Since the first Welfare & Safety of the Racehorse Summit in 2006, the industry has achieved a 47% reduction in racing fatalities — and the work is far from over. Peter Thomas Fornatale and Shannon Kelly sit down with Jamie Hayden, president of the Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation, and Dr. Scollay, consultant for the Equine Injury Database, to look back on two decades of progress. They discuss the data, the diagnostics, the surfaces, and the culture shift that's made thoroughbred racing safer for horses and riders alike. From standardized pre-race exams and the national Vets List to cutting-edge PET scans and racing surface science, this episode explains exactly how horse racing transformed its approach to safety — and where it's headed next.

As season one of On the Lead draws to a close, Shannon and PTF sit down for an exclusive conversation marking Everett Dobson’s first 100 days as Chair of The Jockey Club on November 7. In this special season finale, you’ll get an inside look at the recent leadership transition and hear Dobson’s candid reflections on his expectations and vision for the future of the Thoroughbred industry.

When discussing his recent priorities, Dobson outlines a forward-thinking agenda focused on advancing the health and well-being of both horses and participants, working closely with HISA leadership to strengthen data collection and use it to drive meaningful improvements in overall welfare. Dobson also emphasizes the need for greater transparency across the industry, ensuring that both stakeholders and the betting public can better understand the economics of wagering while making data more accessible and meaningful throughout the sport.

Looking ahead, Dobson reflects on the power of storytelling and fan engagement, pointing to the NBA as a model for how a sport can successfully leverage its greatest assets, its fans and athletes, to build deeper connections and broader appeal.

Hosts Shannon Kelly of the Jockey Club and Peter Thomas Fornatale from In the Money Media sit down with two special guests on a memorable edition of the show.

Christian Countzler of Stable Recovery and Will Walden, a Grade 1 winning trainer who is also an ambassador for the program, share their recovery experiences and talk about the special connection between humans and horses that's at the center of this amazing initiative that's helped so many people.