Ranking Tom Durkin

[Zaf]

Originally Posted by asudevil

at Freehold is by far the best. Talking about the Yankees losing the night before in the middle of the race.

Is that Letterman ??? the jugheads are so confusing

In my opinion Tom Durkin is the greatest announcer in horse racing history.

He has an amazing ability to caputre great moments in a way that combines great accuracy as if a reporter while thrilling us with great passion as if a fan.

He changed my profession from a public address medium to a television commentary that caused so many people to want to hear what he had to say next about the stars we love.

His clarity and description was what first made me take note. I used to sit in the paddock at Gulfstream Park and could absolutely know what was happening and perhaps more importantly what might happen each and every race.

When we hear that special intensity in his voice you know that you're listening to the most important racing in the world.

We all have our Durkin favorites.

" The two Derby winners hit the wire together"

" Sunday Silence braces for the oncoming power of Easy Goer"

" Mike Smith lets the Bull roll. But there's casue for Concern"

" A picture is worth a thousand words. This one is worth $5 million dollars"

" Bertrando is a stunned second"

" The unconquerable, invinceable, unbeatable Cigar!"

The bigger the stage the more he steps up and makes calls that are worthy of the moment.

Someone once said to me that I sound a little like Durkin. High praise indeed. The only reason I don't sound exactly like him is that I'm just not good enough.

Horse racing is the only major sport that doesn't honor it's announcers with HOF induction. I think that's a terrible oversight.

What would our memories be without Chic Anderson's " Moving like a tremendous machine"? Or Dave Johnson's " And down the stretch they come"?

Trevor's " They would have to sprout wings!" or Harry Henson's gravely voice saying "here comes Vigors the White Tornado".

Or even Cappy. " The horses are nearing the starting gate. The fan's make their way to the outer rail. That can mean but one thing!. IT IS NOW POST TIME!!"

What a gift from God that they let me go to the races everyday. And get paid to do it.

I should wear a mask when I pick up my paycheck.

Cheers.

VJS

[pgiaco]

Well said Vic. It's a pleasure to listen to Durkin on a daily basis, sure every now and again he'll fumble one but who doesn't. My favorite announcer trifecta is Durkin over VJS and Becker.

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by v j stauffer

In my opinion Tom Durkin is the greatest announcer in horse racing history.

He has an amazing ability to caputre great moments in a way that combines great accuracy as if a reporter while thrilling us with great passion as if a fan.

He changed my profession from a public address medium to a television commentary that caused so many people to want to hear what he had to say next about the stars we love.

His clarity and description was what first made me take note. I used to sit in the paddock at Gulfstream Park and could absolutely know what was happening and perhaps more importantly what might happen each and every race.

When we hear that special intensity in his voice you know that you're listening to the most important racing in the world.

We all have our Durkin favorites.

" The two Derby winners hit the wire together"

" Sunday Silence braces for the oncoming power of Easy Goer"

" Mike Smith lets the Bull roll. But there's casue for Concern"

" A picture is worth a thousand words. This one is worth $5 million dollars"

" Bertrando is a stunned second"

" The unconquerable, invinceable, unbeatable Cigar!"

The bigger the stage the more he steps up and makes calls that are worthy of the moment.

Someone once said to me that I sound a little like Durkin. High praise indeed. The only reason I don't sound exactly like him is that I'm just not good enough.

Horse racing is the only major sport that doesn't honor it's announcers with HOF induction. I think that's a terrible oversight.

What would our memories be without Chic Anderson's " Moving like a tremendous machine"? Or Dave Johnson's " And down the stretch they come"?

Trevor's " They would have to sprout wings!" or Harry Henson's gravely voice saying "here comes Vigors the White Tornado".

Or even Cappy. " The horses are nearing the starting gate. The fan's make their way to the outer rail. That can mean but one thing!. IT IS NOW POST TIME!!"

What a gift from God that they let me go to the races everyday. And get paid to do it.

I should wear a mask when I pick up my paycheck.

Cheers.

VJS

Although I appreciate a great call it's all about the race and the race horses for me Vic. Great calls require great races and "Sprouting Wings, it's post time, and down the stretch" aren't calls they are monikers and taglines of the callers which identify the race caller but do nothing to enhance a call.

I guess it's the difference between a Vin Scully and John Sterling.. To each his own.

Originally Posted by freddymo

Although I appreciate a great call it's all about the race and the race horses for me Vic. Great calls require great races and "Sprouting Wings, it's post time, and down the stretch" aren't calls they are monikers and taglines of the callers which identify the race caller but do nothing to enhance a call.

I guess it's the difference between a Vin Scully and John Sterling.. To each his own.

Fair enough. But anybody can have a tagline. You have to make years of great calls which all those guys did. Then people will remember a tagline.

[freddymo]

All of the great calls require get races. Save the earthquakes and other extraordinary events. You can't believe in Miracles, unless a miracle is happening. Trying to make a great call without a great race is like trying to make a world class meal with crappy ingredients..No matter how well you cook the food will only be so good.

I believe in the entertainment value of race callers very much always have suggested that callers can greatly enhance the racing experience. I just wish I heard more informative information with a 1/8th to go then the obvious "Sprouting Wings" etc stuff.

PS Nothing against Denman I have found many of his calls tremendous

[MaTH716]

Originally Posted by v j stauffer

Someone once said to me that I sound a little like Durkin. High praise indeed. The only reason I don't sound exactly like him is that I'm just not good enough.


VJS

Vic, don't sell yourself too short. The enthusiasim and energy that you and Tom Durkin bring to your calls are incomparable. I have just recently in the past couple of years been able to enjoy your work on a more daily basis and will be ready for you tonight at 10 on the east coast. I am a little impartial to Mr. Durkin, but that only because I grew up in New York.

[Travis Stone]

Originally Posted by v j stauffer

We all have our Durkin favorites.

I'll add the '05 Belmont Stakes to the list. It was such a great depiction of the mood of the moment, the happenings on the track and the overall feeling.

"Birdstone wins the Belmont Stake!"

Such simple words, yet very powerful. His voice was excited yet dissapointed, yet not too much of either one.

Personally, my wanting to call races spawned purely from my passion for the game. If you know me personally, I live and breathe it. Heck my dog is named after a race horse. I also enjoy entertaining and merging the two together ended-up being the ideal recipe.

Hopefully someday I'll get to call the big races and folks can critique me here too!

[ArlJim78]

Originally Posted by Travis Stone

"Birdstone wins the Belmont Stake!"

Such simple words, yet very powerful. His voice was excited yet dissapointed, yet not too much of either one.

thats the thing with Durkin, those little intangibles that add so much. the way he uttered that sentence above spoke volumes. kinda like a lump in the throat when he said "Birdstone" conveying two emotions at once.

Originally Posted by Travis Stone

I'll add the '05 Belmont Stakes to the list. It was such a great depiction of the mood of the moment, the happenings on the track and the overall feeling.

"Birdstone wins the Belmont Stake!"

Such simple words, yet very powerful. His voice was excited yet dissapointed, yet not too much of either one.

Personally, my wanting to call races spawned purely from my passion for the game. If you know me personally, I live and breathe it. Heck my dog is named after a race horse. I also enjoy entertaining and merging the two together ended-up being the ideal recipe.

Hopefully someday I'll get to call the big races and folks can critique me here too!

You have called big races and done a great job with them.

[ArlJim78]

how about a movie?

first there was Saving Private Ryan

then Being John Malkovich

why not Ranking Tom Durkin?

[Travis Stone]

Originally Posted by v j stauffer

You have called big races and done a great job with them.

Thank you, sir. I appreciate it!

[Dunbar]

Originally Posted by v j stauffer

In my opinion Tom Durkin is the greatest announcer in horse racing history.

He has an amazing ability to caputre great moments in a way that combines great accuracy as if a reporter while thrilling us with great passion as if a fan.

He changed my profession from a public address medium to a television commentary that caused so many people to want to hear what he had to say next about the stars we love.

His clarity and description was what first made me take note. I used to sit in the paddock at Gulfstream Park and could absolutely know what was happening and perhaps more importantly what might happen each and every race.

When we hear that special intensity in his voice you know that you're listening to the most important racing in the world.

We all have our Durkin favorites.

" The two Derby winners hit the wire together"

" Sunday Silence braces for the oncoming power of Easy Goer"

" Mike Smith lets the Bull roll. But there's casue for Concern"

" A picture is worth a thousand words. This one is worth $5 million dollars"

" Bertrando is a stunned second"

" The unconquerable, invinceable, unbeatable Cigar!"

The bigger the stage the more he steps up and makes calls that are worthy of the moment.

Someone once said to me that I sound a little like Durkin. High praise indeed. The only reason I don't sound exactly like him is that I'm just not good enough.

Horse racing is the only major sport that doesn't honor it's announcers with HOF induction. I think that's a terrible oversight.

What would our memories be without Chic Anderson's " Moving like a tremendous machine"? Or Dave Johnson's " And down the stretch they come"?

Trevor's " They would have to sprout wings!" or Harry Henson's gravely voice saying "here comes Vigors the White Tornado".

Or even Cappy. " The horses are nearing the starting gate. The fan's make their way to the outer rail. That can mean but one thing!. IT IS NOW POST TIME!!"

What a gift from God that they let me go to the races everyday. And get paid to do it.

I should wear a mask when I pick up my paycheck.

Cheers.

VJS

Very nice post!

--Dunbar