. Listen in...

During his 43-year career, announcer Tom Durkin's electric race calls thrilled fans and stamped historic moments with unforgettable words. He could make you laugh, too. In this episode of Around the Track, Durkin tells stories about his humble beginnings at the track, relives some of his most memorable calls, and details the craft and stresses of calling races like the Kentucky Derby. Listen in...

For nearly two decades, Donna Barton Brothers has played an integral role in NBC Sports' coverage of the Kentucky Derby and other important races. Her interviews on horseback have captured some of the most dramatic moments horse racing has to offer. In this episode of Around the Track, Brothers gives us a peek behind the scenes of the broadcasts, takes us on an emotional rollercoaster with Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, and shares stories of her time as one of the most accomplished female jockeys in history.

For nearly two decades, Donna Barton Brothers has played an integral role in NBC Sports' coverage of the Kentucky Derby and other important races. Her interviews on horseback have captured some of the most dramatic moments horse racing has to offer. In this episode of Around the Track, Brothers gives us a peek behind the scenes of the broadcasts, takes us on an emotional rollercoaster with Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, and shares stories of her time as one of the most accomplished female jockeys in history.

Few writers have captured the brilliance and majesty of the Thoroughbred as well as Bill Nack. His prized Sports Illustrated features and books on racing legends Secretariat and Ruffian are infused with a voice that hovers "somewhere between that of Yeats and a stablehand," as judges wrote after honoring him recently with a lifetime achievement award for sportswriting. Not only is Nack a master storyteller, he grew up around horses and has a great passion for them. In this episode of Around the Track, Nack relives some of his favorite moments at the races and behind the scenes and shares compelling and amusing stories about his life's work. Listen in....

Few writers have captured the brilliance and majesty of the Thoroughbred as well as Bill Nack. His prized Sports Illustrated features and books on racing legends Secretariat and Ruffian are infused with a voice that hovers "somewhere between that of Yeats and a stablehand," as judges wrote after honoring him recently with a lifetime achievement award for sportswriting. Not only is Nack a master storyteller, he grew up around horses and has a great passion for them. In this episode of Around the Track, Nack relives some of his favorite moments at the races and behind the scenes and shares compelling and amusing stories about his life's work. Listen in....

Chris McCarron has been on the backs of some of the greatest racehorses ever, and his career ranks him among the all-time great jockeys in wins, earnings, and victories in Thoroughbred racing's biggest events. Hear how Chris went from sneaking into the racetrack in high school to the Hall of Fame in less than two decades. From the surreal moments after winning his first Kentucky Derby to the raw emotion of the post-September 11th Breeders' Cup, McCarron takes us inside the life of a professional jockey in this episode of Around the Track. Listen in...

Chris McCarron has been on the backs of some of the greatest racehorses ever, and his career ranks him among the all-time great jockeys in wins, earnings, and victories in Thoroughbred racing's biggest events. Hear how Chris went from sneaking into the racetrack in high school to the Hall of Fame in less than two decades. From the surreal moments after winning his first Kentucky Derby to the raw emotion of the post-September 11th Breeders' Cup, McCarron takes us inside the life of a professional jockey in this episode of Around the Track. Listen in...

From lunches with famous actors to tales of renowned horses, Michael Blowen has plenty of stories to tell. The one-time movie critic now spends his days taking care of former Kentucky Derby winners and other racehorses of the past at his Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm. Red thank you notes from Jimmy Stewart, $20 that turned into a million and much more in this edition of Around the Track presented by Taylor Made.