Barbara

Thank you so much for allowing all of us to again see one of the planet's most wonderful places. It was my honor and privledge to be the voice of Hialeah from 1989 through 1994.

I'l never forget the day that Bob Savage called and asked if I'd like to call the races. I was working my first weekend at a small track in Washington called Yakima Meadows. There was no way I could possibly say no to coming to South Florida. After three days at Yakima it was off to paradise. 3712 miles later I pulled into the parking lot at Hialeah.

I can remember to this day the awe I felt when I began to look around. No one was there. I couldn't believe I was being given the opportunity to call races like The Flamingo and the Widener and so many others. Actually at the time I didn't know that I wouldn't "exactly" be calling "those" particular Stakes.

You see the first year I worked there was 1989. That's the year that Mr. Brunetti attempted to compete and run simultaneously against Calder. The plan was to run 189 days. We made it 22. Before I ever stepped into the booth it was made clear to me that I would be calling the beginning and end of the meet. However, during the prime "Winter Dates" with all the great Graded Stakes Tom Durkin would return from New York to man the booth. I couldn't have cared less. I just wanted to part of Hialeah. After any day of racing I wouldn't want to leave. I'd sit in my booth, put my feet on the desk, pop open a cold one and let the warm Miami winter air waif in. When I'd walk out in the twilight I would almost always stop and see something new and magnificent each and every day.

As it turned out Tom would never return and after a seemingly endless time of closure, I returned in 1991 as the permanent voice. I can't remember too many of the greats that I was honored to call but two come to mind. Forever Whirl and Pistols and Roses.

The worst professional decision I ever made was to leave Hialeah in 1994 and take the job at Golden Gate Fields. I never imagined I'd miss the Grand Dame as much as I did.

I treasure every day I spent at Hialeah. I thank the Brunetti family for putting me on the race calling map.

Great job Barbara.

Thank you so very much.

VJS