Calling insight from the best
I have spent time between the last few races watching this recently published video on Bloodhorse.com which profiles Tom Durkin and his experiences in calling the Triple Crown. It’s a must-view.
I have spent years accumulating every article, story or blurb on track announcers and race calling. I used my library access at college to comb the archives of the New York Times and other major publications. I compiled them all into one binder recently, which is too thick to lug around on a daily basis, but is a constant resource when working on my race calls.
The sole reason was to learn – to pick-up tidbits, information or insight into calling big races. And because Tom Durkin has called so many big races, the majority of the articles found were on him. So I read and wrote notes, compiling them into one document for future use.
For example, he was quoted in a 1994 article in the New York Times as saying, “I have to describe things appropriately. Not over the top, but not under the bottom either.” I wrote that down, and a variation of it is in my race calling notebook today.
My point is this video is a great summary of all these little pieces of information present in various stories and profiles, both on Durkin and others. It talks about preparing for big race calls, being ready for any and all possible scenarios, knowing certain useful and interesting facts and of course the value of reacting on the fly, and not marrying yourself to these various findings.
I’ve said numerous times the reason why I am calling races in Tom Durkin. I grew-up in New York, became fascinated with horse racing after visiting Saratoga for the first time and gravitated towards race calling when it seemed to touch upon so much of my personality. When Durkin called races those summer days he sounded like he was having so much fun, and I was hooked.
So I enjoyed this video on a personal, professional and fan-level and I’m sure you will too.
05/30/09 1:31 am
The video was fascinating. I still think Durkin’s call of the 2004 Belmont was his best, maybe tied with his description of the 1987 BC Classic. The calmness in his voice during that 2004 Belmont, you could understand the importance and meaning of the race. I also agree with you in that there was/is nothing like Durkin calling the races up at Saratoga…really enjoyed the 2008 Whitney.
I also thought he really responded well with his Preakness call after all the criticism he received from this year’s Derby. The “mistake” he made in missing Mine That Bird I think was very understandable, in that he was looking at Pioneerof The Nile and then proceeded toward the horses challenging in the middle of the track, as Mine That Bird snuck up on the inside. He was unfairly criticized, especially by people who don’t appreciate how difficult it has to be to call any horse race, let alone a 19 horse field in the Derby. Great to see him respond with an excellent Preakness call and very interesting to watch the BloodHorse video.
05/30/09 2:39 am
Eric – I thought it was a great piece. If I had to pick one call as the best ever I too would say the ‘04 Belmont Stakes. I thought it appropriately captured the essence of everything happening in those two and one-half minutes. Great stuff.
As for the criticisms, I think people didn’t want to blame themselves for not finding Mine That Bird on their tickets, so they deferred the blame elsewhere. The Preakness call was top-notch indeed.
I’m glad you enjoyed the video!
06/04/09 1:26 pm
Or as one of the HRTV broadcasters said after this year’s Derby, “A race caller’s worst nightmare, Borel coming through on the rail down the stretch.”