Wrona is righta for Santa Anita

Peter Berry · #1 02-28-2016, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard burch

It's like who is up next at S.A.

David Fitzgerald, 31, a Racing UK presenter and commentator since 2010, including the 2014 and 2015 Royal Ascot meetings, will call the races at Santa Anita over the weekend of Feb. 27-28.

Wrona is getting a raw deal.

But if not M.W. I would like to see peter berry get a shot too since it seems they want "the queens" accent.

I'm flattered to have my name mentioned in conjunction with such a prestigious position but Santa Anita would NEVER entertain a Western New York harness caller being their "voice."

pointman · #2 02-28-2016, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Berry

I'm flattered to have my name mentioned in conjunction with such a prestigious position but Santa Anita would NEVER entertain a Western New York harness caller being their "voice."

Why Peter? A harness caller can be just as good if not better. I believe Durkin called some harness at the Meadowlands and if anyone could call a race like Jack E. Lee they would win this job in a second.

declansharbor · #3 02-28-2016, 03:41 PM

Fitzgerald's done one HELL of a job this weekend and hope to see him the mainstay.

Peter Berry · #4 02-28-2016, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pointman

Why Peter? A harness caller can be just as good if not better. I believe Durkin called some harness at the Meadowlands and if anyone could call a race like Jack E. Lee they would win this job in a second.

I've been listening recently to a lot of Durkin's old harness racing calls, including Cambest's world-record time trial at the Illinois State Fair in 1993. He was a terrific crossover caller, certainly in the class of John Tapp and Bill Collins.

pointman · #5 02-28-2016, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Berry

I've been listening recently to a lot of Durkin's old harness racing calls, including Cambest's world-record time trial at the Illinois State Fair in 1993. He was a terrific crossover caller, certainly in the class of John Tapp and Bill Collins.

I hope you have listened to some of Jack E. Lee's classic calls. To me he is he Durkin of harness racing calling. John Bothe was a tremendous talent too. Unfortunately, both Lee and Bothe had personal issues that hurt their careers.

Sightseek · #6 02-28-2016, 06:23 PM

David Fitzgerald has done a great job this weekend.

Peter Berry · #7 02-28-2016, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pointman

I hope you have listened to some of Jack E. Lee's classic calls. To me he is he Durkin of harness racing calling. John Bothe was a tremendous talent too. Unfortunately, both Lee and Bothe had personal issues that hurt their careers.

I first heard Lee on a visit to Roosevelt in 1975. A brilliant caller, fantastic voice. I had no idea he was the PA announcer at Shea Stadium for a while. Why was he fired from Roosevelt and how well did he adapt to the Long Island quarter horses?

pointman · #8 02-28-2016, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Berry

I first heard Lee on a visit to Roosevelt in 1975. A brilliant caller, fantastic voice. I had no idea he was the PA announcer at Shea Stadium for a while. Why was he fired from Roosevelt and how well did he adapt to the Long Island quarter horses?

From what I understand he had a big problem with alcohol, there was never an issue about his talent. I believe it cost him the job at Freehold too. I didn't realize that he was the PA announcer at Shea Stadium either and I just saw something that he was the ring announcer at MSG for WWE.

Always loved when he called the horse in last as so and so "can see em all!" He was a great announcer no matter what he called.

richard burch · #9 02-28-2016, 11:12 PM

Hypothetical question

since it's common knowledge that they are interviewing callers, If Mr. Berry were to apply for the position, would S.A. have to give him a chance to call a race or 2? They are giving others that chance.

cakes44 · #10 03-03-2016, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pointman

From what I understand he had a big problem with alcohol, there was never an issue about his talent.

Sounds like another case of the man keeping him down.

jnunan4759 · #11 03-08-2016, 11:26 PM

I really think the best choice for SA is Travis Stone. He is the best young race caller I've seen (heard) in over 50 years of my racing.

Alabama Stakes · #12 03-09-2016, 12:19 AM

Love Trav. Couple weeks of listening to old Jim Hannon tapes honed his game into the perfect mix of blood and guts needed for Santa Anita . he is ready for the big job on the left coast

MaTH716 · #13 03-24-2016, 12:16 PM

Jay Privman ‏@DRFPrivman 6m6 minutes ago
Racing! Santa Anita announces that @Michael_Wrona has been tabbed as the permanent replacement for Trevor Denman. Congratulations. (1/2)

mclem0822 · #14 03-24-2016, 12:26 PM

Congrats to Michael Wrona. Very talented, i am sure he will do a wonderful job.
I do feel bad for Frank, i am sure he will handle this with the class he has displayed throughout his career.

Seattleallstar · #15 03-24-2016, 12:39 PM

I still would prefer Vic but Wrona is ok

richard burch · #16 02-28-2016, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Berry

I'm flattered to have my name mentioned in conjunction with such a prestigious position but Santa Anita would NEVER entertain a Western New York harness caller being their "voice."

I'm basing my opinion on what I hear. You Sir are a damn good race caller so don't underestimate your ability. Great voice, accurate, caring and I can trust your call at the line.

and thanks for the reply. Go Buffalo, I'll be listening.