S9E18: Racing celebrates Black History Month

Former NBA player and coach Avery Johnson has been a horse owner and continues to be a racing ambassador. Terry West was a trail-blazing jockey who holds a seat on the Maryland Racing Commission. In celebration of Black History Month, both Johnson and West are featured this week on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Johnson talks about growing up in New Orleans and what he learned from his father on their weekend trips to Fair Grounds. He also discusses his role as an ambassador for the Breeders' Cup and racing's need for central leadership.

West recounts her lifelong love of horses and how she became a standout jumps rider who has continued to compete for more than a half-century. She also details the challenges she faced being one of the first Black women to compete in Thoroughbred races.

Both Johnson and West expound on the goal of greater minority participation in all phases of horse racing.

There also is a tribute to the late trainers King Leatherbury and John Shirreffs, both of whom died this week.

The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Firefox, iHeart and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com.