Personally, I think Tom Durkin is the best of the best in the game. I've seen the negative comments/posts before about mistakes, slip-ups, etc. -- and my reaction is so what. Do what you do day in and day out, a few hundred thousand times, in the heat of the moment, anyone is bound to make a mistake -- period. Those mistakes don't take away from the overall stature and quality of the man and his performance as a professional.
Now, as far as style, some may not like his style, diction, whatever. That's fine, I understand and accept that. However, that too doesn't take away from the quality aspect. I like chocolate, someone else likes vanilla, and another likes strawberry, and so on. That's what makes the world go 'round -- likes and dislikes.
I've also heard people say that he "misses" things -- moves, nuances, etc. and that he calls things perhaps late, too late, etc. To that, I'll respond with the following: I've heard Tom Durkin speak in public settings and forums regarding racing, calls, horses, etc. More importantly, I've had the honor and privilige to sit and talk with Tom Durkin on many occsaions. Don't ever confuse "what he sees" with "what he calls" -- this guy is extremely sharp. There is very little that he truly misses. He sees things that most of us could only hope and dream about seeing. The fact that it may not be represented in his call, or it's called late -- that is not reflective of whether or not he saw it or when he saw it.
Like I said -- the best of the best.
Eric
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