Tom Durkin to retire August 31st

[Seattleallstar]

Originally Posted by philcski

I agree. He's unbelievable. The annotations he makes in race and the excitement in which he does it makes the whole race come ALIVE. The best ever.

I happen to like Collmus and think he does an excellent job but even as 2nd best he's not even in the same category as Durkin.

2nd best is a three way tie between denman, Dooley, and Vic

Frank M is third

[casp0555]

Originally Posted by casp0555

It is sad....I usually spend my lunch hour at work surfing youtube and listening to a lot of races called by Mr. Durkin. There are several, for comedic reasons, that stand out, like "Argh,Argh,Argh" .
It will be tough for me to find a "best of". There are so many

I now beleive we have not heard Tom Durkin's "best" race call yet. I think Saturday will be special...........will be listening for sure

[alysheba4]

saw the 87 classic last week, gave me goose bumps.

[knickslions2]

Originally Posted by alysheba4

saw the 87 classic last week, gave me goose bumps.

Just watched it again. Great race!!!

[TouchOfGrey]

DRF|Durkin honored with Big Sport of Turfdom award

Durkin is the first track announcer to receive the Big Sport of Turfdom, which has been awarded annually since 1966.

Durkin, 63, joins a list of winners that includes jockeys Mike Smith, Pat Day, Laffit Pincay Jr., Chris McCarron, Bill Shoemaker, Angel Cordero Jr., Eddie Arcaro, and last year’s winner, Gary Stevens. Trainers Bob Baffert, D. Wayne Lukas, and Jack Van Berg also won this award, as did author Laura Hillenbrand, broadcaster Jim McKay, and actors Tim Conway and Jack Klugman, individuals who may not be involved in the day-to-day aspect of Thoroughbred racing but made significant contributions to the sport.