The widespread scramble for race callers

[grandstander21]

Ever since Tim Durkin has retired, there has been a massive nationwide shift in race caller from track to track. Now, I may be exaggerating this, but it's just my perspective. Let's look at what happened since his retirement.

1. Once Durkin retired, NYRA substitute race caller John Imbriale stepped up to call the remainder of the 2014 Saratoga race meet as well as Belmont's Fall Championship meet and Aqueduct's Fall/Winter meet. Later, it was announced that Larry Collmus has been named the new voice of the NYRA tracks. He started in April of this year.

2. In April 2014, Larry Collmus was also the temporary race caller for Churchill Downs and was only there for a year. He replaced British race caller Mark Johnson for unknown reasons. After the year contract, Travis Stone, the original voice of Louisiana Downs, was named the new announcer of Churchill in 2015.

3. In addition to Churchill, Stone also served as the temporary voice of Monmouth Park in 2014 due to the absence of Collmus. With him now being at Churchill, Stone has been replaced by Frank Miramahdi.

4. Dan Louiselle, Woodbine's former race caller, recently retired in early 2015. It was announced that his successor would be Robert Geller, the Australian and original race caller for Emerald Downs.

5. Trevor Denman, the long time voice of Santa Anita, has retired from the track. However, he still continues to serve as the voice of Del Mar. The aforementioned Frank Miramahdi has taken his place.

There have been many race callers migrating for track to track in the past 2 years. It's so bizarre. I was unhappy with some of the choices, but what do you guys think?

[Mr. Chubby]

Race calling tends to be a pretty migratory position as a whole. If you look at the resume of most any racecaller you'll often find more than a stop or two (or 5) along the way. I think that lengthy runs for Durkin, Denman, Loiselle, and Wallace all concluding within 18 months is really the aberration here.

As far as not being happy with some of the choices ... well this could devolve into the "worst announcer thread" pretty quickly. However, I am very happy that the recent moves have allowed young callers like Travis Stone and Pete Aiello to land jobs on major circuits and new blood like Matt Dinerman and Paul Martinez into full-time gigs also.

[Stillriledup]

Ever since Tim Durkin has retired, there has been a massive nationwide shift in race caller from track to track. Now, I may be exaggerating this, but it's just my perspective. Let's look at what happened since his retirement.

1. Once Durkin retired, NYRA substitute race caller John Imbriale stepped up to call the remainder of the 2014 Saratoga race meet as well as Belmont's Fall Championship meet and Aqueduct's Fall/Winter meet. Later, it was announced that Larry Collmus has been named the new voice of the NYRA tracks. He started in April of this year.

2. In April 2014, Larry Collmus was also the temporary race caller for Churchill Downs and was only there for a year. He replaced British race caller Mark Johnson for unknown reasons. After the year contract, Travis Stone, the original voice of Louisiana Downs, was named the new announcer of Churchill in 2015.

3. In addition to Churchill, Stone also served as the temporary voice of Monmouth Park in 2014 due to the absence of Collmus. With him now being at Churchill, Stone has been replaced by Frank Miramahdi.

4. Dan Louiselle, Woodbine's former race caller, recently retired in early 2015. It was announced that his successor would be Robert Geller, the Australian and original race caller for Emerald Downs.

5. Trevor Denman, the long time voice of Santa Anita, has retired from the track. However, he still continues to serve as the voice of Del Mar. The aforementioned Frank Miramahdi has taken his place.

There have been many race callers migrating for track to track in the past 2 years. It's so bizarre. I was unhappy with some of the choices, but what do you guys think?

People are going to be super excited to hear Trevor at DMR.

[grandstander21]

As far as not being happy with some of the choices ... well this could devolve into the "worst announcer thread" pretty quickly.

The only choices I was unhappy with were Frank Miramahdi at Monmouth and Travis Stone at Churchill.

I didn't think Miramahdi was the right choice for Monmouth. IMO I think he's more of a West coast race caller than an East coast one. In fact, because he grew up in California, he was influenced by Denman's calls as a kid.

Travis Stone should have stayed at Monmouth. He was doing a great job there. Plus, I have no idea why Mark Johnson was let go from Churchill. He was pretty good to me.

[ebcorde]

who at Churchill. That guy called a 5k claimer like it was the thriller from Manila

[Stillriledup]

who at Churchill. That guy called a 5k claimer like it was the thriller from Manila

Read post 45 in the 'which announcers overcall a cheap race ' thread. :jump:

[ebcorde]

Read post 45 in the 'which announcers overcall a cheap race ' thread. :jump:
I will. try.

once you're used to a race caller, that's it.


I have noticed Wrona sounds a little more exciting at SA than he did at MNR.

is Wrona the full-time race caller or is this some kind of test?

[Mandrake]

Let's not forget salary. Many of the moves might not only be for unselfish reasons. I think Imbreale is solid as they come. I heard he is a real family guy and likes his gig the way it is.

[azeri98]

who at Churchill. That guy called a 5k claimer like it was the thriller from Manila
Agree way too loud and hyper for every race.

[azeri98]

I miss Loiselle at Woodbine. I don't like Geller, maybe I just have to get used to him.

[EMD4ME]

I miss Loiselle at Woodbine. I don't like Geller, maybe I just have to get used to him.

Funny you say that. After Tom Durkin, Geller is my 2nd favorite announcer. Took me awhile to adjust to the accent but he is SHARP, exciting and SPOT ON.

I MISS HIM AT EMD.

On another note, hate to bash but I really miss Jballscalls at Portland.

His replacement shouldn't be allowed to speak on a telephone, never mind a racetrack. He sounds as if he has both of his fingers attached to his nostrils, squeezing for dear life in an attempt to sound like a congested operator from 1942.

No offense but you couldn't sound worse than him. Gunder sounds awesome compared to him. He is the first and I mean the FIRST announcer EVER in my 35 years of loving this game, who has forced me to mute a race.

[rrpic6]

I will. try.

once you're used to a race caller, that's it.


I have noticed Wrona sounds a little more exciting at SA than he did at MNR.

is Wrona the full-time race caller or is this some kind of test?

Wrona calls at Golden Gate not The Mountain. That's Peter Berry. Peter is spending the Winter at lovely Buffalo Raceway calling buggies.

RR

[Mandrake]

Dooley has to have the best gig. Chicago in the summer and New Orleans in the winter. He must have pictures.

[HalvOnHorseracing]

The reason Denman was such a great caller was because he could give you what was happening in the race. He was more than just a "gap of two" guy. He would tell you which horse was moving well, which was struggling. Denman was masterful at reading a horse, and he could see horses on the turn that were going to be factors at the end. The first announcer in my racing career was Fred Capossela, and in NY he was as revered as Durkin. But as I heard some of the modern announcers I realized Capossela mostly limited himself to running position and lengths ahead/behind. Listen to Capossela call Jaipur and Ridan in the Travers and then imagine what Durkin or Denman would have done. Durkin and Denman were both extraordinary about pronunciation, and the best race callers are also clear speakers, and doing that and keeping a rhythm is extremely difficult. Collmus has the same skill set as the great announcers. Travis Stone deserves to see his star rise. John Imbriale has an obvious New York accent which may make him the best fit at NYRA, but he is a competent caller. If I'm going to favor an announcer, it is someone who has great diction without overpronouncing, a good vocal tone, great modulation, accurate description of positions, an idea of which is moving well and which is struggling, good catch phrases that fit the situation (moving like a winner) without sounding contrived, an ego where they know the horses are the show - not them, and the right dose of excitement. The great ones rise to the top because they do those things and sound perfectly natural when they do.

[Tall One]

That's Peter Berry. Peter is spending the Winter at lovely Buffalo Raceway calling buggies.

RR


Caught a few of his races the other night. He's doing a great job up there.

[Mandrake]

If you are a Freddie guy, then do you remember Bob Weems at Monmouth. He was good, no nonsense. Ah, Monmouth in the old days, Craig Perret, Eddie D., James Edwards, Don Brumfield, Walter Blum, Mickey Solomone, Vince Bracciale. Even Jacinto Vasquez and Jorge Velasquez rode there. Che, sera, sera.

[Track Phantom]

Funny you say that. After Tom Durkin, Geller is my 2nd favorite announcer. Took me awhile to adjust to the accent but he is SHARP, exciting and SPOT ON.

I MISS HIM AT EMD.

On another note, hate to bash but I really miss Jballscalls at Portland.

His replacement shouldn't be allowed to speak on a telephone, never mind a racetrack. He sounds as if he has both of his fingers attached to his nostrils, squeezing for dear life in an attempt to sound like a congested operator from 1942.

No offense but you couldn't sound worse than him. Gunder sounds awesome compared to him. He is the first and I mean the FIRST announcer EVER in my 35 years of loving this game, who has forced me to mute a race.
When I heard it for the first time I thought it was a skit, or the sound was going haywire on my TV. I'm sure he'll come along and don't want to be harsh but...whew!

[banacek]

No offense but you couldn't sound worse than him.

No offense? :lol:

[Track Phantom]

No offense? :lol:
Blatant offense! :)

[Peter Berry]

I have noticed Wrona sounds a little more exciting at SA than he did at MNR.

You have a great memory. Wrona did, in fact, sound a little flat in the lone race he called at Mountaineer in 2004.

[Stillriledup]

If you are a Freddie guy, then do you remember Bob Weems at Monmouth. He was good, no nonsense. Ah, Monmouth in the old days, Craig Perret, Eddie D., James Edwards, Don Brumfield, Walter Blum, Mickey Solomone, Vince Bracciale. Even Jacinto Vasquez and Jorge Velasquez rode there. Che, sera, sera.

You forgot Nick Santagata. :ThmbUp:

[NorCalGreg]

Funny you say that. After Tom Durkin, Geller is my 2nd favorite announcer. Took me awhile to adjust to the accent but he is SHARP, exciting and SPOT ON.

I MISS HIM AT EMD.

On another note, hate to bash but I really miss Jballscalls at Portland.

His replacement shouldn't be allowed to speak on a telephone, never mind a racetrack. He sounds as if he has both of his fingers attached to his nostrils, squeezing for dear life in an attempt to sound like a congested operator from 1942.

No offense but you couldn't sound worse than him. Gunder sounds awesome compared to him. He is the first and I mean the FIRST announcer EVER in my 35 years of loving this game, who has forced me to mute a race.

I almost never listen to the race calls, but since Portland was almost the only game in the country Tuesday, I bet a couple later races, and watched/listened.
My God, EMD...you aren't kidding! I came on in the 7th race, and first thing I noticed was how bad the track announcer was. There was a horse in the race ALPINE HEIR Everyone whose 1st LANGUAGE IS ENGLISH knows "heir" is pronounced "air" the H is silent.

Well apparently not this guy--he kept saying ALPINE HAIR...and the horse figured prominently until the end, so he said the name several times.

This seems nit-picking, but actually it's just an example. It was like the regular announcer had to make an emergency run to the restroom, and asked a passer-by if he wouldn't mind calling the race.
I turned the sound off after that. I actually won the 8th, but watched in silence.

[HalvOnHorseracing]

If you are a Freddie guy, then do you remember Bob Weems at Monmouth. He was good, no nonsense. Ah, Monmouth in the old days, Craig Perret, Eddie D., James Edwards, Don Brumfield, Walter Blum, Mickey Solomone, Vince Bracciale. Even Jacinto Vasquez and Jorge Velasquez rode there. Che, sera, sera.
Bob Weems had the best gig in racing.He was the caller for Turf Paradise in the winter, spent summers at the Jersey Shore. He had a solid style.

[EMD4ME]

I liked Bob Weems.

I'll never fortget the echo at Monmouth Park.

They're off...They're off....They're off...They're off.....


And after the prior race would go official he would start out by saying: The 5th race aaaan exaaaacta race at Siiiiix Furlooongs. It wasn't an allowance race, it wasn't a claimer, it was either an exacta race or the DD race etc.

[EMD4ME]

You forgot Nick Santagata. :ThmbUp:

And Herb Mccauley :ThmbUp:

[EMD4ME]

I almost never listen to the race calls, but since Portland was almost the only game in the country Tuesday, I bet a couple later races, and watched/listened.
My God, EMD...you aren't kidding! I came on in the 7th race, and first thing I noticed was how bad the track announcer was. There was a horse in the race ALPINE HEIR Everyone whose 1st LANGUAGE IS ENGLISH knows "heir" is pronounced "air" the H is silent.

Well apparently not this guy--he kept saying ALPINE HAIR...and the horse figured prominently until the end, so he said the name several times.

This seems nit-picking, but actually it's just an example. It was like the regular announcer had to make an emergency run to the restroom, and asked a passer-by if he wouldn't mind calling the race.
I turned the sound off after that. I actually won the 8th, but watched in silence.

Now I feel bad..... :(

In his defense, he did do a decent impersonation of Trevor Denman a week ago. He sounded much better than himself. Maybe he just needs to "settle" in to his own personality?

[Mandrake]

And don't forget Mike Micelli, who now trains, Don MacBeth, and Rick Wilson, rider of Safely Kept. I unfortunately happened to be at Monmouth the day Rick Wilson suffered his horrible accident, the one that I think ended his career. They actually cancelled the race mid race because they couldn't move him off the track.

[Mandrake]

Speaking of horse's names, there was a horse who ran at Turf Paradise, I think, named Sky Hoof Hearted. Whoever the race caller was at the time was actually laughing out loud every time he said the name.

[ebcorde]

You have a great memory. Wrona did, in fact, sound a little flat in the lone race he called at Mountaineer in 2004.


my bad.

He sounds identical to the MNR caller (which is YOU!!!!!!!) and they're not racing soo ... I just thought :)

sorry about that, you should tell everyone who you are like' " good evening Ladies, Gents , I'm Peter Berry your race caller tonight for a wonderful evening at THE MOUNTAIN"

[johnhannibalsmith]

...

On another note, hate to bash but...
His replacement shouldn't be allowed to speak on a telephone, never mind a racetrack...

Yeah, I love to bash but try not to except in those cases where it is almost impossible to restrain and now you've done it to me.

I hear that going on TVG and all I can think about is that this must be what charlie brown's teacher sounded like to those students that could translate it into words.

[upthecreek]

I've always wondered hen they travel around and call different meets ,where do they stay? For example Frank M is from Ca and I assume has a residence, does he have to rent a place near Mth or does the track put him up?

[Donttellmeshowme#2]

Heard Peter Berry calling harness races last week

[EMD4ME]

OMG, I FEEL SO BAD.

The Portland feed has had 10 races run and I believe all of them are in DEAD silence (Like KEE used to do). I would hate to think someone read my critique of him and let him go.

I hope they're just having some technical issues....Or he's just off today.

[jballscalls]

OMG, I FEEL SO BAD.

The Portland feed has had 10 races run and I believe all of them are in DEAD silence (Like KEE used to do). I would hate to think someone read my critique of him and let him go.

I hope they're just having some technical issues....Or he's just off today.

nobody reads anyone here's posts and makes staffing decisions based on it LOL

The main announcer had an accident and couldn't come out and they couldn't find a backup.

[EMD4ME]

nobody reads anyone here's posts and makes staffing decisions based on it LOL

The main announcer had an accident and couldn't come out and they couldn't find a backup.


Whewww.....

By the way, I miss YOU at Portland. YOU ARE PORTLAND !!!!

[jballscalls]

I've always wondered hen they travel around and call different meets ,where do they stay? For example Frank M is from Ca and I assume has a residence, does he have to rent a place near Mth or does the track put him up?

it depends. If it's a long meet usually you have to find your own place. Short meets they will often put you up or give you a stipend to be in an extended stay or something.

[jballscalls]

Whewww.....

By the way, I miss YOU at Portland. YOU ARE PORTLAND !!!!

I loved my time there but happy to be where I am now.

[thaskalos]

OMG, I FEEL SO BAD.

The Portland feed has had 10 races run and I believe all of them are in DEAD silence (Like KEE used to do). I would hate to think someone read my critique of him and let him go.

I hope they're just having some technical issues....Or he's just off today.

The silence was a vast improvement. :ThmbUp:

[kingfin66]

I loved my time there but happy to be where I am now.

And that is where...?

I was home a couple of weeks ago and watched/listened to TVG. PM was one of the few tracks running on that day. I immediately noticed that it was definitely not you on the call. People can be brutal on race callers, but this guy has some improvements to make. PM is not nearly a premier track and is likely a stepping stone job, but still. You are definitely missed!

[EMD4ME]

The silence was a vast improvement. :ThmbUp:

:lol: :lol: :lol: Oh Thask.....you're tempting me.....AND HERE SHE BLOWS...


I was watching a replay of his....As they crossed the wire, he said "and so and so wins THE RACE 15".

Who says WINS THE RACE 15??? :bang:

I could see the use of the word "THE" if it's the Kentucky Derby, BCC etc but THE RACE 15? :lol:

[jballscalls]

And that is where...?

I was home a couple of weeks ago and watched/listened to TVG. PM was one of the few tracks running on that day. I immediately noticed that it was definitely not you on the call. People can be brutal on race callers, but this guy has some improvements to make. PM is not nearly a premier track and is likely a stepping stone job, but still. You are definitely missed!

https://www.betamerica.com/extra/betamerica-radio-network/

Also you might get a kick out of this song parody I did for one of the shows. Doing lots of fun stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajlJAw-rvJ4

[SG4]

Also you might get a kick out of this song parody I did for one of the shows. Doing lots of fun stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajlJAw-rvJ4

:ThmbUp: Don't know if I should be happy or scared to know there are minds functioning out there on my same wavelength lol. Nice job!

[johnhannibalsmith]

:ThmbUp: Don't know if I should be happy or scared to know there are minds functioning out there on my same wavelength lol. Nice job!

You should be happy that there are minds functioning on a wavelength different from the same wavelength that everyone else in the business is functioning on. A little fun that doesn't involve goofy hats, doesn't distract from the product, and use of this thing called YouTube that a few people outside of the biz know about - it can only be a positive since there is no downside. Finding ways to make racing fun again without cigars, one small step for man, one giant leap of perspective for old men.

Good job Jason.

[jballscalls]

Whewww.....

By the way, I miss YOU at Portland. YOU ARE PORTLAND !!!!

Hope you watched today then :) Well at least the last half of the card. First half took a while to shake the rust off!

[EMD4ME]

Hope you watched today then :) Well at least the last half of the card. First half took a while to shake the rust off!

I did, I had $3 bucks on the pick 4 (half of the 6 bucks on the winning ticket LOL).

I had my earphones plugged up high! It was a pleasure to hear the "old" voice back in town.

AND The RAAAAAACE IIIIISSS OOOOOOOOOOONNNN

You are a natural, gate to wire!

[MonmouthParkJoe]

Jason I enjoyed reading the book southbound, very good and I recommend it

[EMD4ME]

Why is the Tampa Bay Announcer thread locked? Were there messages deleted that caused some sort of problem?

[Stillriledup]

Why is the Tampa Bay Announcer thread locked? Were there messages deleted that caused some sort of problem?

I agree. It's bush league to lock that, it's really 'soft' no reason to lock it.

[andtheyreoff]

I agree. It's bush league to lock that, it's really 'soft' no reason to lock it.

Because how many pages of "hey guys, this announcer made a mistake!" do we need?

[upthecreek]

Why is the Tampa Bay Announcer thread locked? Were there messages deleted that caused some sort of problem?
Probably because I posted yesterday that Grunder called the winner @22-1 a "minor" upset over a 1/2 fav.,made me shake my head I guess PA thought it was petty or something

[PaceAdvantage]

Probably because I posted yesterday that Grunder called the winner @22-1 a "minor" upset over a 1/2 fav.,made me shake my head I guess PA thought it was petty or somethingYa ****in think?

Some of you lately make me question just how low some people will go just to get their kicks on here. I mean, I thought I had seen it all...this one was a bit subtle I will admit, but to think that someone would expend energy and thought to create the post that ultimately led to the thread being closed is mind blowing...you really had nothing else better to do then to bash him for THAT?

[PaceAdvantage]

I agree. It's bush league to lock that, it's really 'soft' no reason to lock it.Let me go rush to open it back up then.

[upthecreek]

Ya ****in think?

Some of you lately make me question just how low some people will go just to get their kicks on here. I mean, I thought I had seen it all...this one was a bit subtle I will admit, but to think that someone would expend energy and thought to create the post that ultimately led to the thread being closed is mind blowing...you really had nothing else better to do then to bash him for THAT?
I don't post to get my kicks I usually post only if I have something to contribute, but that just irritated me for some reason,sorry for getting caught up in the moment

[PaceAdvantage]

I don't post to get my kicks I usually post only if I have something to contribute, but that just irritated me for some reason,sorry for getting caught up in the momentLike I said via PM just now, no big deal, and I apologize for making you my target here when you didn't really deserve it...

I'll post publicly what I just wrote you privately:

Your post wasn't bad necessarily, but it just seemed awfully petty...and in a thread where Grunder has been pummeled unmercifully for something like two years or more, it just seemed like enough already...time to shut this down.

What really pissed me off was EMD and SRU questioning/criticizing me for closing it...seriously? Like they don't get their fill criticizing EVERYTHING in racing, they need that particular thread to stay open?

[no breathalyzer]

I don't post to get my kicks I usually post only if I have something to contribute, but that just irritated me for some reason,sorry for getting caught up in the moment

:lol: :lol: :lol: honestly it irritated me too.. i was going to comment myself but thread was already locked... overall i like the Tampa race caller and hes not perfect but does take way too much shit here

[Stillriledup]

:lol: :lol: :lol: honestly it irritated me too.. i was going to comment myself but thread was already locked... overall i like the Tampa race caller and hes not perfect but does take way too much shit here

It's only taking shit if the constructive criticism isn't accurate. If the guy makes a mistake and gets called out, that's just par for the course. Locking the thread suggests some people are above criticism. Richard Grunder is now Teflon at PA.