Tom Durkin to retire August 31st

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by Pants II

His voice was made for the track.

The guy could read the phone book and make it intriguing.

Irreplaceable. Hopefully someone outside of Collmus gets a shot.

Well said. I hope it's Dooley.

Durkin should've never been replaced for the Breeders' Cup and Triple Crown. The best there is.

[Rudeboyelvis]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

Well said. I hope it's Dooley.

Durkin should've never been replaced for the Breeders' Cup and Triple Crown. The best there is.

Wasn't that his call? I thought I had heard that he was starting to get uncomfortable calling the big races or something

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by Rudeboyelvis

Wasn't that his call? I thought I had heard that he was starting to get uncomfortable calling the big races or something

You're right, I think that was the case with the Triple Crown, but I'm pretty sure he was replaced for the Breeders' Cup.

[Soaring Softly]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

You're right, I think that was the case with the Triple Crown, but I'm pretty sure he was replaced for the Breeders' Cup.

I might be wrong, but I think I recall that that was a contract conflict. When ESPN took over the Breeders Cup broadcasting from NBC (2006 I think), Tom was under contract with NBC and ESPN couldn't touch him.

I think that's what happened, anyway.

[dellinger63]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

Well said. I hope it's Dooley.

Durkin should've never been replaced for the Breeders' Cup and Triple Crown. The best there is.

I remember a few years ago 'or longer' Dooley in an interview said NY would be his dream job as he's from there.

Hoping he gets his dream and Bill Downes Jr. takes over Arlington, Fairgrounds duties getting his dream.