Originally Posted by Indian Charlie

Yeah, I'm glad your priorities are straight. A race caller getting excited about a jockey he represents is of much bigger concern than a friend doing something stupid to himself that might cause damage to his vision.

You are now the official paragon of virtue for DT!

Originally Posted by philcski

I can't believe you guys are going on for this long about some crappy maiden claimer. I thought the call was good, who cares who was riding the horse that made the big move.

Enough of this childish bullsh1t.

Originally Posted by stonegossard

You obviously cant take criticism Vic. If so you would have addressed my post before this got out of hand. Only after reading all of this do you backtrack. Byk isn't on some high horse. He like others thought your reply to me was unprofessional for a guy in your spot. You can't tell me that you don't have an interest in Rosario winning every race and there is no conflict on interest. Obviously you get a bit more excited when he does win (which makes sense since him winning puts money in your pocket), and AT TIMES it comes out in your calls. that my friend is a conflict of interest.

I am not ripping what it takes to be an announcer....not sure why you went down that path. In all honesty I know I damn well couldn't memorize 14 names in 20 minutes and then call races. My hat goes off to you ...it seems far from easy.

What it comes down to Vic, if you can't handle criticism then dont post on a public board.

Originally Posted by stonegossard

Call me crazy, but if there is a huge conflict of interest when someone has two jobs, don't you think it should be addressed, and if not fixed be dealt with ? I guess it would be ok if ESPN hired Mark Cuban to call NBA games. Could you imagine him calling Mavs games? The network wouldn't put up with it.

.

Originally Posted by v j stauffer

One race call on a Friday night. The post called me ridiculous, biased, embarrassing and a panderer. I had some fun and said BITE ME and "I" need to loosen up? Pleasssse!

Which do you want? A regular guy who hangs and talks racing amongst friends on the internet. Or an INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL whatever the hell that means that give you a bunch of stock answers and nothing else?

I can't take critizisim. Really? I've been on this and other boards for many years now and never once backed away from anything said. EVER.

I have made a concerted effort, as requested by my bosses at Hollywood Park, to not promote Rosario in my race calls. I feel I've done that very well. So much so that I've been emplored by many fans and horseman to not underplay Joel's accomplishments. I resisted and will continue to do so.

As for an "obvious" conflict of interest please explain that to me? What advantage do I have over the other agents and riders because I'm the announcer? Many many people on the racetracks have two jobs. I'm just lucky enough to have two great ones. But make no mistake I work my ass off to try to excell an both. Stone you're free to pick up a pair of binoculars or a condition book anytime you want and give it a go. The alarm rings at 4:45.

As for Hollywood Park sitting down and talking to me. I have the blessings of Eual Wyatt and Jack Liebau to do both jobs. They feel my calls and work are good enough to be worthy of calling the amazing racing we have here. Rest assured that as long as HP runs the races I will be the announcer.

Steve. As for you. Try getting off your high horse. I've always acted like a true professional on this site and on the times you've asked me to guest on your radio show. I have NEVER taken myself too seriously. You might want to consider the same. Last time I checked this game is supposed to be fun. Right?

In closing. Thanks for all the support. To you naysayers.................well you know what's coming. El BITO EL MEO:)

Originally Posted by stonegossard

Phil nobody is putting a gun to your head and forcing you to read it man.

Originally Posted by v j stauffer

I didn't reply to this post as fast as you'd like because I called the races last night at Hollywood Park until 11:00pm. Went to sleep at 12:30. Was up at 5:00am to accompany Joel to his first worker at Mike Mitchell's barn at 6:15. Joel worked six this morning while you were sitting in your jammies and sipping bosco. I'm home now for a few minutes before I go back and call the races which begin at 1:00.

Don't be such a weenie!

Originally Posted by jballscalls

there are "conflicts of interest" in announcing all the times in many sports. Bob Griese calling his son in the rose bowl, former players announcing for their old teams, Ron Ellis announcing on TVG and countless others. , many announcers have owned horses they've called, i think Tony Calo owned 62 lincoln in the bay area and called him, you think he wasn't rooting for him? Darren Tyquin (RIP) owned part of a horse that won its debut in a race he called, and he acknowledged it in the call. obviously an owner has a much bigger financial investment for a win than an agent.

most announcers have rooting interests in almost every race. many tracks ask us to do the picks in the programs, you think we don't root for our picks? most of us are good friends with many of the jockeys and trainers, you think we don't root for our buddies??

It's human nature to have rooting interests in events, and I feel Vic has been very professional in how he's performed while being Joel's agent.

And to the earlier poster, i've never met a steward that cared what an announcer says. most of them are in enclosed rooms and can't hear us anyways.

Originally Posted by philcski

Nobody is putting a gun to your head to listen to the calls or make unnecessary accusations, either.

Originally Posted by stonegossard

It's not about influencing a race. I never said he did. I am sure you guys bet races and inside root for certain horses. That's fine. But there is no need for this to come out when calling a race. Vic does it from time to time...and last night was ridiculous.

Originally Posted by stonegossard

It's not about influencing a race. I never said he did. I am sure you guys bet races and inside root for certain horses. That's fine. But there is no need for this to come out when calling a race. Vic does it from time to time...and last night was ridiculous.

Originally Posted by stonegossard

You are right...I should use the mute button. But because I have an opinion about his call last night doesn't make it unnecessary. If that's the case then why have a board for people to speak their minds ?

Originally Posted by philcski

Because this forum isn't supposed to be for complaining about the minutia of a call of a meet you said yourself you don't even bet. It just brings down the whole place.

Luke was great friends with Chuck and always made an excited call when one of his horses won. Was he not supposed to do that??? The whole premise of this thread is ridiculous.

Originally Posted by Kasept

Vic,

Sorry... While everyone is entitled to the occasional outburst or angry reply, this a very disappointing response from an industry professional given the measured tone of Pete's original post. You are in a slightly awkward position holding book and calling, and acknowledging that there is a race where you occasionally cross the line is only going to win you the understanding of viewers. The above is an Albert Belle-esque antic, and only demonstrates that you recognize you were overly cognizant of Rosario's spot in the race.

Originally Posted by freddymo

Vic choose the juvy approach which is disheartening since he could have used this as an opportunity to tell us all about what his next career will entail when Hollywood gets bulldozed. Perhaps Vic doesn't give a dam as he knows the light at the end of the tunnel isn't shining on him in the cat birds seat calling racings in 2010?

I have always enjoyed Vic as an announcer and think he does a terrific job.

Originally Posted by Duvalier

Bro we get it. Give it a f***ing break already.

Originally Posted by v j stauffer

I would have made the exact same call had Rosario not been on that horse.

Originally Posted by philcski

Because this forum isn't supposed to be for complaining about the minutia of a call of a meet you said yourself you don't even bet. It just brings down the whole place.

Luke was great friends with Chuck and always made an excited call when one of his horses won. Was he not supposed to do that??? The whole premise of this thread is ridiculous.