The New York Racing Association Inc. will celebrate the illustrious career of
longtime track announcer Tom Durkin with two days in his honor at Saratoga Race
Course on Sunday and Monday.
The celebration will begin on Sunday with a special winner’s circle ceremony
honoring the accomplishments of Durkin’s legendary career following his final
race call at Saratoga in the Grade 1 Spinaway. The call will bring Durkin’s
43-year career to a close. Fans are encouraged to remain in their seats after
the Spinaway to witness the ceremony.
“Tom Durkin is one of the greatest race callers in history and we are
fortunate to have had him with us here in New York for so many years,” NYRA CEO
and President Chris Kay said. “It is truly fitting to see Tom take his final bow
in Saratoga, a place that he loves and where he is truly beloved.
“We encourage racing fans to join us as we celebrate Tom’s storied career and
wish him the best with a send-off fitting of the affection and admiration felt
by fans for this unique, poetic and unparalleled storyteller.”
Saratoga Springs Mayor Joanne Yepsen will issue a citywide proclamation that
will declare Sunday to be “Tom Durkin Day” throughout the city of Saratoga
Springs. The proclamation, in part, reads: “For Saratoga race fans, his (Tom’s)
voice has been a familiar and reassuring presence, one of the sounds of a
Saratoga summer. His warmth and generosity have won him great admiration in our
city, and many Saratogians are proud to consider him a friend.”
“I want to thank the tens of thousands of dedicated people, from the grooms
to the jockeys to the trainers and owners, that help put on this exciting show,
remembering, as ever, it is all about these magnificent animals,” Durkin said.
“I was fortunate enough to have described the finished product.
“Most of all, I must thank the people that make everything possible – the
racing fan. Thank you again from one lucky announcer.”
The celebration will continue on Monday’s closing-day program when Durkin
returns to Saratoga to greet fans, sign autographs and take pictures in the
backyard beginning at noon (EDT).
Classic race calls made by Durkin during his long career will be showcased on
the video boards between races on both Sunday and Monday.
Born in Chicago, Durkin began calling races at county fairs in Wisconsin in
the summer of 1971. In 1975, he moved on to ply his trade at a string of small
tracks including Cahokia Downs, Balmoral Race Course, Quad City Downs and Miles
Park before landing the job at famed Hialeah Race Course in 1981.
Three years later, he was hired as the announcer for the annual Breeders’
Cup, a job he held until 2005, and gained further fame calling the Triple Crown
for a decade beginning in 2001. Durkin began his tenure with the New York Racing
Association in 1990. Some of Durkin’s most memorable calls have come on the New
York Racing Association circuit of Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga
Race Course.
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