Eyes

[Peter Berry]

As I am no longer on Twitter or Facebook and have no plans of returning to those platforms, I want to use this space to address an issue I’ve been having.

My calls of Sunday’s West Virginia Derby card have received mixed reviews, primarily the tentative nature of the two Grade 3s. There is a reason for that and until now I’ve kept it to myself.

My eyesight has diminished over the past two years since my mental health issues of mid-2021, when I was off work for several months. I have, to date, had three operations to correct the problem but the improvement, if any, has been minimal. Indeed, yesterday’s Grade 3s were a bit of a blur.

In an effort to leave no stone unturned, I quit drinking last year and improved my eating habits.

I have more operations scheduled that hopefully will go a long way to rectifying my vision. Calling races with house silks isn’t a problem at the moment, but owners’ silks have proved problematic. It’s why I have not sought out winter calling opportunities the past two years.

My intention is to remain at Mountaineer for some years and undergo whatever operations are deemed necessary to better my vision.

Thanks for listening.

[jameegray1]

Missing you on social media, Peter. Crossing fingers for your future ops. Still my favourite caller!

[ranchwest]

Is there any way you could use a larger representation of the silks or the silk colors? If you think this is possible, DM me.

[Peter Berry]

Originally Posted by ranchwest

Is there any way you could use a larger representation of the silks or the silk colors? If you think this is possible, DM me.

I knew all the colors and didn’t have to utilize my cheat sheet in either race, it was just a matter of focusing enough to actually identify the colors.

[ranchwest]

Originally Posted by Peter Berry

I knew all the colors and didn’t have to utilize my cheat sheet in either race, it was just a matter of focusing enough to actually identify the colors.

I can tell that would be a big problem. Best wishes to you!!!

[mountainman]

Your calls rock, and it's my honor to team with you. Muted owner's silks after dark in this dusky valley would hinder any announcer.

Excepting the immediate first flight, identifiable only by running style and separation, I had no visuals on who was running where in last night's derby.

[Sheffwed]

Originally Posted by Peter Berry

As I am no longer on Twitter or Facebook and have no plans of returning to those platforms, I want to use this space to address an issue I’ve been having.

My calls of Sunday’s West Virginia Derby card have received mixed reviews, primarily the tentative nature of the two Grade 3s. There is a reason for that and until now I’ve kept it to myself.

My eyesight has diminished over the past two years since my mental health issues of mid-2021, when I was off work for several months. I have, to date, had three operations to correct the problem but the improvement, if any, has been minimal. Indeed, yesterday’s Grade 3s were a bit of a blur.

In an effort to leave no stone unturned, I quit drinking last year and improved my eating habits.

I have more operations scheduled that hopefully will go a long way to rectifying my vision. Calling races with house silks isn’t a problem at the moment, but owners’ silks have proved problematic. It’s why I have not sought out winter calling opportunities the past two years.

My intention is to remain at Mountaineer for some years and undergo whatever operations are deemed necessary to better my vision.

Thanks for listening.

Peter, you are a legendary announcer, fantastic - all the very best with the health issues

the calls last night were solid and fun, but the camerawork was shaky, perhaps that's what is being criticized, not you, not sure what that was about

[jimmyb]

Sorry to hear this. Pete is one of the all time good guys, always been a favorite of mine. Hoping for success in any treatment you receive.

[Boomer]

Peter, besides being one of my favorite announcers, you are also a Mensch.

You are doing fine. Feel better and get better soon!

[ranchwest]

I didn't see the call until a few minutes ago. Excellent call.

[Pigpen]

Good luck Peter. I enjoy your professionl calls.

[mountainman]

Originally Posted by Pigpen

Good luck Peter. I enjoy your professionl calls.

Love your dancing. We watch it every Dec 5. It's a family tradition.

[Robert Fischer]

WV Derby call was still top class

Good luck