Kurt Becker at Belmont Park

[Figman]

Kurt Becker, the only race-caller in Keeneland history, will substitute at Belmont Park for Tom Durkin during the weeks of the Derby and Preakness. Becker has called at Arlington Park, Hawthorne Racecourse, and Churchill Downs including the Kentucky Derby in 1997 and 1998. But primarily because he wanted to pursue a radio career in auto racing, he quit everywhere but Keeneland. Becker will call the Belmont races May 1-4 and 15-18 while Durkin attends to his duties with NBC Sports. Where is John Imbriale?

[LottaKash]

In NYRA.......Does anyone remember Fred Capocella ?.......

That was a very long time ago 60/70's.......He had a very unique voice and a great way of telling the running story....

[Tape Reader]

Coincidence!
I met a relative of the late Fred Capossella the other day. Those were the days when one couldn't get a seat at Aqueduct.
His signature for the Big Race on Saturday was: As many in the crowd of 63,514 get closer to the rail, that means one thing: IT IS NOW POST TIME.

[samyn on the green]

Good news, he is a talented caller.

[joanied]

You bet...he was :ThmbUp: outstanding, his calls and his voice... and someone (Tapereader) also remembers those good old days when the Grandstand at the Big A was filled with people...Belmont too...on WEEKDAYS!!!

[posttime]

Do you remember 'Yes the crowd of 20,000 gets closer to the rail and that means one thing it is now post time'. Fred was the greatest.

[NY BRED]

funny, the guy retired, made a sad farewell speech and still returned

A nice guy, but simply doesn't have the pizazz of Durkin
or the late(and greatest) "Cappy"...


Still hoping NYRA would allow Harvey Pack to call a race or two
Based on his Charisma and Damon Runyon aura.:cool:

[SaratogaSteve]

Whatever happened to Frank Dwyer...?

[joanied]

NYbred...
I agree with you about Durkin...love his calls....pizazz!!!

[asH]

Why cant it be a permanent change? Listen to Durkin with closed eyes , then watch the race, 2 different races...there was a time before video simulcast, his calls would piss everyone at the local parlor. Not one for theatrics;big on accuracy