Valenti and Rico started things off with a conversation centered around horse racing with the Kentucky Derby this weekend, and Mike's confusion as to why people are only interested in it once a year. They talked some Pistons to begin the second hour and then mixed in both topics throughout the rest of the show, taking plenty of your calls throughout.
HOUR 1: Valenti's Confusion Regaring The Lack Of Love For Horse Racing + In Football Today
05/01/2026 | 39 mins.
Mike asked some questions about the lack of interest in his beloved horse racing outside of this weekend, which is the Kentucky Derby, hence the topic. The guys responded with their own theories why before they let the people in on the conversation via your calls and texts. They wrapped up the first hour wondering if these specific 2023 draft picks should have their 5th year options picked up by their respective teams.
HOUR 2: Will The Pistons Handle Business Tonight? + Your Calls/Texts On Pistons & Kentucky Derby
05/01/2026 | 39 mins.
Mike and Rico began the second hour with some Pistons-Magic Game 6 talk. Valenti explained yet again why he thinks Detroit will beat Orlando in the series and then the guys shifted to taking your calls for the remainder of the hour.
HOUR 3: Final Kentucky Derby Trivia + Who Said It?
05/01/2026 | 32 mins.
The final Kentucky Derby trivia segment kicked off the third hour. They reacted to the winner before getting into this week's "Who Said It?"
HOUR 4: Kentucky Derby Draft + Final Texts/Pistons Thoughts
05/01/2026 | 22 mins.
The guys did their annual Kentucky Derby horse draft to begin the final hour of the week. Then, they heard from the people and offered their final thoughts on Pistons-Magic Game 6 tonight.
The Valenti Show with Rico is Detroit’s must-listen daily sports show — where strong opinions meet smart analysis. Hosted by Mike Valenti and Rico Beard, The Valenti Show brings unfiltered takes on the biggest national stories and dives deep into all-things-Detroit sports: the Lions, Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings, Michigan and Michigan State. Whether it's NFL drama, playoff stakes or college football storylines, Valenti and Rico tell it like it is — no fluff, no fan service, just real talk. Catch The Valenti Show with Rico live Monday through Friday 2pm - 6pm EST on 97.1 The Ticket (WXYT). Full episodes, individual hours and show highlights drop daily wherever you get your podcasts.
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