In honor of the upcoming Travers race, I thought it might be fun to go back in time with Saratoga’s legendary racecaster Tom Durkin, and listen to some of his most unique race calls.
The horses are at the starting gate…
And… THEY’RE OFF!!
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Why do I get this feeling that Durkin is auditioning to be the new Captain Carl sidekick in the upcoming Pee-Wee Herman movie? |
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| COMMENTATOR
In this race at Belmont, Durkin notices that the horse, Commentator, has pulled out to a sizeable lead. “No need to call it,” he says… he he he… |
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| SLAMBINO
Here’s what happens when an 88-1 longshot, dragging up the rear of the field at the start of the race, starts making his way to the front of the pack. Hey Tom, what are the odds for this horse if he wins? |
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| DOREMIFASOLATIDO
What a great moment, when Tom Durkin can call a race and sing the musical scales at the same time! |
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| ONOITSMYMOTHERINLAW I knew it would happen some day. Someone would name a horse with this name, and eventually Tom Durkin would call the race with that horse in it! |
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| WISH I COULD SEE IT
On a very foggy day at Aqueduct, Tom Durkin tries to call a horse race when nobody in the park can even see the horses! |
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| READY’S ECHO
It’s not who came in first – Ready’s Echo came in second, but that was a shock and a half to Tom Durkin, who shouts “WHOA!” when he sees the horse cross the line. |
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| BE BULLISH versus DR W As someone who commented on this YouTube clip noted, the fact that Tom Durkin can make an allowance race at Aqueduct sound like the final race of the Breeders’ Cup makes him one of the best race announcers in the sport |
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| WHOA, NELLIE! This race at Belmont is setting a blistering place, as Elusive Quality, Delay of Game and Silver Finder battle for the lead – suddenly, Tom Durkin channels his inner Keith Jackson. |
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| YAKAHICKAMICKADOLA
Even the greatest race callers can have a problem if one of the horse’s names looks like the bottom line of an eye chart. Durkin gave it his best shot, but his delivery suddenly degenerated into the chant for Jambi to grant Pee-Wee Herman a wish. Wow… two Pee-Wee Herman references in the same blog post. So funny I forgot to laugh. |
Anyways, I hope Tom Durkin has a great time today at the track, and we get a fantastic Travers race!
Chuck The Writer 
Both calls of the running of The Tres Hombres were pretty great, too…as well as our names being announced in the Winner’s Circle.
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Too bad those tapes mysteriously disappeared… 🙂
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I am very angry that many of the race calls were taken down on You Tube!!!! If anyone finds where these treasures can now be seen post it here because now I can’t find them anywhere and I never get tired of hearing them especially the one for My Mother-in-law!!
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