Hollywood and Horsepower Show, February 5, 2026

Hollywood And Horsepower Show with Mark Otto Guest, Billy Koch Grandson of Film Producer Howard Koch Billy Koch is known for Jerry Maguire (1996), Little Nicky (2000) and Wayne's World (1992). Son of Rita (Litter) and Hawk Koch. Father of Cooper Koch and Payton Koch. Brother of Robby Koch and Emily Koch. Brother-in-law of Annie Meyers-Shyer and Hallie Meyers-Shyer. Grandson of Howard W. Koch. He is of Russian Jewish and Polish Jewish descent. Hollywood Legacy Meets the Sport of Kings: A Conversation with Billy Koch Hollywood & Horsepower The Story Behind the Story: A Conversation with Billy Koch Interview Abstract The Koch Family Dynasty Howard W. Koch: Legendary producer (Airplane!, Ghost) and former Academy President. Known for bringing Hollywood stars to the "Director's Room" at Hollywood Park. "My grandfather had a hat that said: 'I didn't write Casablanca' — to distinguish himself from the writer with the same name." Key Discussion Points ✦The Intersection: The historical weave between Santa Anita, Del Mar, and Hollywood Park as playgrounds for industry executives. ✦Industry Evolution: Addressing the "contraction" of racing (loss of Hollywood Park, Golden Gate) and the need for positive messaging. ✦Animal Welfare: Billy's role as President of CARMA and the push for better aftercare and safety statistics. Little Red Feather Racing Founded by Billy Koch to democratize horse ownership through syndication. 500+ Active Partners 2004 Singletary BC Mile The Next Generation #CooperKoch (Monsters) #PeytonKoch (Editor) #TheOwnersBox #AftercareAdvocate "If you do something that you love, it's not work. Surround yourself with people smarter than you." Duration: ~57 mins • Host: Mark © 2026 Hollywood and Horsepower This episode of Hollywood and Horsepower features Billy Koch, the founder of Little Red Feather Racing, discussing the profound intersection between the film industry and thoroughbred racing. The conversation spans three generations of the Koch family, from legendary producer Howard W. Koch to a new generation of Hollywood stars, while exploring the challenges and thrills of modern horse ownership. Detailed Key Points The Koch Family’s Dual Heritage The discussion highlights the legendary status of the Koch family in both Hollywood and horse racing. Billy’s grandfather, Howard W. Koch, was a prolific producer and director known for films like Airplane! and Ghost, as well as his long-standing service to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. A notable piece of family trivia involves the middle initial "W," which Howard used specifically to distinguish himself from the Howard Koch who wrote Casablanca. This legacy of storytelling and competition naturally transitioned into the racing world, where Howard served on the board of directors at Hollywood Park and introduced countless celebrities to the track. 🎬 The Howard W. Koch Legacy A titan of the "Golden Era," Howard W. Koch's influence bridged the gap between the silver screen and the finish line. Film HighlightsAirplane!, Ghost, The Odd Couple Racing RolesHollywood Park Director, Owner of Telly's Pop Memories of Hollywood Park and the "Golden Era" Billy shares nostalgic anecdotes about growing up at Hollywood Park, which he describes as a "playground" for the industry. He recalls the vibrant atmosphere where stars like Bing Crosby, Walter Matthau, and Telly Savalas were regular fixtures. One particularly vivid memory involves Telly Savalas (famous for his role as Kojak) tasking a young Billy with handing out lollipops to girls at the track. The conversation also touches on the "infectious" nature of the sport, noting that the same competitive drive required to succeed in Hollywood often fuels the passion for horse racing. The Evolution of Ownership: Little Red Feather Racing Inspired by his grandfather's bedtime stories about a fictitious Indian chief, Billy founded Little Red Feather Racing to make horse ownership accessible through fractional syndicates. He emphasizes that while horse racing is often called the "Sport of Kings," modern partnerships allow fans to participate with disposable income rather than massive wealth. The syndicate’s breakthrough came with Singletary, who won the 2004 Breeders' Cup Mile, proving that small-scale investors could compete at the highest levels. Billy is candid about the risks, advising potential partners to view the experience as entertainment rather than a traditional ROI-driven investment. 🏇 Little Red Feather Racing Founded: Inspired by Howard W. Koch's bedtime stories. Mission: Lowering the barrier to entry for thoroughbred ownership. Key Milestone: 2004 Breeders' Cup Mile Winner (Singletary). Community: Over 500 active investors participating in fractional shares. Addressing Industry Challenges and Equine Safety A significant portion of the dialogue focuses on the current state of the industry, specifically animal welfare and the impact of negative media. Billy expresses ...