Churchill Announcer

[jballscalls]

Originally Posted by docicu3

In case you didn't see the piece from DRF on this very subject on the mate from down under!!

http://www.drf.com/news/article/99969.html

Of the 5 guys they chose for the "audition" of the derby it is surprising that guys like Durkin or Vic "Soupy Sales" were not included in the mix. I still don't understand how these guys call a field of 20 horses. It has to be impossible to keep that many horses and silks straight.

I would think that Durkin didnt apply. why would he?? he's got year round work, calls on arguably the biggest circuit in the country, and he already gets to call the derby as it is on NBC.

as far as calling the derby, its gotta be the hardest thing ever. the 20 horses aside, when they have those tents up in the infield you cant see anything on the far turn. It must be the hardest race on earth to call. Oh by the way there is 150k people there.

[rkinnin]

Originally Posted by jballscalls

I would think that Durkin didnt apply. why would he?? he's got year round work, calls on arguably the biggest circuit in the country, and he already gets to call the derby as it is on NBC.

as far as calling the derby, its gotta be the hardest thing ever. the 20 horses aside, when they have those tents up in the infield you cant see anything on the far turn. It must be the hardest race on earth to call. Oh by the way there is 150k people there.

But isn't it true that Luke [RIP] called the race at the track and Durkin does it just for the TV audience?

Also Durkin takes the Big A [winter meet] off for the most part.

[_ed_]

Originally Posted by jballscalls

as far as calling the derby, its gotta be the hardest thing ever. the 20 horses aside, when they have those tents up in the infield you cant see anything on the far turn. It must be the hardest race on earth to call. Oh by the way there is 150k people there.

Yeah it would be up there with the hardest. But there's also the Melbourne Cup, with a similar crowd and 24 horses.

[TheSpyder]

So ave they made a decision on who will announce?

[docicu3]

I think Hooves got the job!!!

[jballscalls]

Originally Posted by _ed_

Yeah it would be up there with the hardest. But there's also the Melbourne Cup, with a similar crowd and 24 horses.

I was just talking american racing, i guess i should have specified

[jballscalls]

Originally Posted by rkinnin

But isn't it true that Luke [RIP] called the race at the track and Durkin does it just for the TV audience?

Also Durkin takes the Big A [winter meet] off for the most part.

Yeah Durkin takes the winter off thats true, but AQ spring, Belmont fall and spring and saratoga is alot more working days than the two churchill meets, which ad up to 90 or so. Plus there are a ton more G1 events in NY than there are at Churchill.

Luke called the race on track and on churchill's simulscast signal and i think for radio as well.

[rkinnin]

Originally Posted by jballscalls

Yeah Durkin takes the winter off thats true, but AQ spring, Belmont fall and spring and saratoga is alot more working days than the two churchill meets, which ad up to 90 or so.

I am not questioning Durkin by any means. A great caller by all accounts, especially for stakes races when the 1 and 2 horses are neck-n-neck.

[jballscalls]

Originally Posted by rkinnin

I am not questioning Durkin by any means. A great caller by all accounts, especially for stakes races when the 1 and 2 horses are neck-n-neck.

I didnt think you questioned him at all. I was just giving you reasons why i thought he wouldnt apply for the CD position.