Are race callers even needed? With live video, trackus and graphics that post fractions, a race caller is simply a traditional part of a race. People dont listen to race calls on the radio anymore so it has to be more than the mellow mundane mono-tone voice of Larry Collmus. I could care less nor even know the horses name I bet on in a 25k claimer.

Durkin does more than tell you who is in front or who is in fifth. He tells a story and provides the appropriate emotion for the specific race. He captures the moment perfectly as evident in his many many race calls. This goes with Denman as well with his vernaculars. They provide accurate race calls as well as commentary during the race. Most callers avoid that or do not know how to incorporate it in the race. Hence the lengendary status of Durkin and Denman.

Collmus is perfect for telling me departure and arrival times at JFK but as a race caller.....YAWNfest. Even when he tries to provide emotion, his voice cracks and is simply awful.....2012 Preakness stakes for example.