Ranking Tom Durkin

[mclem10011]

Originally Posted by DogsUp

Track Announcers are a waste and a bore. I liked when Keeneland went without an announcer. I think track announcers ruin the race.

Hope your kidding? If not that is a ridiculous comment! Your entitled to you opinion, but I do not agree at all.

[parsixfarms]

Originally Posted by mclem10011

Hope your kidding? If not that is a ridiculous comment! Your entitled to you opinion, but I do not agree at all.

If I had to listen to Mike Battaglia (voice like nails on a chalkboard) and Luke Kruytbosch (little anticipation) most of the year, I might come to the same conclusion.

Since I don't, I agree that a good race call adds a lot of value to a race.

[kgar311]

I like Durkin everywhere except Saratoga. He calls the races like its everyones first time watching a horse race. I think its insulting that he thinks Saratoga is filled with a bunch of amature horse players. He always says "too close to call" constantly when the horse wins by a head. Annoying.

[parsixfarms]

Originally Posted by kgar311

I like Durkin everywhere except Saratoga. He calls the races like its everyones first time watching a horse race. I think its insulting that he thinks Saratoga is filled with a bunch of amature horse players. He always says "too close to call" constantly when the horse wins by a head. Annoying.

It isn't? I'm guessing the guys bringing in the coolers aren't buying "the Sheets."

[kgar311]

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

It isn't? I'm guessing the guys bringing in the coolers aren't buying "the Sheets."

Well guess what, the same Professionals that bet Belmont, Churchill etc still hear these call via simulcast and im sure they dont like his elementary calls either. Why cater to the few Saratoga newbies when when the thousands of faithful have to listen to it also.

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by kgar311

Well guess what, the same Professionals that bet Belmont, Churchill etc still hear these call via simulcast and im sure they dont like his elementary calls either. Why cater to the few Saratoga newbies when when the thousands of faithful have to listen to it also.

I've never noticed that. Can you give an example?

[parsixfarms]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

I've never noticed that. Can you give an example?

Agreed.

[stareagle]

Durkin is so good that when he does make a mistake, it is really surprising. On Wednesday, I thought I had missed a horse when I was going over Belmont's second, because I didn't recognize the name of the early leader. It wasn't until the replay that I realized he had reversed Onion Queen's name - he called her "Queen Onion" at least twice.

[ArlJim78]

haha, imagine secretariats belmont without "moving like a tremendous machine". it adds to the history to have the race called, and called well i might add. there are some that detract rather than add any value.

[mclem10011]

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

If I had to listen to Mike Battaglia (voice like nails on a chalkboard) and Luke Kruytbosch (little anticipation) most of the year, I might come to the same conclusion.

Since I don't, I agree that a good race call adds a lot of value to a race.

Luke is alright. Mike Battaglia is brutal, and just about as boring as you can get in my opinion.