Tom Durkin question...

[Hajck Hillstrom]

A friend of mine and I were talking a couple of weeks ago about Tom Durkin and we were both in agreement that the outstanding calls we had grown accustomed to had fallen off as of late. It almost sounds as if he is phoning it in at times. Today I heard him make an announcement that NASCAR legend Geoff BoDEAN was signing autographs at the Spa. Now, I'm no NASCAR fan, but even I know that his name is pronounced BoDYN, just as it is spelled, Bodine. It is strange to hear one introduce one with "legendary" status and then mispronounce his name.

Don't get me wrong, as I'm not criticizing, his calls are still better than most, but perhaps he had merely set the bar so high that it was impossible to maintain that level of enthusiasm forever.

Are my friend and I alone in this observation, or has anyone else noticed something amiss as of late?

[JeremyJet]

Are my friend and I alone in this observation, or has anyone else noticed something amiss as of late?

No, i'm with you on this. His calls suck, IMHO. What's Marshall Cassidy doing these days? ;)

Next to Trevor, John G. Dooley at Arlington Park might be the best out there.

JeremyJet

[v j stauffer]

22 Breeders Cups and 1000's of memories and we get his calls suck.

Me thinks that opinion sucks.

But respect your right to share it.

[ryesteve]

Haven't there been at least 3 different threads in the past month about recent Durkin calls that people particularly enjoyed?

[46zilzal]

Calling race ACCURATELY is tough, calling them as entertainment requires imagination and a strong command of the English language.

DURKIN has mastered BOTH well

[Wickel]

How 'bout a few weeks ago when he called "Maurakalana" instead of "Mauralakana." Did anyone catch that?

[RichieP]

Once in a while he seems to breathe a bit heavy to me when calling. Concerns me because he is such a big man.

Having said that he is still the best there is. His operatic call a while back was classic!!!

:ThmbUp::ThmbUp::ThmbUp:

[JeremyJet]

How 'bout a few weeks ago when he called "Maurakalana" instead of "Mauralakana." Did anyone catch that?

:eek:

Hey, Vic, I never said [all] his calls suck. I'm just saying that [at this point in time] he's not what he used to be. [Suck] is kind of harsh, I agree, but I went with it.

You miss Arlington, Vic? Did that [weeping willow] get in your way when calling a race? ;)

JeremyJet

[46zilzal]

How 'bout a few weeks ago when he called "Maurakalana" instead of "Mauralakana." Did anyone catch that?
????????

That is not an easy call no matter how you pronounce it.

[cj's dad]

How 'bout a few weeks ago when he called "Maurakalana" instead of "Mauralakana." Did anyone catch that?

No- what is your point ?? If thats the worst an announcer does, so what?

[Hajck Hillstrom]

Once in a while he seems to breathe a bit heavy to me when calling. Concerns me because he is such a big man.Youthful enthusiasm often gives way to journeyman experience, but as I get older I find the world leaning precariously to youthful enthusiasm. To paraphrase Vic, "thousands of memorable calls" have built a strong pedistal in which to operate from, and if the masses don't dectect something awry, then by all means Mr. Durkin should indeed carry on the path he has paved.

I've listened to many race calls over the years.... not as many as some, but more than most. My friend and I made our observation out of concern. I sincerely hope that it is a serious case of New York racing overload on our part and not a serious harbinger.

[Marshall Bennett]

Durkin is top notch . Doesn't get any better . :ThmbUp:

[point given]

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr :kiss:

What other race caller would/could ever perform such a call and carry it off with aplomb ?

[BUD]

A friend of mine and I were talking a couple of weeks ago about Tom Durkin and we were both in agreement that the outstanding calls we had grown accustomed to had fallen off as of late. It almost sounds as if he is phoning it in at times. Today I heard him make an announcement that NASCAR legend Geoff BoDEAN was signing autographs at the Spa. Now, I'm no NASCAR fan, but even I know that his name is pronounced BoDYN, just as it is spelled, Bodine. It is strange to hear one introduce one with "legendary" status and then mispronounce his name.

Don't get me wrong, as I'm not criticizing, his calls are still better than most, but perhaps he had merely set the bar so high that it was impossible to maintain that level of enthusiasm forever.

Are my friend and I alone in this observation, or has anyone else noticed something amiss as of late?

I guess my only objection with this is calling Geoff a legend......Being a life long NASCAR guy.....He is a good guy....a local guy...Legend? No.........................BTW.......I enjoy Mr Durkin....

[big frank]

anyone that is going to nitpick Durkins calls is nuts ! Durkin is the best i have heard with Trevor D , Vic S , Luke K [ rest in peace] right there with him. When Durkin retires maybe some people will see how great he is and was.

[The Hawk]

22 Breeders Cups and 1000's of memories and we get his calls suck.

Me thinks that opinion sucks.

But respect your right to share it.

Dave Johnson was once considered the best announcer in the country, did all the big races. His calls now suck.

Johnson's ego (his insistence on getting his trademark call into the race cause him to completely screw up the stretch run) is a big reason for his demise as a racecaller, and Durkin seems to be going down the same path. Like Johnson, he's becoming a caricature of himself.

[sandpit]

Durkin on his worst day is better than most on their best. His call of the 1987 BC Classic still is my all-time favorite: "...and the two Derby winners hit the wire together!"

Point on Dave Johnson well-noted...have listened to dozens of his big-race calls on youtube, and many of them have horribly long gaps during the call of the race.

VJS: best of luck if you are shooting for the job at CD; whomever gets the gig will have to follow a great guy.

[xtb]

Today I heard him make an announcement that NASCAR legend Geoff BoDEAN was signing autographs at the Spa. Now, I'm no NASCAR fan, but even I know that his name is pronounced BoDYN, just as it is spelled, Bodine. It is strange to hear one introduce one with "legendary" status and then mispronounce his name.



He must be a Beverly Hillbillies fan, Jethro Bodine was pronounced "BoDeen".

[JustRalph]

I guess my only objection with this is calling Geoff a legend......Being a life long NASCAR guy.....He is a good guy....a local guy...Legend? No.........................BTW.......I enjoy Mr Durkin....


Durkin is a legend. So he got one name wrong......... ?? come on......???


Bodine might not be a legend. But he did pretty well. I used to cheer for him. He used to give ole Ironhead hell...........


Cup career highlights
Geoff has driven for some of the best car owners in NASCAR, including Junior Johnson, Bud Moore and Rick Hendrick as well as owning his own cars. He has 565 starts, 37 poles, 18 wins, and nearly $16 million in winnings during his Winston Cup/Nextel Cup career. He was honored as one of "NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers" during NASCAR's 50th anniversary celebration. Bodine has always been a great innovator and brought many ideas to Winston Cup. He introduced power steering and full-faced helmets to Winston Cup. He was also the last driver to win a race and lap the field, in the fall 1994 race at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

There are a whole lot of so called "stars" out there now who wish they had 18 wins.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoff_Bodine

[BombsAway Bob]

I'm certainly not going to nit-pik particular race calls, but personally I thought Tom has made an effort to be a little more exuberant this Saratoga meeting. Small fields, big margins between horses in races run, & dark,ominous conditions, however, aren't exactly the scenario for classic racecalls. Father Time's ticking, but Timex Watches (& Tom) can take a licking!
To me, less is more in a racecall. Suffolk Downs recently had "Jim Hannon Day" at the track, allowing the longtime New England racecaller the opportunity to take the mike for a couple races. The races Jim called were his vintage 50's-60's racecalling style, in my opinion. Chills ran down my spine As the horses worked their way around the turn & Jim bellowed his trademark, "..& They Pass Beechmont". :jump:
I think TVG/HRTV allows racing fans the chance to really listen to the subtlties of individual track callers. At a Casino, OTB, or even a track running live, multiple races are broadcast concurrently on 140 individual TV monitors. :bang:

[TravisVOX]

I think you'd be hard-pressed to find someone out there who could top...

"Easy Goer with one... final... acceleration"

-or-

"A quarter-mile between Cigar, and a perfect season"

-or-

"The two Derby winners, hit the wire together"

etc.

[BUD]

Durkin is a legend. So he got one name wrong......... ?? come on......???


Bodine might not be a legend. But he did pretty well. I used to cheer for him. He used to give ole Ironhead hell...........


Cup career highlights
Geoff has driven for some of the best car owners in NASCAR, including Junior Johnson, Bud Moore and Rick Hendrick as well as owning his own cars. He has 565 starts, 37 poles, 18 wins, and nearly $16 million in winnings during his Winston Cup/Nextel Cup career. He was honored as one of "NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers" during NASCAR's 50th anniversary celebration. Bodine has always been a great innovator and brought many ideas to Winston Cup. He introduced power steering and full-faced helmets to Winston Cup. He was also the last driver to win a race and lap the field, in the fall 1994 race at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

There are a whole lot of so called "stars" out there now who wish they had 18 wins.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoff_Bodine

Ralph....That was more of an inside joke with someone here sorry......before long i bet you tell me Ned & Dale Jarrett are legends.....kidding...

yes i am aware of Geoffs accomplishments and personally he is a good guy...

[3george3]

Durkin is great, but lately it seems his calls have lacked a certain energy. One of the great things about this game is that even a 41/2 furlong race with 6 $5k claimers can feature a thrilling stretch duel or charge from the back of the pack and a good race caller can capture that emotion for those of us watching on TV. Lately, Durkin has been putting me to sleep with some of his calls from the Spa.

[The Hawk]

I think you'd be hard-pressed to find someone out there who could top...

"Easy Goer with one... final... acceleration"

-or-

"A quarter-mile between Cigar, and a perfect season"

-or-

"The two Derby winners, hit the wire together"

etc.

I think this makes the point...I think these calls are all from 10 years ago, at least. Today's version is not your father's Durkin.

[46zilzal]

I think this makes the point...I think these calls are all from 10 years ago, at least. Today's version is not your father's Durkin.
Durkin will go down in history with the classic callers of all time: Henson, Joe Hernandez, Marhsall Cassidy etc. no matter who has no concept of historical perspective.

Got to love the Johnny Come Lately's of the world who have it all figured out with only a modicum of experience.

The one Richie presents below was only two weeks ago...right after the Arrrrrrr call.

[RichieP]

I think you'd be hard-pressed to find someone out there who could top...

"Easy Goer with one... final... acceleration"

-or-

"A quarter-mile between Cigar, and a perfect season"

-or-

"The two Derby winners, hit the wire together"

etc.

Do Ray Me Fa So La Tee Dohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh :ThmbUp::ThmbUp:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a3sdADaf5U

T.D. is the Best!!

[TravisVOX]

I think this makes the point...I think these calls are all from 10 years ago, at least. Today's version is not your father's Durkin.

Or from more recent memory...

"Here is Street Sense, a stretch running sensation!"

"It's a filly in the Belmont!

"No one's been close to Big Brown"

I understand people won't like certain calls or callers. Durkin's excitement and enthusiasm is part why I am doing what I do today.

[ezrabrooks]

I think you'd be hard-pressed to find someone out there who could top...

"Easy Goer with one... final... acceleration"

-or-

"A quarter-mile between Cigar, and a perfect season"

-or-

"The two Derby winners, hit the wire together"

etc.

"Its a Photo that doesn't deserve a loser" 2002 Test.. Still one of my favorite calls of all time..

[1st time lasix]

Durkin = "Da best"

[BUD]

Or from more recent memory...

"Here is Street Sense, a stretch running sensation!"

"It's a filly in the Belmont!

"No one's been close to Big Brown"

I understand people won't like certain calls or callers. Durkin's excitement and enthusiasm is part why I am doing what I do today.

Wow! Your the announcer at Louisiana Downs?

The other night I was telling the wife how much I enjoyed watching that track and I was thinking about getting into the action there.....I'm a newbie so this is my 1st year seeing that track......Man...Your calls are fabulous the track is beautiful and the races exciting......

Hey great job brother the excitement you bring with those calls breaks up the monotony of being disabled and couch bound 24-7...

again excellent job

[v j stauffer]

I think you'd be hard-pressed to find someone out there who could top...

"Easy Goer with one... final... acceleration"

-or-

"A quarter-mile between Cigar, and a perfect season"

-or-

"The two Derby winners, hit the wire together"

etc.
Or

"Bertrando is a stunned second"

"A picture is worth a thousand words. This one's worth $5 million"

"Mike Smith let's the Bull roll. But there's cause for Concern"

"Man O Mandella"

[Bruddah]

I have read and kept up with this thread with great interest. For what it is worth here is my take.

Race calls are for informational purposes. If you want to be constantly entertained, go to the movies. The race call does not change the outcome of any race. Therefore if the caller makes an occasional mistake, Big Whoop! No harm No foul, IMHO.

The most important thing is to call the race as concisely and CLEARLY as possible. If I can't understand the race call, the Caller is useless to me. They are more of a hindrance and noise in the background. Besides, I have a TV monitor, I am usually watching. All these guys and gals are calling the race and describing it "on the fly", a very very difficult job. One that 99 out of 100 people (or more) can not do. To be among the very elite is a very special talent. I say criticize an occasional call but not the caller. Especially, if you can't personally do better.

Now here's my Tiny Tim finish. God Bless them one and all. :ThmbUp:

[hoovesupsideyourhe]

he could loose the arrrrr..and doraymee..

vic is great and i think kurt becker is also..

[onefast99]

He has had many a great call. The art to calling races is to add in as much as you can to keep the fans interested. Frank M of TVG does voice overs and Vic always has a classic evey year at Hollywood. Larry C at MP had one of his best calls when Big Brown dug in and caught Coal Play before the wire at this years Haskell. Each and everyone of these guys does a tremendous job.

[boomman]

I have read and kept up with this thread with great interest. For what it is worth here is my take.

Race calls are for informational purposes. If you want to be constantly entertained, go to the movies. The race call does not change the outcome of any race. Therefore if the caller makes an occasional mistake, Big Whoop! No harm No foul, IMHO.

The most important thing is to call the race as concisely and CLEARLY as possible. If I can't understand the race call, the Caller is useless to me. They are more of a hindrance and noise in the background. Besides, I have a TV monitor, I am usually watching. All these guys and gals are calling the race and describing it "on the fly", a very very difficult job. One that 99 out of 100 people (or more) can not do. To be among the very elite is a very special talent. I say criticize an occasional call but not the caller. Especially, if you can't personally do better.

Now here's my Tiny Tim finish. God Bless them one and all. :ThmbUp:

Bruddah: Sharp post!! In the 25+ years that I have been calling races, I have always strived to enunciate and be as clear to understand as possible, because I know as a race fan there's no purpose to have the volume turned up at your favorite racetrack or simulcast theater (or home computer for that matter) if all you hear are garbled words! God bless you too!

Boomer

[The Hawk]

Durkin will go down in history with the classic callers of all time: Henson, Joe Hernandez, Marhsall Cassidy etc. no matter who has no concept of historical perspective.

Got to love the Johnny Come Lately's of the world who have it all figured out with only a modicum of experience.

The one Richie presents below was only two weeks ago...right after the Arrrrrrr call.

Yeah, I'm new to the game. Only 30 years.

Sorry, I was wrong about that classic "Two Derby winners" call. You're right, it was brilliant. And "ARRRRRRRRRRR". How'd he come up with that?

He WAS a classic. He's NOT great anymore. He's inaccurate, he relies on catch phrases for much of the call and his ego gets in the way of the call. Like I said, much like Dave Johnson.

Much like many of us. :)

And there are a lot of guys (not me) who will tell you you're wrong about Marshall Cassidy, so your "historical perspective" might ruin your credibility with some, if there's any left.

[The Hawk]

Or from more recent memory...

"Here is Street Sense, a stretch running sensation!"

"It's a filly in the Belmont!

"No one's been close to Big Brown"

I understand people won't like certain calls or callers. Durkin's excitement and enthusiasm is part why I am doing what I do today.

That's great. Just don't follow his lead (and others) and let your ego get in the way of the call. Race callers should just call the race. Baseball announcers should call the game. Instead we get Durkin and Chris Berman.

Can't we just watch the race and have someone tell us where the horses are, instead of how "snappy" the quarter was (when it wasn't snappy at all) or that a horse "looms boldly" before he hangs?

Not for anything, but are "It's a filly in the Belmont!" and "No one's been close to Big Brown" really incredible observations?

[Hajck Hillstrom]

....of an exceptional race caller is one that calls the action as it is actually unfolding, and there are some that can even see the action before it happens via momentum and body language.

Now, it could entirely be my imagination, but I have detected that Mr. Durkin's calls of late have been slightly tardy. His calls are often of action I've already seen.

I'm seriously not trying to disparage the man's abilities, and if I'm wrong, then shame on me. It is just that I listen to a lot of races, and it appears to me that something is awry. It is my sincere hope that it is nothing that a lil' R n' R won't cure. Year round racing takes it toll on many, and racecalling is a profession that requires attention to detail and is one that I'm sure has a good deal of stress envolved at times. The politics of the sport are enough for me to tow the line of going postal at times.

[BeatTheChalk]

No, i'm with you on this. His calls suck, IMHO. What's Marshall Cassidy doing these days? ;)

Next to Trevor, John G. Dooley at Arlington Park might be the best out there.

JeremyJet

Marshall - was well connected A List type. Here is a complete story of the
gent : ( I would say verry well connected ) Others might say that he got the job through those connects :jump: Here you go :

Marshall Cassidy (1945 - ) is an American Thoroughbred racing official based in New York State, and a former public address announcer and sportscaster. Cassidy is currently a patrol and placing judge for the New York Racing Association, and has also served as an alternate steward.

Cassidy is best known for the 18 years he spent as one of the race callers for NYRA, at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. He worked as backup track announcer to Dave Johnson and Chic Anderson. Cassidy became lead announcer after the death of Anderson in March 1979.

Cassidy was the most prominent announcer in racing in the early-to-mid 1980s, not only for his on-track work but also as a sportscaster calling races for WCBS radio, CBS television, ABC television and ESPN. He was best known for his accuracy, precise diction and upbeat delivery, especially early in his career when calling a close race as the horses ran down the stretch.

Cassidy remained the lead race caller for NYRA until 1990, when he was replaced by present track announcer Tom Durkin.

He is part of a well-known family of racing officials. His maternal grandfather, Marshall Whiting Cassidy, was a race starter and later steward who eventually became racing director for NYRA’s predecessor agencies, and later executive director of The Jockey Club. :ThmbUp:

The current Marshall Cassidy's maternal great-grandfather, Marshall (Mars) Cassidy, was also a fixture in New York racing as a race starter and the first to use a barrier to start a race.

George Cassidy, the grand-uncle of the current Marshall Cassidy, was a race starter for some five decades (mostly at the NYRA tracks) until he retired late December 1980.
:cool:

[JeremyJet]

Dave Johnson was once considered the best announcer in the country, did all the big races. His calls now suck.

Johnson's ego (his insistence on getting his trademark call into the race cause him to completely screw up the stretch run) is a big reason for his demise as a racecaller, and Durkin seems to be going down the same path. Like Johnson, he's becoming a caricature of himself.

Phil Georgeff.

[joanied]

"And here he is .....the unconquerable, invinceable, unbeatable...Cigar!!!

Still gives me goosebumps!!!

Durkin knows how to evoke emotion.

[thespaah]

22 Breeders Cups and 1000's of memories and we get his calls suck.

Me thinks that opinion sucks.

But respect your right to share it.Couldn't have written it better myself.
Durkin is one of the best ever. You ain't so bad yerself.....BTW I think John Dooley's star could be on the rise if he wants it. I think he is a superior race announcer.

[TravisVOX]

Wow! Your the announcer at Louisiana Downs?

The other night I was telling the wife how much I enjoyed watching that track and I was thinking about getting into the action there.....I'm a newbie so this is my 1st year seeing that track......Man...Your calls are fabulous the track is beautiful and the races exciting......

Hey great job brother the excitement you bring with those calls breaks up the monotony of being disabled and couch bound 24-7...

again excellent job

Hey BUD - Thanks for the kind words, they're much appreciated. It's all from a love for the game! If you're ever in the LAD area, let me know...

[thespaah]

Or

"Bertrando is a stunned second"

"A picture is worth a thousand words. This one's worth $5 million"

"Mike Smith let's the Bull roll. But there's cause for Concern"

"Man O Mandella"
"There's cause for Concern"...one of my favorites.....I had, shall we say, a few Sheckles on Concern that day. The friend I was with said Concern was too far back... I said "watch this"........Great call.

[TravisVOX]

"There's cause for Concern"...one of my favorites.....I had, shall we say, a few Sheckles on Concern that day. The friend I was with said Concern was too far back... I said "watch this"........Great call.

Concern presented one of the great bet-back stories when he raced in the Super Derby later that year, getting stuck behind a slow place yet still rallying strongly. With the pace in the Classic, it was "Concern from out of the clouds!"

The '94 Travers was the only one of two I didn't attend with my Dad in a stretch of about 12 years. I cannot remember why either.

[The Hawk]

Add this to the "classics" from Durkin (from Crist's blog):

"They're going at it in a spirited way!" Durkin called, probably to the delight of those backing the favorite, but I knew I was in trouble when a pokey first-quarter time of just 23.14 was posted, Casey's Joy chucked it on the turn and Take the Bluff ($10.60) drew comfortably clear.

Spirited way? :23?

[thespaah]

Concern presented one of the great bet-back stories when he raced in the Super Derby later that year, getting stuck behind a slow place yet still rallying strongly. With the pace in the Classic, it was "Concern from out of the clouds!"

The '94 Travers was the only one of two I didn't attend with my Dad in a stretch of about 12 years. I cannot remember why either.My friends an I who used to go to the Meadowlands at least 30-40 times during the Harness meet used to describe big closers as "coming from off the Turnpike to win".
Concern came from another Zip Code.

[jognlope]

I like "he's backing up," well depending on bet.

"BarBARO is puttin on a show here," for his maiden as he swiped them by 12 lengths or. But that's too sad to watch.

[PaceAdvantage]

Add this to the "classics" from Durkin (from Crist's blog):

"They're going at it in a spirited way!" Durkin called, probably to the delight of those backing the favorite, but I knew I was in trouble when a pokey first-quarter time of just 23.14 was posted, Casey's Joy chucked it on the turn and Take the Bluff ($10.60) drew comfortably clear.

Spirited way? :23?Spirited is actually a very good phrase to describe two horses battling head-to-head, no matter the time involved. It's not like he said "And they cut a blazing first quarter in...."

[46zilzal]

just a bit ago
"It is raining on the backstretch and it is sunny on the homestretch"

as another false favorite bites the dust.

[BombsAway Bob]

just a bit ago
"It is raining on the backstretch and it is sunny on the homestretch"

as another false favorite bites the dust.
How about just a few moments before that, as a rainbow arched directly into the track...
"ANYONE SEE A Leprechaun roaming the infield?" :lol:
Here's hoping for better weather ahead.
http://cristblog.drf.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/08/12/sparainbow.jpg (http://cristblog.drf.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/08/12/sparainbow.jpg)



Tuesday was a beautiful, sunny morning in Saratoga -- photo: Steve Crist

[The Hawk]

Spirited is actually a very good phrase to describe two horses battling head-to-head, no matter the time involved. It's not like he said "And they cut a blazing first quarter in...."

I disagree. "Spirited" insinuates fast. If the time doesn't matter then that means it would apply to two horses battling head and head through :25.

This is by no means the only example, he does it all the time. To repeatedly say "blazing first quarter" or "they ripped the opening quarter in...", only to see the speed horses draw off and win time and again, is out and out inaccurate. But what the hell, at least he gets most of the horses' names right.

"OFF THE TURN, INTO THE STRETCH.........(wait, where was I?)..."

By the way: I think it's debatable as to whether he was a better harness announcer than he is a Thoroughbred announcer. Of course, he was much younger, but if you want to use the words "great" and "Durkin" together I'd definitely agree if you were talking about some of his work at the Meadowlands in the 80's, and of course his Thoroughbred calls up through late 90's, some of which are referenced in this thread.

[Zman179]

I disagree. "Spirited" insinuates fast. If the time doesn't matter then that means it would apply to two horses battling head and head through :25.

This is by no means the only example, he does it all the time. To repeatedly say "blazing first quarter" or "they ripped the opening quarter in...", only to see the speed horses draw off and win time and again, is out and out inaccurate. But what the hell, at least he gets most of the horses' names right.

Spirited (adjective)
1. displaying animation, vigor, or liveliness [ant: spiritless]
2. marked by lively action; "a bouncing gait"; "bouncy tunes"; "the peppy and interesting talk"; "a spirited dance" [syn: bouncing]

By the dictionary, spirited doesn't mean speedy. It means lively which is something different. You can have seven horses together at Beulah Park in a spirited stretch drive even though they're going a final quarter in :28. The dictionary does not insinuate.

And I don't see what your complaint is about Durkin saying, "blazing first quarter" or "they ripped the opening quarter in...". If they're going 21.3, then they're going super fast. In this instance, Durkin's commentary is correct and has no correlation with a horse's potential performance later in the race.

[The Hawk]

Spirited (adjective)
1. displaying animation, vigor, or liveliness [ant: spiritless]
2. marked by lively action; "a bouncing gait"; "bouncy tunes"; "the peppy and interesting talk"; "a spirited dance" [syn: bouncing]

By the dictionary, spirited doesn't mean speedy. It means lively which is something different. You can have seven horses together at Beulah Park in a spirited stretch drive even though they're going a final quarter in :28. The dictionary does not insinuate.

And I don't see what your complaint is about Durkin saying, "blazing first quarter" or "they ripped the opening quarter in...". If they're going 21.3, then they're going super fast. In this instance, Durkin's commentary is correct and has no correlation with a horse's potential performance later in the race.

Applying standard definitions to racing jargon (or any jargon, for that matter) is silly. By this strictest definition, every time two horses are on the lead together represents a spirited duel, no matter how slow they're going, even if it were a two-turn race with an opening quarter of :26 2/5. After all, the horses are "lively", there's a "bouncing gait", etc. Is that really true? If that's the case, then "spirited duel" is redundant, and he should still drop it.

If they're going :21 3/5 they're not always going "super fast". That's the problem with Durkin, and you seem to have the same troule grasping the fact that raw times don't mean much on the surface. The lead horse going :21 3/5 might be going at a slightly better than average pace, if the track is playing very fast. There have been days at Churchill where that :21 3/5 would be on the slow side, when they're going :20 4/5. On those days, calling a :21 3/5 quarter "sizzling" would be misinforming people, and it hurts the credibility of the racecaller, in my opinon. When the track is playing fast, Durkin's comments are not correct. They're filler, which is what makes up a lot of his calls now.

Again, Durkin should just refrain from the hyperbole and injecting his ego into this and just call the friggin' race with descriptive, accurate terms, like the good announcers do.

[Zman179]

If they're going :21 3/5 they're not always going "super fast". That's the problem with Durkin, and you seem to have the same troule grasping the fact that raw times don't mean much on the surface. The lead horse going :21 3/5 might be going at a slightly better than average pace, if the track is playing very fast. There have been days at Churchill where that :21 3/5 would be on the slow side, when they're going :20 4/5. On those days, calling a :21 3/5 quarter "sizzling" would be misinforming people, and it hurts the credibility of the racecaller, in my opinon. When the track is playing fast, Durkin's comments are not correct. They're filler, which is what makes up a lot of his calls now.

But Durkin doesn't call at Churchill. At Saratoga or Belmont, when was the last time you've seen a quarter in 20.4? If it does indeed happen, it only does so once, maybe twice, a year. So 21.3 is indeed sizzling at the tracks that he calls at; he doesn't call 22.3 a sizzling quarter, which is the equivalent of what you are talking about.

Sorry Hawk, but you're nitpicking.

[TravisVOX]

Who would have though the word 'spirited' could spark such a debate!

[Bubbles]

Who would have though the word 'spirited' could spark such a debate!Travis, I'd even go so far as to call the debate spirited...wait, given the reactions here, I may need to take that back! :lol:

[richrosa]

Durkin's call yesterday of the Alabama was perfection. He told an unfolding story. Check the replay.

[Zman179]

By this strictest definition, every time two horses are on the lead together represents a spirited duel, no matter how slow they're going, even if it were a two-turn race with an opening quarter of :26 2/5. After all, the horses are "lively", there's a "bouncing gait", etc. Is that really true? If that's the case, then "spirited duel" is redundant, and he should still drop it.

In your example the pace would neither be considered spirited nor lively. Lively means, full or suggestive of life or vital energy; active, vigorous, or brisk. A first quarter in 26.2 where the two leaders are alongside each other but conserving energy, and the jockeys are barely moving, is not lively nor even 1/10th of the meaning of brisk; however, a last quarter in 26.2 where the horses are spending excess energy, and the jockeys are driving their mounts, would indeed be considered lively and spirited.

[Marshall Bennett]

Applying standard definitions to racing jargon (or any jargon, for that matter) is silly. By this strictest definition, every time two horses are on the lead together represents a spirited duel, no matter how slow they're going, even if it were a two-turn race with an opening quarter of :26 2/5. After all, the horses are "lively", there's a "bouncing gait", etc. Is that really true? If that's the case, then "spirited duel" is redundant, and he should still drop it.

If they're going :21 3/5 they're not always going "super fast". That's the problem with Durkin, and you seem to have the same troule grasping the fact that raw times don't mean much on the surface. The lead horse going :21 3/5 might be going at a slightly better than average pace, if the track is playing very fast. There have been days at Churchill where that :21 3/5 would be on the slow side, when they're going :20 4/5. On those days, calling a :21 3/5 quarter "sizzling" would be misinforming people, and it hurts the credibility of the racecaller, in my opinon. When the track is playing fast, Durkin's comments are not correct. They're filler, which is what makes up a lot of his calls now.

Again, Durkin should just refrain from the hyperbole and injecting his ego into this and just call the friggin' race with descriptive, accurate terms, like the good announcers do.
Are you kidding me ? 21.3 is " sizzling " anywhere !!

[joanied]

But Durkin doesn't call at Churchill. At Saratoga or Belmont, when was the last time you've seen a quarter in 20.4? If it does indeed happen, it only does so once, maybe twice, a year. So 21.3 is indeed sizzling at the tracks that he calls at; he doesn't call 22.3 a sizzling quarter, which is the equivalent of what you are talking about.

Sorry Hawk, but you're nitpicking.

I have to agree. I don't know why some of you are tearing apart Durkin's calls, and getting into 'nit-picking' his every word.
I love his calls (and there isn't an announcer that hasn't made mistakes during a call)...he's accurate (99% of the time), emotional when it's appropriate, colorful, exciting and fun...
geeze, what more can you want!!!
:) :) :)

[The Hawk]

I have to agree. I don't know why some of you are tearing apart Durkin's calls, and getting into 'nit-picking' his every word.
I love his calls (and there isn't an announcer that hasn't made mistakes during a call)...he's accurate (99% of the time), emotional when it's appropriate, colorful, exciting and fun...
geeze, what more can you want!!!
:) :) :)

Not nitpicking every word. Just used one example, and it was defended by others. That's all.

It's great that you love his calls. Many do not. Used to, but don't now, for many reasons, one of which is that he's not always only emotional when it's appropriate. He's given to hyperbole. But, to each his (or her) own. I only have to suffer through the calls occasionally, when someone else is watching at the next table. Enjoy.

[joanied]

Not nitpicking every word. Just used one example, and it was defended by others. That's all.

It's great that you love his calls. Many do not. Used to, but don't now, for many reasons, one of which is that he's not always only emotional when it's appropriate. He's given to hyperbole. But, to each his (or her) own. I only have to suffer through the calls occasionally, when someone else is watching at the next table. Enjoy.

Ah yes...the word 'spirited' has certainly started a 'spirited' debate:) here...sorry that I assumed you were 'nitpicking' his every word, Hawk, and I guess when a person likes someone or something, they come to it's defense.
Different strokes for different folks and to each his own...I beleive in them thar words!!
Hope you don't have too many folks at the next table, Hawk... maybe a pair of ear plugs would come in handy;)
And ya know what...Durkin may have to retire soon...he's gotten so big he may not be able to fit in the booth before too long :lol:

[castaway01]

Who would have though the word 'spirited' could spark such a debate!

Travis, how is everything going? You've done well for such a young man? How is the career going?

[Imriledup]

Durkin at his best today, when it mattered most.

[rjorio]

I prefer Bobby Flay.

[joanied]

Durkin's call of the Woodward...:ThmbUp: :ThmbUp: :ThmbUp: ah,hell...:ThmbUp: :ThmbUp: :ThmbUp:
:)

[WinterTriangle]

All these guys and gals are calling the race and describing it "on the fly", a very very difficult job. One that 99 out of 100 people (or more) can not do.

That is so true.

Try it in your own living room, it is tough.

Plus, the caller themselves are experiencing the race, with all their senses, just as we are...

hence, the almost flub when MTB won the Derby.....it must be difficult to be amazed, surprised, exciited, ANd be calling a race at the same time. I mean, somebody could "prepare" themselves for Rachel winning, but MTB? That had to be tough.