What are The Best Race Calls of All Time?

[Danzig]

i note that trevor denman hasn't got a vote yet. so, i see i'm not alone on that particular score. his growl of 'and away they go' imo is akin to fingernails on a chalkboard.

two worst are mike battaglia and terry wallace. worst on a big day-dave johnson calling the derby. you could have a huge move being made, and he'll forsake talking about it because he just HAS TO get in that 'and down the stretch they come'. he had his hands full one derby in particular with a lot of horses needing discussed at the top of the lane, but cut himself off to get that trademark phrase in. god forbid it get left out, cause it's waaaay more exciting than the race itself.

[DaTruth]

Originally Posted by Danzig

worst on a big day-dave johnson calling the derby. you could have a huge move being made, and he'll forsake talking about it because he just HAS TO get in that 'and down the stretch they come'. he had his hands full one derby in particular with a lot of horses needing discussed at the top of the lane, but cut himself off to get that trademark phrase in. god forbid it get left out, cause it's waaaay more exciting than the race itself.

When Easy Goer goes past Houston late on the far turn of the 1989 Preakness, Johnson actually calls Easy Goer "Dansil."

[Travis Stone]

As a race caller, I listen to calls differently, thinking from a mechanics perspective and how the dynamics of a race are unfolding relating directly to the call.

In that regard, I thought the 2001 Breeders' Cup Classic with Tiznow was the nuts. Every move was nailed, the excitement of the stretch drive, Tiznow fighting back, announcing the finish with an appropriate description, "Tiznow wins it for America!"

The 1989 Breeders' Cup Classic also gets a mention, and as Vic said, Secretariat's Belmont too.

Taking the 'race caller hat' off, from a capturing the moment perspective, I thought Birdstone and Smarty Jones' Belmont Stakes was well done. Let's face it, even though you might have bet Birdstone, part of you wants to see Smarty Jones win, and he almost did, after running so hard. There was no catchy phrase, goofy line, funny script... "Birdstone wins the Belmont Stakes" was appropriately stated and sounded. It recognized Birdstone, while also capturing the emotion of a stunned nation.

[clyde]

Oh my God.

[Rileyoriley]

Originally Posted by clyde

Oh my God.

I don't remember Him calling a race.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by Rileyoriley

I don't remember Him calling a race.

[Indian Charlie]

How Bill Gahr (Garr?) didn't make this list is beyond me.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by Danzig

i note that trevor denman hasn't got a vote yet. so, i see i'm not alone on that particular score. his growl of 'and away they go' imo is akin to fingernails on a chalkboard.

I love Trevor but had to vote "other".