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Hollywood And Horsepower Show with Mark Otto
Guest, Billy Koch
Grandson of Film Producer Howard Koch
Billy Koch is known for Jerry Maguire (1996), Little Nicky (2000) and Wayne's World (1992).
Son of Rita (Litter) and Hawk Koch. Father of Cooper Koch and Payton Koch.
Brother of Robby Koch and Emily Koch.
Brother-in-law of Annie Meyers-Shyer and Hallie Meyers-Shyer.
Grandson of Howard W. Koch.
He is of Russian Jewish and Polish Jewish descent.
Hollywood Legacy Meets the Sport of Kings: A Conversation with Billy Koch
Hollywood & Horsepower
The Story Behind the Story: A Conversation with Billy Koch
Interview Abstract
The Koch Family Dynasty
Howard W. Koch: Legendary producer (Airplane!, Ghost) and former Academy President. Known for bringing Hollywood stars to the "Director's Room" at Hollywood Park.
"My grandfather had a hat that said: 'I didn't write Casablanca' — to distinguish himself from the writer with the same name."
Key Discussion Points
✦The Intersection: The historical weave between Santa Anita, Del Mar, and Hollywood Park as playgrounds for industry executives.
✦Industry Evolution: Addressing the "contraction" of racing (loss of Hollywood Park, Golden Gate) and the need for positive messaging.
✦Animal Welfare: Billy's role as President of CARMA and the push for better aftercare and safety statistics.
Little Red Feather Racing
Founded by Billy Koch to democratize horse ownership through syndication.
500+
Active Partners
2004
Singletary BC Mile
The Next Generation
#CooperKoch (Monsters) #PeytonKoch (Editor) #TheOwnersBox #AftercareAdvocate
"If you do something that you love, it's not work. Surround yourself with people smarter than you."
Duration: ~57 mins • Host: Mark
© 2026 Hollywood and Horsepower
This episode of Hollywood and Horsepower features Billy Koch, the founder of Little Red Feather Racing, discussing the profound intersection between the film industry and thoroughbred racing. The conversation spans three generations of the Koch family, from legendary producer Howard W. Koch to a new generation of Hollywood stars, while exploring the challenges and thrills of modern horse ownership.
Detailed Key Points
The Koch Family’s Dual Heritage
The discussion highlights the legendary status of the Koch family in both Hollywood and horse racing. Billy’s grandfather, Howard W. Koch, was a prolific producer and director known for films like Airplane! and Ghost, as well as his long-standing service to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. A notable piece of family trivia involves the middle initial "W," which Howard used specifically to distinguish himself from the Howard Koch who wrote Casablanca. This legacy of storytelling and competition naturally transitioned into the racing world, where Howard served on the board of directors at Hollywood Park and introduced countless celebrities to the track.
🎬 The Howard W. Koch Legacy
A titan of the "Golden Era," Howard W. Koch's influence bridged the gap between the silver screen and the finish line.
Film HighlightsAirplane!, Ghost, The Odd Couple
Racing RolesHollywood Park Director, Owner of Telly's Pop
Memories of Hollywood Park and the "Golden Era"
Billy shares nostalgic anecdotes about growing up at Hollywood Park, which he describes as a "playground" for the industry. He recalls the vibrant atmosphere where stars like Bing Crosby, Walter Matthau, and Telly Savalas were regular fixtures. One particularly vivid memory involves Telly Savalas (famous for his role as Kojak) tasking a young Billy with handing out lollipops to girls at the track. The conversation also touches on the "infectious" nature of the sport, noting that the same competitive drive required to succeed in Hollywood often fuels the passion for horse racing.
The Evolution of Ownership: Little Red Feather Racing
Inspired by his grandfather's bedtime stories about a fictitious Indian chief, Billy founded Little Red Feather Racing to make horse ownership accessible through fractional syndicates. He emphasizes that while horse racing is often called the "Sport of Kings," modern partnerships allow fans to participate with disposable income rather than massive wealth. The syndicate’s breakthrough came with Singletary, who won the 2004 Breeders' Cup Mile, proving that small-scale investors could compete at the highest levels. Billy is candid about the risks, advising potential partners to view the experience as entertainment rather than a traditional ROI-driven investment.
🏇 Little Red Feather Racing
Founded: Inspired by Howard W. Koch's bedtime stories.
Mission: Lowering the barrier to entry for thoroughbred ownership.
Key Milestone: 2004 Breeders' Cup Mile Winner (Singletary).
Community: Over 500 active investors participating in fractional shares.
Addressing Industry Challenges and Equine Safety
A significant portion of the dialogue focuses on the current state of the industry, specifically animal welfare and the impact of negative media. Billy expresses frustration with "media terrorists" and emphasizes that horse racing is safer today than ever before, backed by data and statistics. He highlights the work of organizations like Light Up Racing and CARMA (California Retirement Management Account), where he serves as president, to ensure that retired athletes have a "second career" and are treated with the utmost care.
Key Data
500+: The number of active investors currently participating in Little Red Feather Racing partnerships.
2004: The year Singletary won the Breeders' Cup Mile, a defining moment for Little Red Feather.
70,000: Annual visitors to Old Friends farm, demonstrating the public's interest in retired racehorses.
To-Do / Next Steps
Listen to The Owner's Box podcast to hear more stories directly from horse owners.
Review the Light Up Racing rebuttal to recent negative press for a data-driven perspective on equine safety.
Support aftercare organizations like CARMA and Old Friends to help provide for retired thoroughbreds.
Watch Monsters on Netflix to see Cooper Koch’s performance as Erik Menendez.
Check out Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix, edited by Peyton Koch.
Conclusion
The episode serves as both a tribute to the storied past of California racing and a call to action for its future. By blending the glamour of Hollywood with the grit of the racetrack, Billy Koch illustrates that while the industry faces contraction and scrutiny, the core passion for the animal and the thrill of the competition remain as infectious as ever.
