Veteran Sports Personalities Discuss Their Racing Passions

Sportscaster Tommy Smyth and photographer Alex Evers share insights on the Thoroughbred industry

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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In the latest episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod, veteran sports personalities Tommy Smyth and Alex Evers discuss their long-standing love of Thoroughbred racing. Smyth, a longtime New York sports broadcaster, voices concerns about the impact of computer bettors on the sport, while also advocating for the introduction of fixed-odds wagering. Evers, one of racing's top photographers, shares memories of covering top horses like Romantic Warrior and Golden Sixty and how his close access to the animals might influence his own betting.

Why it matters

As the Thoroughbred industry continues to evolve, hearing perspectives from seasoned media professionals who have chronicled the sport for decades provides valuable insight into the changing landscape and the passions that keep fans engaged.

The details

The podcast features Smyth and Evers sharing their experiences and views on various aspects of the racing world. Smyth discusses his concerns about the impact of computer-driven betting, which he believes has altered the dynamics of the sport, while also advocating for the introduction of fixed-odds wagering to complement the traditional pari-mutuel system. Evers, known for his exceptional photography work, talks about his frequent trips overseas to cover races, particularly in Hong Kong, and how his close access to top horses might influence his own betting strategies.

  • The Ron Flatter Racing Pod episode featuring Smyth and Evers was published on March 6, 2026.

The players

Tommy Smyth

A longtime sports personality in New York, Smyth has been a regular visitor to racetracks in the U.S. and his native Ireland, and he voices concerns about the impact of computer bettors on the sport.

Alex Evers

One of racing's top photographers, Evers frequently travels overseas to cover races, especially in Hong Kong, and shares memories of capturing the exploits of stars like Romantic Warrior and Golden Sixty.

Ron Flatter

The host of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod, a podcast that features discussions on the Thoroughbred industry.

John Cherwa

A contributor to the Ron Flatter Racing Pod, Cherwa is a writer for the Los Angeles Times.

Keith Nelson

A contributor to the Ron Flatter Racing Pod, Nelson is from Fairmount Park.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The perspectives shared by Smyth and Evers highlight the enduring passion for Thoroughbred racing among media professionals who have dedicated their careers to chronicling the sport, even as it navigates challenges posed by evolving betting patterns and technologies.