Tom Durkin to retire August 31st

[GenuineRisk]

For me it's Cigar's BCC win. Durkin's call turned that race into a dramatic work of art.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpxswmD1LKM

I know everyone knows it, but any excuse to put up the link to it.

[pointman]

Durkin is all class. He is the only announcer IMO whose calls sound natural as opposed to canned or forced. The best that there is, he is an irreplaceable legend who will be sorely missed.

[miraja2]

'87 BCC call (Ferdinand & Alysheba) is my favorite of his.
'03 Kentucky Derby ("gutsy gelding") is a great one too.

[Danzig]

Hate to see hes leaving, feel bad for whoever tries to fill his shoes. He will be missed, does a great job.

1994 Travers

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by Danzig

Hate to see hes leaving, feel bad for whoever tries to fill his shoes. He will be missed, does a great job.

Good point. It will be important for everyone to stay cognizant of the fact that the next announcer will be a successor, not a replacement. No one could ever "replace" Tom Durkin.

[Cannon Shell]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOa9JY-ic9w

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Revidere

His 1989 Breeders Cup Classic is a work of art.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ii3uxsveFk

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by miraja2

'87 BCC call (Ferdinand & Alysheba) is my favorite of his.
'03 Kentucky Derby ("gutsy gelding") is a great one too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk8G8AR7TaM

[Cannon Shell]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSpBui9UIkM

[Seattleallstar]

John G Dooley it's your turn now

[herkhorse]

2004 Belmont was a great call.

[Benny]

Originally Posted by pointman

Durkin is all class. He is the only announcer IMO whose calls sound natural as opposed to canned or forced. The best that there is, he is an irreplaceable legend who will be sorely missed.

Totally agree with you here. Tom Durkin made racing come alive with his story telling of each race as it unfolded. His knowing eye and vocaculary told a story for each race he calls. He never sinks to the commonplace, as more race callers are wont to do now adays, naming each horse entering the gate,nor rely on trite, well worn phrases which are repeated time and again. He is always fresh and unique in his calling with feeling and excitement,z in telling the story of the race he is calling with his excellent vocabulary and well turned phrase. I will really miss hm, much like I miss Harvey Pack. They both are icons of NY racing, simply irreplaceable.

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

Good point. It will be important for everyone to stay cognizant of the fact that the next announcer will be a successor, not a replacement. No one could ever "replace" Tom Durkin.

I followed Tom when he left Gulfstream after the 1999 season. Felt like every eye and ear was on me 24/7. Huge responsibility.

[dellinger63]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

Well said. I hope it's Dooley.

Durkin should've never been replaced for the Breeders' Cup and Triple Crown. The best there is.

I remember a few years ago 'or longer' Dooley in an interview said NY would be his dream job as he's from there.

Hoping he gets his dream and Bill Downes Jr. takes over Arlington, Fairgrounds duties getting his dream.

[philcski]

Originally Posted by Pants II

His voice was made for the track.

The guy could read the phone book and make it intriguing.

Irreplaceable. Hopefully someone outside of Collmus gets a shot.

I agree. He's unbelievable. The annotations he makes in race and the excitement in which he does it makes the whole race come ALIVE. The best ever.

I happen to like Collmus and think he does an excellent job but even as 2nd best he's not even in the same category as Durkin.

[philcski]

And Steve this might be the best interview you have ever had on ATR. Thank you for bringing it to us.

Originally Posted by philcski

And Steve this might be the best interview you have ever had on ATR. Thank you for bringing it to us.

Did Steve interview Tom? If so I'd love to hear it. Can it be linked?

[Seattleallstar]

Originally Posted by philcski

I agree. He's unbelievable. The annotations he makes in race and the excitement in which he does it makes the whole race come ALIVE. The best ever.

I happen to like Collmus and think he does an excellent job but even as 2nd best he's not even in the same category as Durkin.

2nd best is a three way tie between denman, Dooley, and Vic

Frank M is third

[hoovesupsideyourhead]

hope kurt becker gets a shot