Mountaineer 2017?

[Inner Dirt]

Originally Posted by PaceAdvantage

Where do I start the petition to get you a major circuit gig? If anyone deserves a shot at calling the races at a big-time track, it's you.

I will sign, the race calls are great. During the running of the races Mr Berry just seems to always make negative comments about the horses I bet there. I suck at Mountaineer unless the track is sealed and the race is very short.

[Peter Berry]

Originally Posted by PaceAdvantage

Where do I start the petition to get you a major circuit gig? If anyone deserves a shot at calling the races at a big-time track, it's you.

Thank you. I believe all the major tracks are spoken for at the moment. That said, I'm a free agent now and open to all offers. I'm certainly reassessing my future.

[alhattab]

Originally Posted by Inner Dirt

I guess I am weird, I don't smoke and the smell doesn't bother me. In fact when I smell second hand smoke I fondly think of the track or a casino. I consider it part of the ambiance of a gambling establishment. My cat pees on my clothes in my laundry basket of dirty clothes anyway so a little smoky smell doesn't hurt anything.

Funny post- not sure if intended but funny nonetheless- in spite of the sad subject matter. I've never so much as taken a drag from a cigarette and the smell never bothered me either. I looked forward to it since they banned smoking indoors at the NJ tracks. Maybe because my dad used to smoke at the kitchen table. As far as the cat peeing, pretty much anything smells better than cat piss!

Hang in there Peter!

[Peter Berry]

I can say with the utmost confidence that the owners of Mountaineer are committed to its future. They want racing to succeed and prosper.

[EMD4ME]

Originally Posted by PaceAdvantage

Where do I start the petition to get you a major circuit gig? If anyone deserves a shot at calling the races at a big-time track, it's you.

I strongly agree, Peter is witty, he adds charm to any race or racetrack.

This is sad. I pray for the best for everyone. Contraction is a disease, not a cure.

[HalvOnHorseracing]

Originally Posted by Peter Berry

Yes, everyone in the racing department has been let go. Most likely we will have to reapply for our jobs on a seasonal basis. I expect to be rehired but a lot can happen between now and mid-April. Right now I'm unemployed but I'll be calling the quarter horse meet at Louisiana Downs (46 days) starting Jan. 7.

I hope you're still available in the spring. If I had a track you'd be on my short list for announcer. Best of luck to you.

[EMD4ME]

If MNR runs Apr thru Sep, Retama is available Sep Oct and Nov.

Just throwing an option there.

[JimG]

Let me add that Mark and Nancy are excellent at what they do as well. Peter Berry should have no problem getting a nice gig should MNR not return or cut back sharply. He is that good.

Jim

[EMD4ME]

Agreed! I LOVE the Mountainman and Nancy as well.

Mountainman is in another world, when it comes to hard work and talent.

They can land anywhere. I hope they land on their feet near a track I love IF MNR goes away

[Peter Berry]

Originally Posted by EMD4ME

If MNR runs Apr thru Sep, Retama is available Sep Oct and Nov.

Just throwing an option there.

Little-known fact: When Retama opened its doors, I ordered and consumed the very first drink - a Retama Rita. Same deal at Lone Star, though I cannot recall the name of the beverage.

[EMD4ME]

Originally Posted by Peter Berry

Little-known fact: When Retama opened its doors, I ordered and consumed the very first drink - a Retama Rita. Same deal at Lone Star, though I cannot recall the name of the beverage.

I love that stuff!!!

Tell us more , tell us more!!! Happy holidays Mr. Berry! Please don't put the cue in the rack !!!

[SuperPickle]

Originally Posted by Peter Berry

Thank you. I believe all the major tracks are spoken for at the moment. That said, I'm a free agent now and open to all offers. I'm certainly reassessing my future.

Peter I really hope you hang in there. As a former front side employee I'm fully aware of the soul crushing aspect of racetrack employment.

This sport certainly needs talented announcers and you are as good as anyone out there and I hope we hear you call races as long as you want.

That being said I'll all too familiar with the $250 a race day gigs that entail being announcer, simulcast host, mutuals manager and janitor.

Make the best choice for you and remember we love you here.

[SuperPickle]

Originally Posted by Inner Dirt

Are the level of benefits dictated by union contracts?

Perhaps the funniest post in PA history.

But seriously outside of mutual clerks in a handful of major tracks and NYRA employees who are state employees no one at the track is union.

In fact because most tracks race either seasonal or race so few days the majority of non-executive employees/management are categorized as either seasonal or part-time.

[thespaah]

Originally Posted by Inner Dirt

I guess I am weird, I don't smoke and the smell doesn't bother me. In fact when I smell second hand smoke I fondly think of the track or a casino. I consider it part of the ambiance of a gambling establishment. My cat pees on my clothes in my laundry basket of dirty clothes anyway so a little smoky smell doesn't hurt anything.

It it were my pet, that cat would be launched off my roof into a pile of thumbtacks.

[thespaah]

Originally Posted by Peter Berry

Yes, everyone in the racing department has been let go. Most likely we will have to reapply for our jobs on a seasonal basis. I expect to be rehired but a lot can happen between now and mid-April. Right now I'm unemployed but I'll be calling the quarter horse meet at Louisiana Downs (46 days) starting Jan. 7.

Ok. Cool that you are working.
Please keep us posted as to goings on at MNR..
Happy Holidays!