Michael Wrona fired

[ScottJ]

Some of the most entertaining Saratoga Live/Belmont Live broadcasts this year came about when handicapping discussions came up with Frank. He was able to combine his Monmouth Park work with NYRA broadcasts when needed and was very solid in the booth since moving to Aqueduct.

Perhaps there is a financial component here that none of us will see, but it would seem strange to go back to a job for which you ran second unless you really wanted the job and had a financial incentive to take it. While Frank has been back and forth across the country, he always seemed to be an East Coast announcer from a style perspective - and a New Yorker at heart. After his health issues a time back, I thought he would be a permanent fixture here.

If this worst kept secret in horse racing this weekend is true, we should wish Frank nothing but good health and good luck in this new role.

[jms62]

Originally Posted by ScottJ

Some of the most entertaining Saratoga Live/Belmont Live broadcasts this year came about when handicapping discussions came up with Frank. He was able to combine his Monmouth Park work with NYRA broadcasts when needed and was very solid in the booth since moving to Aqueduct.

Perhaps there is a financial component here that none of us will see, but it would seem strange to go back to a job for which you ran second unless you really wanted the job and had a financial incentive to take it. While Frank has been back and forth across the country, he always seemed to be an East Coast announcer from a style perspective - and a New Yorker at heart. After his health issues a time back, I thought he would be a permanent fixture here.

If this worst kept secret in horse racing this weekend is true, we should wish Frank nothing but good health and good luck in this new role.

So if you ran second to one of the premier jobs in the country in your field you would not peruse it in the future if it became available again because you didn't get it the first time?

[MaTH716]

I'm honestly going to miss Frank's banter with Andy more than him calling the actual races. Those talking horses/live shows were extremely entertaining. I just wonder if it will be Johnny I or they go in another direction.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by MaTH716

I'm honestly going to miss Frank's banter with Andy more than him calling the actual races. Those talking horses/live shows were extremely entertaining. I just wonder if it will be Johnny I or they go in another direction.

Johnny I has been sharing the Winter duties with Frank and Travis over the past four years. That was always the plan this Winter, as was Larry calling some as well.

Nobody will miss Frank more than me but I am thrilled he has landed his dream job.

[ScottJ]

Originally Posted by jms62

So if you ran second to one of the premier jobs in the country in your field you would not peruse it in the future if it became available again because you didn't get it the first time?

I would clearly want to understand why the "new direction" was not identified the first time 'round. Frank clearly does not need career advice from me, but the first day in the Santa Anita booth is one day closer to being fired based on the next new direction. There are surely parameters in play of which we do not have knowledge. Best wishes to Frank in this new move and he will be missed here on the East Coast.

[freddymo]

Frank is better, so there is that. I will miss Frank with Andy on the NYRA shows not because is gave out winners or was so inciteful, but because he was funny and entertained me

[philcski]

Originally Posted by ScottJ

Some of the most entertaining Saratoga Live/Belmont Live broadcasts this year came about when handicapping discussions came up with Frank. He was able to combine his Monmouth Park work with NYRA broadcasts when needed and was very solid in the booth since moving to Aqueduct.

Perhaps there is a financial component here that none of us will see, but it would seem strange to go back to a job for which you ran second unless you really wanted the job and had a financial incentive to take it. While Frank has been back and forth across the country, he always seemed to be an East Coast announcer from a style perspective - and a New Yorker at heart. After his health issues a time back, I thought he would be a permanent fixture here.

If this worst kept secret in horse racing this weekend is true, we should wish Frank nothing but good health and good luck in this new role.

Frank's from California and grew up going to SA.