Racecaller Jeff Cernik? [Archive] - Horse Racing Forum - PaceAdvantage.Com

rrpic6

11-04-2015, 07:55 PM

Does anyone from the Charles Town circuit know what happened to track announcer Jeff Cernik? Hasn't been at the mike in quite a while. Don't think it's a vacation cause he was gone for a few days a couple of months ago. Thanks in advance for any info.

You might want to go to Twitter and ask Peter Berry. He's been tweeting pics and picks since he got there last week.

RR

Wickel

11-04-2015, 08:29 PM

I believe Peter participates in this forum every once in a while. Maybe he can chime in.

11-04-2015, 09:12 PM

Cernik is out. Believe Berry is temp fill in. Surprised PA wasn't all over this. It was his favorite announcer.

Wickel

11-04-2015, 09:23 PM

Thanks, CJ. Was he ousted because of the wrong-way collision on track incident, or something else?

Peter Berry

11-04-2015, 09:30 PM

I believe Peter participates in this forum every once in a while. Maybe he can chime in.
I called at Charles Town on Saturday night. Paul Espinosa Jr. is calling this week and I'll be back Nov. 11-14. They are looking for a full-time announcer to replace Jeff.

Wickel

11-04-2015, 09:34 PM

thanks, peter

EMD4ME

11-04-2015, 09:45 PM

Where do I apply? :)

Just kidding. That's a shame. I remember Jeff for a looooooong time. Charles Town Races was my first track, so I always kept an eye on it.

Hope he's ok.

no breathalyzer

11-04-2015, 10:29 PM

Why is Cernik out? There was a wrong way collision at CT?

Stillriledup

11-04-2015, 10:43 PM

Why is Cernik out? There was a wrong way collision at CT?

Post 508 in the famous Tampa Announcer thread did this guy in :D

11-04-2015, 11:02 PM

Thanks, CJ. Was he ousted because of the wrong-way collision on track incident, or something else?

It wasn't because of the collision.

proximity

11-04-2015, 11:13 PM

There was a wrong way collision at CT?

every time I enter the casino. :faint:

v j stauffer

11-04-2015, 11:18 PM

I called at Charles Town on Saturday night. Paul Espinosa Jr. is calling this week and I'll be back Nov. 11-14. They are looking for a full-time announcer to replace Jeff.

Do you think they'd hire a GOOF?

Peter Berry

11-04-2015, 11:33 PM

Do you think they'd hire a GOOF?
They'd have to slash the purse for the Charles Town Classic.

no breathalyzer

11-04-2015, 11:37 PM

They'd have to slash the purse for the Charles Town Classic.

:lol:

v j stauffer

11-05-2015, 12:39 AM

They'd have to slash the purse for the Charles Town Classic.

Purses are overrated.

ReplayRandall

11-05-2015, 12:42 AM

Purses are overrated.

So are wallets....

proximity

11-05-2015, 12:58 AM

won't be long now until the big bad wolf known as mgm national harbor starts huffing and puffing and eventually blows this place down.

that being said I will be in town Thursday and Friday if anyone wants to grab some coffee, watch a few races, or play some poker.

--proximity

PaceAdvantage

11-08-2015, 06:52 PM

Cernik is out. Believe Berry is temp fill in. Surprised PA wasn't all over this. It was his favorite announcer.Christmas has indeed come early this year...Never like to see someone lose a gig, but I'm amazed he hung in this long...

no breathalyzer

11-08-2015, 09:15 PM

Christmas has indeed come early this year...Never like to see someone lose a gig, but I'm amazed he hung in this long...

Really??

Dan Montilion

11-09-2015, 01:11 PM

So are wallets....I ate mine yesterday.

PaceAdvantage

11-09-2015, 04:52 PM

Really??Quickly becoming one of the biggest cliches in internet message board replies...the ol' "Really?" reply...

YES. REALLY.

no breathalyzer

11-09-2015, 05:06 PM

Quickly becoming one of the biggest cliches in internet message board replies...the ol' "Really?" reply...

YES. REALLY.

ok.. i'l just assume you are not a fan of his Race calls and leave it at that.. i personally think he did an ok job.. certainly good enough to keep his job.. unless there was something that happen that i didn't hear about... which is why i asked earlier in the thread.

11-09-2015, 05:09 PM

PaceAdvantage

11-09-2015, 05:11 PM

ok.. i'l just assume you are not a fan of his Race calls and leave it at that.. i personally think he did an ok job.. certainly good enough to keep his job.. unless there was something that happen that i didn't hear about... which is why i asked earlier in the thread.Back when I used to have time to play at night and played Charles Town on a fairly regular basis, he would botch calls almost every single night...

And by botch, I mean LONG PAUSES while he got his bearings...fumbling, stumbling calls...if he got names wrong, I never noticed as I was cringing too hard from all his stutters, stops and stumbles. It was a real train wreck at times, and I've posted about it every now and again through the years whenever his name came up on this board (which wasn't very often).

I RARELY IF EVER am critical of announcers. So for me to say he was my least favorite of all time kind of says something.

EMD4ME

11-09-2015, 07:07 PM

Back when I used to have time to play at night and played Charles Town on a fairly regular basis, he would botch calls almost every single night...

And by botch, I mean LONG PAUSES while he got his bearings...fumbling, stumbling calls...if he got names wrong, I never noticed as I was cringing too hard from all his stutters, stops and stumbles. It was a real train wreck at times, and I've posted about it every now and again through the years whenever his name came up on this board (which wasn't very often).

I RARELY IF EVER am critical of announcers. So for me to say he was my least favorite of all time kind of says something.

Yeah, he was pretty bad. He leads in yelling and saying nothing. Then he stalls to catch his breath and look down to see what the horse's name is that he will call next.

Many other blunders as well but he was CT's guy, which made him part of the family. Never happy to see any one lose their gig.

no breathalyzer

11-09-2015, 07:07 PM

EMD4ME

11-09-2015, 07:09 PM

ok.. i'l just assume you are not a fan of his Race calls and leave it at that.. i personally think he did an ok job.. certainly good enough to keep his job.. unless there was something that happen that i didn't hear about... which is why i asked earlier in the thread.

I can just hear his voice now......

the half goes up in ...................................pause waiting for them to hit the half and see the time....what a waste of air space :(

The unofficial winning time in BLAH BLAH BLAH... I don't care what the time was. Tell me who you thought won. (Especially as CT is the only track to NEVER EVER ONCE show a replay after they hit the wire).

no breathalyzer

11-09-2015, 07:09 PM

'' UNOFFICIAL WINNING TIME .......'' :D

EMD4ME

11-09-2015, 07:10 PM

Seemed to be improving a little over the yrs.. they might as well stuck it out with him since they kept him that long.. there are a handful of announcers i wouldn't chose over him.. Middle of the Road ratted announcer .. even if it was bottom/middle

Just my opinion i know a lot of people disagree so it seems

I too would've kept him. Why? Because as soon as you hear his voice, you know it's CT.

There are a few guys out there now that I would've fired before him, that is for sure.

EMD4ME

11-09-2015, 07:11 PM

'' UNOFFICIAL WINNING TIME .......'' :D

Those are the sounds I hear in my head as I drive......

How pathetic am I , huh? :lol: :lol: :lol:

EMD4ME

11-09-2015, 07:12 PM

I met him a couple of times years ago. Nice guy. I do feel bad.

I wouldn't mind him at Portland. Or Turf Paralyzed.

no breathalyzer

11-09-2015, 07:14 PM

Those are the sounds I hear in my head as I drive......

How pathetic am I , huh? :lol: :lol: :lol:

My point why he wasn't as bad as people say.. at least he is original.. When you hear him you know its CT

no breathalyzer

11-09-2015, 07:15 PM

Jeff Cernik if you visit this site .. I'm a fan!

bello

11-09-2015, 07:16 PM

Anyone recall Costy Caras the CT announcer in the 70s 80s and I believe into the 90s

Now that was the sound of a racetrack....eeeeet eeees now post time.

EMD4ME

11-09-2015, 07:17 PM

My point why he wasn't as bad as people say.. at least he is original.. When you hear him you know its CT

Appreciate your loyalty. That says a lot.

Like I said, I don't wish harm to anyone. He was nice in person.

Would you like to place a JOCKEY'S hold into the release of Jeff?

no breathalyzer

11-09-2015, 07:17 PM

I too would've kept him. Why? Because as soon as you hear his voice, you know it's CT.

There are a few guys out there now that I would've fired before him, that is for sure.
:lol: damn Emd4me we thinking the same thing at the same time.. Great minds think a like i guess

EMD4ME

11-09-2015, 07:18 PM

Anyone recall Costy Caras the CT announcer in the 70s and early 80s.

Now that was the sound of a racetrack....eeeeet eeees now post time.

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was 4 and he would call the start and all I would hear is:

INTHEROUGH!!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: I was 4, forgive me !

Dad told me he was Greek and I flipped out in pride that a fellow Greek was my track announcer :)

EMD4ME

11-09-2015, 07:19 PM

:lol: damn Emd4me we thinking the same thing at the same time.. Great minds think a like i guess

You're screwed :p :p :p :p :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

no breathalyzer

11-09-2015, 07:20 PM

sorry guys i was hardly born yet... sounds like i missed out

11-09-2015, 07:23 PM

Anyone recall Costy Caras the CT announcer in the 70s 80s and I believe into the 90s

Now that was the sound of a racetrack....eeeeet eeees now post time.

Costy was the man. Hung out in the booth many nights with Larry Collmus and another friend. Anyway, back to the thread...

"Continue that way"

EMD4ME

11-09-2015, 07:28 PM

sorry guys i was hardly born yet... sounds like i missed out

Charles Town Races was my 1st track. I'll never forget it. Get chills just typing this.....

When was your first visit there? Mine was in my mother's womb and then in the carriage and then on my 4 feet and then on my 2 feet.

Was one of the few tracks that allowed kids under 12 in at the time.

bello

11-09-2015, 07:43 PM

EMD4ME

11-09-2015, 07:53 PM

I didn't really expect anyone to remember him since this was pre-simulcasting so you had to be there to hear Costy. I lived in Columbia MD in the early 80's and spent plenty of time at Bowie Pimlico and Laurel. But I LOVED Charletown and would take that rte 70 to 340 every chance I would get. Still love the place and try to detour there for live racing every chance I get. Maybe the weekend after thanksgiving if things work out.

Glad others experienced the delight of true bullring racing

I loved it. Lights would go out. His voice resonating over the loud speaker....Harpers Ferry sigh.......

Route 340. The only route that can take you across 3 states in less than 5 minutes....I used to love that trip over the water (to your right) as you crossed state lines.

We lived in Rockville MD and my dad had a restaurant in Thurmont MD. What memories.....

Those dirt roads reminded me of watching Dukes Of Hazzard growing up.

proximity

11-09-2015, 08:15 PM

Anyone recall Costy Caras the CT announcer in the 70s 80s and I believe into the 90s

Now that was the sound of a racetrack....eeeeet eeees now post time.

when you heard costy you knew you were at ct. :)

Track Phantom

11-09-2015, 10:35 PM

I didn't find the guy calling CT all that bad. I admit I didn't pay too close attention but I didn't think he was among the worst out there.

Having said that....there is a fairly new race caller right now (not going to say who as I don't want to offend) but...wow! I hear this guy and think, of all the things you can get into, race calling should be near the bottom of the list. It is so incredibly bad that it sounds like a comedy skit to me.

thespaah

11-11-2015, 12:53 AM

So are wallets....
:lol:

Wickel

11-11-2015, 06:27 PM

Cernik's calls were hilarious, actually. Like when he would call a horse in the first flight, then seconds later have him in midpack, then again among the trailers. My main beef with him was how he butchered the names of jockeys and horses. That being said, I hope he lands on his feet.

tanner12oz

11-11-2015, 09:33 PM

There are alot worse then cernik..ill take cernik over any of the heavy breathers that are out there while horse are is the gate

proximity

11-11-2015, 10:38 PM

Those are the sounds I hear in my head as I drive......

How pathetic am I , huh? :lol: :lol: :lol:

you think you're pathetic?

when I pass a slower moving car I look 'em in the eye and go right on by.... ;)

EMD4ME

11-11-2015, 11:00 PM

you think you're pathetic?

when I pass a slower moving car I look 'em in the eye and go right on by.... ;)

Love it!!! Do you send them some Turfway Park kickback as you get back over ? :lol: :lol: :lol:

I also love to draft amongst live cover on the highway. A smooth burst when I pass and right back in amongst cover (to stay away from the radar gun). Reminds me of keeping a turf horse bottled up while zigging and zagging past tired speed horses on the mid backstretch, late backstretch and most of the far turn till you really tip out at the 3/16's and go for HOOOOOOMEE!!!!!

PaceAdvantage

11-13-2015, 12:00 PM

There are alot worse then cernik..In my almost 30 years at this game, I beg to differ...

11-13-2015, 12:02 PM

In my almost 30 years at this game, I beg to differ...

I was laughing so hard when I read that originally. There are styles that some like and some don't, but when it comes to just getting the calls right he was about the worst I've ever heard.

JimG

11-13-2015, 02:57 PM

I was at CT a lot as a kid in the late 60's and early 70's as my parents would go there most weekends. Those formative years hooked me on horse racing. Anyhow, I absolutely loved Costy Caras and could not wait for simulcasting so I could hear him call races again as we had moved from the area many years ago.

Simulcasting finally came but Costy was no longer the announcer. I have to agree Cernik was not very good. Not sure I agree he was the worst, but definitely on the low end of race callers.

Jim

SuperPickle

11-13-2015, 07:08 PM

I was laughing so hard when I read that originally. There are styles that some like and some don't, but when it comes to just getting the calls right he was about the worst I've ever heard.

As long as well all agree Richard Grunder is the undisputed heavyweight king of awful announcing.

Stillriledup

11-13-2015, 07:14 PM

As long as well all agree Richard Grunder is the undisputed heavyweight king of awful announcing.

Cernik makes Grunder look like Durkin in his prime.

No lie.

v j stauffer

11-13-2015, 07:17 PM

As long as well all agree Richard Grunder is the undisputed heavyweight king of awful announcing.

We don't.

SuperPickle

11-13-2015, 07:29 PM

We don't.

Ok Vic I trust you. Tell me who's at the bottom of your list. Because the new Vic doesn't need to hold his tongue.

Because when you factor in the amount of time he's worked at Tampa and amount of times he calls a horse a winner and the horse gets nail (about once a week) or the amount of times he calls the wrong horse on lead the first two times (about bi-weekly) I would call him the worst of any major or mid-major circuit.

I can guarantee this he owns the world record for most times calling a horse a winner and getting nailed.

Rodger Huston used to use the term "falling off the branch" when his call got nailed. Immediately after the race he'd say "I think I fell off the branch on that one" Grunder never owns up to his errors.

No one can dispute Richard has fallen off a lot of branches.

Stillriledup

11-13-2015, 08:00 PM

Ok Vic I trust you. Tell me who's at the bottom of your list. Because the new Vic doesn't need to hold his tongue.

Because when you factor in the amount of time he's worked at Tampa and amount of times he calls a horse a winner and the horse gets nail (about once a week) or the amount of times he calls the wrong horse on lead the first two times (about bi-weekly) I would call him the worst of any major or mid-major circuit.

I can guarantee this he owns the world record for most times calling a horse a winner and getting nailed.

Rodger Huston used to use the term "falling off the branch" when his call got nailed. Immediately after the race he'd say "I think I fell off the branch on that one" Grunder never owns up to his errors.

No one can dispute Richard has fallen off a lot of branches.

Vic will tell you that all announcers are great and unique in their own way and that it's a hard job.

If Grunder signed up for PA and came here and joked about his mistakes and say he's trying hard and whatnut, there's a pretty good shot he would be left alone.

Or, maybe not. :D

VeryOldMan

11-13-2015, 08:12 PM

I'm a bit late to the thread. I'm just a casual fan but follow CT as my primary track.

Honestly, I was inured to Jeff Cernik's calls and don't wish him ill. Never thought he was as terrible as some other posters here believed - obviously YMMV.

Just made a point of listening to Peter Berry's calls tonight - man is he better! Always appreciated his calls at MNR but his ability to step in as a fill-in at CT and provide clearer calls is a stark contrast. Again, I have nothing against Cernik and hope he lands on his feet financially. As a CT player I would love for PB to call here more often or for someone of similar ability to end up here.

NJ Stinks

11-13-2015, 08:51 PM

As long as well all agree Richard Grunder is the undisputed heavyweight king of awful announcing.

I don't agree either.

I went to Charles Town circa 1970 while at Mt. Saint Mary's in Emmitsburg. Can not remember the announcer - it was a long time ago. But I do remember going across the street to Shenandoah Downs too. Both were bullrings.

And EMD4ME, I bought my fair share of beer at Thurmont Liquors. :cool:

EMD4ME

11-13-2015, 08:59 PM

thaskalos

11-13-2015, 09:11 PM

The mute button was invented for Jeff Cernick...and for that guy who was announcing the Portland Meadows races last Monday.

EMD4ME

11-13-2015, 09:22 PM

The mute button was invented for Jeff Cernick...and for that guy who was announcing the Portland Meadows races last Monday.

Yeah...hate to knock him but that is pretty bad.

1) He was NOT blessed with a voice to call races.

2) See #1 as he can't overcome that.

proximity

11-13-2015, 09:22 PM

And EMD4ME, I bought my fair share of beer at Thurmont Liquors. :cool:

did they sell drf there too? :)

usually go 81 to ct (especially now that the new 9 is finished) but would sometimes go 15.

used to stop at bank of America in "center city" Thurmont to make deposits at a certain adw. bet track collector could guess which one. :)

the things we do for racing. :D

EMD4ME

11-13-2015, 09:23 PM

Jeff had a voice but he was just so INEPT at simply calling a darn race.

He performed as if he never heard a true pro call a race.

bello

11-13-2015, 09:37 PM

Ahhh the memories. I was a child so I don't remember Thurmont liquors but I do remember driving from Thurmont to Harpers Ferry over 340 and watching the cars fly by in the 1 lane (each way) "highway". I used to love the smell of horse shit as we approached Charles Town Races.

They had a nice gift shop back in the day with a picture of a really attractive blond on the cover of the gift shop. I wish I still had the horse racing game my dad bought me back in 1979. Siggghhh

And that smell only got more profound in the greatest paddock ever, the indoor paddock where you stood over the horses and where about 10 feet from the saddling stalls. Smell of horseshit and liniment,ahhh, It feels just like yesterday.

EMD4ME

11-13-2015, 09:40 PM

And that smell only got more profound in the greatest paddock ever, the indoor paddock where you stood over the horses and where about 10 feet from the saddling stalls. Smell of horseshit and liniment,ahhh, It feels just like yesterday.
YESSSS!!!! The indoor paddock!!!

I remember my mother getting claustrophobic in there but I'll never forget the jock stopping on the way back (to I guess the jockey's room) and giving me his green goggles. I was reaching over the white little cement fence and he stopped to be nice and pet this little 4 year old (boy not horse :lol: )

proximity

11-13-2015, 09:50 PM

v j stauffer

11-13-2015, 10:00 PM

Ok Vic I trust you. Tell me who's at the bottom of your list. Because the new Vic doesn't need to hold his tongue.

Because when you factor in the amount of time he's worked at Tampa and amount of times he calls a horse a winner and the horse gets nail (about once a week) or the amount of times he calls the wrong horse on lead the first two times (about bi-weekly) I would call him the worst of any major or mid-major circuit.

I can guarantee this he owns the world record for most times calling a horse a winner and getting nailed.

Rodger Huston used to use the term "falling off the branch" when his call got nailed. Immediately after the race he'd say "I think I fell off the branch on that one" Grunder never owns up to his errors.

No one can dispute Richard has fallen off a lot of branches.

All announcers are great and unique in their own way. It's a hard job.

bello

11-13-2015, 10:03 PM

don't forget that tanbark (?) or whatever it was that they had in that paddock. :)

I was thinking about that smell in the mix after I wrote this. Same stuff at the old Big M t'bred outdoor paddock. Would make me sneeze big time in the summertime,

And EMD, the jocks room was up about a three stair staircase on the right side at the end of the paddock.

thaskalos

11-13-2015, 10:14 PM

All announcers are great and unique in their own way. It's a hard job.
It isn't unfair to expect a certain level of proficiency in one's occupation. It's also hard to be a good cook...but the bad ones still deserve to be criticized...IMO.

EMD4ME

11-13-2015, 10:24 PM

It isn't unfair to expect a certain level of proficiency in one's occupation. It's also hard to be a good cook...but the bad ones still deserve to be criticized...IMO.

I agree my friend....

I'll say this....if someone critiqued in public....you're PA posts or SRU's or PA's or CJ's etc. I would also defend them, in a positive way as Vic is doing for his fraternity.

Not taking sides but you must admit, his kalosini or loyalty should be admired.

EMD4ME

11-13-2015, 10:26 PM

I was thinking about that smell in the mix after I wrote this. Same stuff at the old Big M t'bred outdoor paddock. Would make me sneeze big time in the summertime,

And EMD, the jocks room was up about a three stair staircase on the right side at the end of the paddock.

I won't pretend to remember....I wish I did.

And the shame is, you can't go back to that.....

They tore down paradise and put up a casino lot

thaskalos

11-13-2015, 10:34 PM

I agree my friend....

I'll say this....if someone critiqued in public....you're PA posts or SRU's or PA's or CJ's etc. I would also defend them, in a positive way as Vic is doing for his fraternity.

If the opinion that I express on this site is inaccurate...then your duty as my friend is to voice your disapproval of it. Only after seeing the disagreement of someone whom I respect can I further reflect on my original opinion...and perhaps realize the mistake in thinking that I committed. To blindly agree with me no matter what I say is to do me a DISSERVICE.

In our country, they say: "Only your ENEMY makes you laugh continuously. Your friend, if he is a REAL friend...sometimes makes you CRY, as well."

EMD4ME

11-13-2015, 10:42 PM

If the opinion that I express on this site is inaccurate...then your duty as my friend is to voice your disapproval of it. Only after seeing the disagreement of someone whom I respect can I further reflect on my original opinion...and perhaps realize the mistake in thinking that I committed. To blindly agree with me no matter what I say is to do me a DISSERVICE.

In our country, they say: "Only your ENEMY makes you laugh continuously. Your friend, if he is a REAL friend...sometimes makes you CRY, as well."

With all my friends I tell them what they need to hear, not what they want to hear as I hate the patronizing testicularly challenged spineless people who just yes people.

I do agree with what you said, hence why I said I agree my friend.

I do on the other side, see why Vic will not jump through the open door and critique his brethren. It's a fraternity and loyalty is paramount there.

That's all I was saying.

However, if the released announcer called me OR I bumped into him and the topic came up, I'd tell him what he needs to hear....Not what he wants to hear.

I'm always the guy who takes that role as most of the crowd loves to take the easy way out and just patronize.

Sorry if I wasn't clear ...

proximity

11-13-2015, 10:55 PM

[/B]

I won't pretend to remember....I wish I did.

And the shame is, you can't go back to that.....

They tore down paradise and put up a casino lot

i'm pro-casino and can't say I miss the old facility but I guess in a way I agree with your middle paragraph.

to me the "that" being the optimism and hope of my youth.

the desolate drive out old 9. your whole "bankroll" in your pocket. your "car" probably only about 3-1 to make it home. starting to come to grips with the fact that horseracing's probably going to be in your life forever.

nothing out old 9 until you get to a strip club, 7-11, and elementary school all grouped together. (only in wva) :rolleyes:

nothing more the rest of the way than a few miles of dusty road until you get to Charles town.

anyhow, are they gonna see if vic can handle the bullring or not? :eek:

Redbullsnation

11-14-2015, 02:20 PM

Cernik wasn't that bad. I thought he brought some energy to the races. Not to an extent of Grunder, tho and that automatically makes him better than him...

Stillriledup

11-14-2015, 06:56 PM

Cernik wasn't that bad. I thought he brought some energy to the races. Not to an extent of Grunder, tho and that automatically makes him better than him...

Welcome to the board Mrs Cernik. :D

1067 The Fan

11-17-2015, 02:15 PM

As someone, who calls football, basketball, lacrosse, baseball, Water Polo, Volleyball, horse racing, swimming, none of us improve hearing what we want to hear. Sometimes you have top hear the bad stuff. Only way you get better.

v j stauffer

11-17-2015, 03:16 PM

i'm pro-casino and can't say I miss the old facility but I guess in a way I agree with your middle paragraph.

to me the "that" being the optimism and hope of my youth.

the desolate drive out old 9. your whole "bankroll" in your pocket. your "car" probably only about 3-1 to make it home. starting to come to grips with the fact that horseracing's probably going to be in your life forever.

nothing out old 9 until you get to a strip club, 7-11, and elementary school all grouped together. (only in wva) :rolleyes:

nothing more the rest of the way than a few miles of dusty road until you get to Charles town.

anyhow, are they gonna see if vic can handle the bullring or not? :eek:

If Vic can handle PA. Vic can handle anything. :cool:

ebcorde

11-17-2015, 04:06 PM

If Vic can handle PA. Vic can handle anything. :cool:
:lol:

funny subject, I don't critique Race callers, Pass/Fail they all get a pass.
I'm happy for them, making money doing what they love.

I do like the guys who repeat the same lines, that way I can call the race with them. Battaglia and the guy at Tampa. monotone voice "gaining ground".
and that's the first at TAM-PA.

ebcorde

11-17-2015, 04:21 PM

i'm pro-casino and can't say I miss the old facility but I guess in a way I agree with your middle paragraph.

to me the "that" being the optimism and hope of my youth.

the desolate drive out old 9. your whole "bankroll" in your pocket. your "car" probably only about 3-1 to make it home. starting to come to grips with the fact that horseracing's probably going to be in your life forever.

nothing out old 9 until you get to a strip club, 7-11, and elementary school all grouped together. (only in wva) :rolleyes:

nothing more the rest of the way than a few miles of dusty road until you get to Charles town.

anyhow, are they gonna see if vic can handle the bullring or not? :eek:

coming in from 270/70 to 340 over the bridges. It's the only place I can play the dogs.
Tri-State

GatetoWire

11-19-2015, 11:35 AM

Worst Announcers:

1. Grunder (sorry Vic, I know he is your friend but he's brutal)
2. Cernik (botched so many races)
3. Battaglia (gaining ground....the voice the style...uck)
4. Geller (just awful...voice is like nails on a chalkboard. Horrible)
5. Mark Johnston (he is gone from Churchill but I still get nausea when I hear him on UK feeds)

no breathalyzer

11-19-2015, 11:57 AM

Jonathan Horowitz by far my least favorite .. nothing personal but insta mute time

GatetoWire

11-20-2015, 10:16 AM

Here is an article about the Cernik dismissal and the search for a replacement.

http://www.theracingbiz.com/2015/11/19/jeff-cernik-out-at-charles-town-to-be-replaced-by-whom/

v j stauffer

11-20-2015, 01:34 PM

Does it get cold in West Va. in the winter? :confused:

Si2see

11-20-2015, 02:18 PM

Does it get cold in West Va. in the winter? :confused:

It sure isn't Gulfstream or Hollywood park weather :lol:

v j stauffer

11-20-2015, 02:19 PM

It sure isn't Gulfstream or Hollywood park weather :lol:

Rats!

SuperPickle

11-20-2015, 03:15 PM

Rats!

Hey Vic,

Assuming you are not applying can you offer any insight to what a position like this pays? Even a wide range?

I know Trevor and Larry are paid very well but I've always wonder what an announcer makes at a mid-tier track...

I know additional duties are often added like ml maker, analyst or administrative jobs but any insight would be appreciated.

v j stauffer

11-20-2015, 07:08 PM

Hey Vic,

Assuming you are not applying can you offer any insight to what a position like this pays? Even a wide range?

I know Trevor and Larry are paid very well but I've always wonder what an announcer makes at a mid-tier track...

I know additional duties are often added like ml maker, analyst or administrative jobs but any insight would be appreciated.

There really is no rhyme nor reason to it.

Some tracks understand the benefits of having a top notch professional in the booth.

Others think the announcer is meaningless and reluctantly fill the spot with whoever will work cheapest. Tacking on other jobs is totally cheesy as well. While I understand why guys agree to do it. I think tracks that want a handy man should log onto Angie's list.

While I have a very good idea of what most of our North American announcers make. There is NO CHANCE I would disrespect them by revealing personal information.

As for myself. At Hollywood Park my contract for the final 5 years called for right around $1300 per day. With a full benefit package and 401K.

v j stauffer

11-20-2015, 07:50 PM

http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/He-called-the-shots-and-the-races-5833759.php

no breathalyzer

11-20-2015, 08:06 PM

http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/He-called-the-shots-and-the-races-5833759.php

PAID LIKE THE BEST .. BECAUSE HE WAS THE BEST!.. HE COULD MAKE A BLIND MAN BELIEVE IN HIS MIND THAT HE CAN SEE CALLING A RACE

EMD4ME

11-20-2015, 08:14 PM

PAID LIKE THE BEST .. BECAUSE HE WAS THE BEST!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_UztDKvrtE

EMD4ME

11-20-2015, 08:15 PM

PAID LIKE THE BEST .. BECAUSE HE WAS THE BEST!.. HE COULD MAKE A BLIND MAN BELIEVE IN HIS MIND THAT HE CAN SEE CALLING A RACE

AND MAKE A DEAF MAN HEAR THE EXCITEMENT OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING!

Stillriledup

11-20-2015, 08:37 PM

PAID LIKE THE BEST .. BECAUSE HE WAS THE BEST!.. HE COULD MAKE A BLIND MAN BELIEVE IN HIS MIND THAT HE CAN SEE CALLING A RACE

Dare I say......

Underpaid.

There's really no price on Durkins voice, mere presence and the heart and soul he brought to the nyra races and the sport itself for a long time.

The best who's ever done something is hard to overpay.

Py8DFu6l0Iw

duncan04

11-20-2015, 11:40 PM

Back when I used to have time to play at night and played Charles Town on a fairly regular basis, he would botch calls almost every single night...

And by botch, I mean LONG PAUSES while he got his bearings...fumbling, stumbling calls...if he got names wrong, I never noticed as I was cringing too hard from all his stutters, stops and stumbles. It was a real train wreck at times, and I've posted about it every now and again through the years whenever his name came up on this board (which wasn't very often).

I RARELY IF EVER am critical of announcers. So for me to say he was my least favorite of all time kind of says something.

Woah people actually play or played Charles Town on a regular basis? :D

EMD4ME

11-21-2015, 01:38 AM

Woah people actually play or played Charles Town on a regular basis? :D

I hear ya :D

It was a fun place to play back 10-15 years ago. As long as you knew who the juicers were, you had a good shot.

I stopped back in 2004 or so. Shame....

Made a trip there 2 years ago, just bet simulcasting sadly.

Redbullsnation

11-22-2015, 02:42 AM

Welcome to the board Mrs Cernik. :D

A great thing about this sport is that there are so many great announcers to a point that you can barely point out the bad ones. I can't say that about...baseball. If Grundy is the worst announcer for this sport, it's not too bad is it??

Stillriledup

11-22-2015, 02:52 AM

A great thing about this sport is that there are so many great announcers to a point that you can barely point out the bad ones. I can't say that about...baseball. If Grundy is the worst announcer for this sport, it's not too bad is it??

Fair point, can't argue.

v j stauffer

11-23-2015, 12:40 AM

People tend to love whoever they were listening to when they fell in love with their sport.

Personally I had an embarrassment of riches growing up in LA.

Baseball: Vin Scully & Dick Enberg

Basketball: Chick Hearn

Hockey: Bob Miller

Horse Racing: Harry Henson & Dave Johnson

Boxing: Jimmy Lane

Roller Derby & Wrestling: Dick Lane " whoa nelly! "

When I went to call the races in Detroit I heard Ernie Harwell calling the Tiger's games.

I said I thought he was awful. Almost got the shit kicked out of me.

I expect similar situations have happened in Boston with Johnny Most & Tommy Heinsohn. I always thought they were insufferable screaming homers.

Point being. If you love racing you're probably going to defend your local guy.

IMO that's a great thing.

hacklimit

11-23-2015, 03:25 PM

.

Roller Derby & Wrestling: Dick Lane " whoa nelly! "

Go T'Birds!

ebcorde

11-23-2015, 04:09 PM

where the F is it?

Should always be there when Sunday/Monday night football is on. I need the NBC Sunday night football music "and all my rowdy friends are here on Monday night" Football and Horses on Sunday/Monday Night. Trumpet blaring
they picked the wrong time of the year to pull up the tent.
who are these idiots?

Sunday/Monday night they were the only game in town . I used to bet with the local bar bookies Horses and football back in the 80's,90's.

SuperPickle

11-23-2015, 04:31 PM

I expect similar situations have happened in Boston with Johnny Most & Tommy Heinsohn. I always thought they were insufferable screaming homers.

Sounds like a man who doesn't want any Tommy points...

EMD4ME

11-23-2015, 06:08 PM

Saratoga_Mike

11-23-2015, 06:36 PM

As for myself. At Hollywood Park my contract for the final 5 years called for right around $1300 per day. With a full benefit package and 401K.

...suspect CT is more like $1,300/week

EMD4ME

11-23-2015, 06:40 PM

...suspect CT is more like $1,300/week

But cost of living is much cheaper there :)

Vic, you should go to Chucktown! You'll have time to play Derby Wars during the day as well.

Heck if you're bored of DW you can take some action in, in their poker room.

proximity

11-23-2015, 07:26 PM

But cost of living is much cheaper there :)

Vic, you should go to Chucktown! You'll have time to play Derby Wars during the day as well.

Heck if you're bored of DW you can take some action in, in their poker room.

idk if this would be allowed at ct or not? :confused:

EMD4ME

11-23-2015, 07:29 PM

idk if this would be allowed at ct or not? :confused:

I just want to see him back in action. I'm doing all that I can captain :lol: :lol: :lol:

Stillriledup

11-23-2015, 07:36 PM

But cost of living is much cheaper there :)

Vic, you should go to Chucktown! You'll have time to play Derby Wars during the day as well.

Heck if you're bored of DW you can take some action in, in their poker room.

If they had bozo the clown calling races there it's not likely they would be interested in a top tier announcer like Vic, but I guess anything is possible.

Peter Berry

11-23-2015, 08:57 PM

...suspect CT is more like $1,300/week
The new Charles Town announcer will also produce the morning line and write press releases, et al.

Milkshaker

11-23-2015, 09:29 PM

These are included in the essential parts of the CT announcer's job requirements, as per the advert posted on indeed.com, which redirects to Penn Gaming: https://careers-pngaming.icims.com/jobs/28850/announcer/job?in_iframe=1&mode=job&iis=Job+Board+-+Indeed.com&iisn=Indeed.com

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent. Ability to accurately calculate figures and amounts and perform mathematical functions applicable to business needs. Must have thorough knowledge of handicapping as it relates to the establishment of odds for individual races and combinations thereof.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret a variety of technical and mathematical formulas. Ability to interpret and follow through on a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions