Durkin is so good that when he does make a mistake, it is really surprising. On Wednesday, I thought I had missed a horse when I was going over Belmont's second, because I didn't recognize the name of the early leader. It wasn't until the replay that I realized he had reversed Onion Queen's name - he called her "Queen Onion" at least twice.

What I posted has been bothering me all day. It sure does come across bad. I apologize if I offended anyone. I should have said this: a race caller does not add any value to a race for me. I rarely listen to the call when I am at the race track. When I am home, I do not listen to the call at all. The race call may add some excitement, but it doesnt really do anything for my horse. I do think an announcer is important for scratches, inquiries, etc etc. But during the race, I do not notice the call at all.

Durkin has had some absolutely classic calls in some of the great Breeders Cup races and really made them even more special with his calls. He does such a great job of capturing the drama of a rivalry within a race, or of a particularly momentus situation. For a true racing fan, some of his calls in these races just give you goosebumps. For some good strolls down memory lane involving some Durkin classics:

1989 Breeders Cup Classic - Absolutely Perfect. "Sunday Silence bracing for the ONCOMING POWER OF EASY GOER who's right at his neck...and the stage is set with 3 furlongs to run in the Breeders' Cup Classic..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKR3_shx7p4

1987 Breeders' Cup Classic - "Ferdinand has the lead. Alysheba, a final surge...and the 2 Derby winners HIT THE WIRE TOGETHER!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk8G8AR7TaM


1988 Breeders Cup Distaff: "And the Derby winner is loose on the lead." "Winning Colors is there...Personal Ensign, a dramatic finish..."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2vKTJ69z0I

Ive always enjoyed this call... shows Durkin does a great job even when it's not a big event...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqsRc9O9dHg

When I'm at an off track place and they forget to turn on the volume, I get bored easily during the race.

I mean if my horse is winning, the whole damn room better know that horse is winning :) Of course I assume they all have eyes and can see but still...I want them to hear it.

I miss Harvey Pack doing the replay show....

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

how about a movie?

first there was Saving Private Ryan

then Being John Malkovich

why not Ranking Tom Durkin?

Thank you, sir. I appreciate it!

So do I.. he could have made a replay of paint drying interesting...

"Scrappy T takes out Afleet alex!!!" Oh man, Tom was right on it this day in 2005. Tom is my favorite caller. He totally brings a person into the excitement of the moment and is great at letting you know what is going on with the rest of the field. "Afleet Alex....AWESOME!!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=op78_8CYZ0Y

azerica... I think you might have Tom Durkin mixed-up with Dave Rodman, who I believe used the "Afleet Alex... awesome!" line in his call. He calls it for Pimlico and the simulcast feed, Durkin calls it for the NBC audience.

Speaking of Rodman, if anyone has a few moments, YouTube his '08 Preakness calls, it was fantastic.