Longtime racing fan Mike Penna got his start in the radio business co-hosting the popular Saturday morning “Equine Forum” talk show in 2003. In 2005, Penna and the late Pete Kules established the Horse Racing Radio Network, an Eclipse Award-winning network that now broadcasts the Triple Crown on more than 170 affiliates across the country.

A native of Pittsfield, Mass., Penna and his wife, Michelle, moved to Lexington, Ky., in 1997.

What I do for a living: I own Horse Racing Radio Network and host various horse racing talk shows and broadcasts of major stakes races.

What I like about Thoroughbred racing: I first fell in love with the gambling side of the sport, which I still love. However, after hosting so many broadcasts which tend to focus more on the storylines we tend to see in each race, I’ve developed a love for these stories and the amazing people and horses we have in racing.

Penna (Courtesy of Mike Penna)

If I wasn’t in my current job, I would be: running a beach bar in Mexico.

Best advice to someone considering becoming a Thoroughbred owner: Do your homework and find others who share your same philosophy and goals to help you. Also, start slow. Maybe get involved with a partnership to defer your risk, and most importantly, enjoy the ride.

Should the Breeders’ Cup rotate from coast to coast or have a permanent home: I like the idea of rotating to allow fans in different parts of the country access to these awesome two days of racing

My top three favorite racetracks in order: Saratoga, Santa Anita, Woodbine

Most influential person in my career: The late Pete Kules, my mentor.

My out-of-the-box idea for Thoroughbred racing: Allow new fans who have never been to the racetrack to experience what it’s like to be an owner for one race.  Bring them into the paddock before a race, meet a jockey and trainer right before the race, and bring them up to the booth to watch the announcer call the race.

Other sports/teams I follow: I’m a HUGE Pittsburgh Steelers fan, a lifelong Yankees fan, and cheer for the University of Kentucky Wildcats while always keeping an eye on Florida State in football.

My favorite athletes of all time: My idol growing up was Yankees third baseman Graig Nettles. I have also gotten to know former Steelers safety Will Allen, who is a great guy and does tremendous things to support the Pittsburgh community. Racehorse owner and former Major League Baseball pitcher Rob Murphy also makes the list.

What book(s) I am reading or have recently read: I’m not a big fan of reading books. My BRIS past performances may be the closest thing.

Favorite magazines: Cigar Aficionado

Penna (Courtesy of Mike Penna)

Hobbies away from Thoroughbred racing: Deer hunting and golf

Favorite movies: “Rocky,” “Phar Lap,” “Let It Ride,” “Goodfellas”

Favorite TV shows I watch: “NCIS,” “MASH,” and “Two and a Half Men” reruns

Favorite foods: Steak and veal parmigiana

Favorite vacation spot: Mexico

Favorite musician/band: George Strait

Favorite actor: Robert De Niro

Five websites I visit daily: BloodHorse, Google, Equibase, BRIS, Steelers Nation Radio

I’d like to have dinner with the following three people inside racing: Gary Player, Toby Keith, Joe Torre

I’d like to have dinner with the following three people outside of racing: Phil Mickelson, Mike Hilton (Steelers), any of the sharks from “Shark Tank”

Best racetrack food can be found at: Keeneland

Accomplishment I am most proud of: Growing our network from one AM station in Lexington, Ky. to the point where we now broadcast all over North American on SiriusXM and partner with NBC Sports and Westwood One to broadcast the Triple Crown on more than 170 affiliates across the country

My philosophy on life: Nothing good comes of deviation and don’t sweat the small stuff and it’s all small stuff.

Things I collect: I’m not a big collector

Favorite charities:  PDJF and Will Allen Foundation

Favorite animal other than a horse: Dogs and deer

Favorite non-Thoroughbred racing sports event I have attended: 2008 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field

Three words that define what Thoroughbred racing means to me:  Hope, dreams, excitement

Top three fashion brands you prefer to wear: Not a big brands guy but like my Nike and Embrace The Race.

Favorite month of the year:  August — I hate the cold.

What apps are on your phone:  Steelers Game Day, Equibase, Craps, Twitter

Favorite summer cocktail: Rum and Coke

Holy Bull after 1994 Travers. (Skip Dickstein/BloodHorse Archive)

Favorite winter cocktail: Red wine

Favorite all-time racehorse: Holy Bull

Favorite racehorse currently competing: Gunmetal Gray

Favorite international racing event: Barbados Gold Cup and Queen’s Plate

Three ways to attract more fans to the sport: Let them experience the thrill of ownership and allow them to meet and get them close up to our human and equine stars.

What car do you drive? Lexus SUV

What’s your favorite gym exercise? P90X

Who will win the Super Bowl this year? Easy. Go Steelers!

Esports - Yay or nay? Nay

Favorite restaurant: Tony’s of Lexington and Jimmy John’s

Last TV series you binge-watched was: Never have binged watched a show

College or pro football: Pro