PhDs, Reality TV, and PA-Breds with Dr. Deanna Manfredi

Find out why Pennsylvania is one of the absolute top racehorse breeding hubs in the entire country on this episode of Hot 2 Trot. Host Ashley Wood sits down with Dr. Deanna Manfredi, a third-generation horsewoman, a Princeton PhD in Cognitive Psychology, a stakes-winning breeder, and the history-making, first-ever female President of the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association (PHBA). They cover everything from Dr. Manfredi’s early interactions with horse racing to her appearance on reality TV in the American Dream Derby and what it means to be the first female president of the PHBA, since its inception in 1948. And if, after this episode, you want to see some PA-bred horses in action, join us for Pennsylvania Day at the Races at Parx Racing on July 18, 2026!Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & Meet Deanna Manfredi01:33 – Growing Up in Pennsylvania Racing & Breeding03:36 – The Horse Industry’s Impact on Agriculture & Open Space10:14 – Winning a Reality Show and Launching a Breeding Farm17:29 – The State of Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Breeding Today24:13 – Life Beyond Racing: Second Careers for Thoroughbreds30:13 – Protecting Pennsylvania Racing & Breeding’s Future34:33 – PA Day at the Races, Yearling Show & Industry Events42:26 – The Hot Seat: Ghosts, Horses & Rapid-Fire Questions46:43 – Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks