Johnson and Durkin
 

This is probably a really stupid question but why exactly does NBC use Durkin instead of Johnson?

No disrespect intended and I know he has a ton of fans but Durkin makes me want to slit my wrists.

Johnson? I could listen all day.

He's got that style where one could close their eyes and see the race. (A lot of the time anyway).

What do you all think and can anyone answer?

Because Durkin is by far the best in the business.

I personally like Durkin (but I'm am clearly biased). Does Johnson even call races anymore? I know he called a few cards at the Meadowlands a couple of years ago and from what I remember he wasn't as smooth as he used to be (actually it was pretty rough and those were 6 horse fields). I'm just thinking that maybe the networks feel that DJ can't handle such a big gig anymore.

I think she might be talking about Mark Johnson, the CD announcer, not Dave, but I could be wrong.

Durkin's still the best.

Oh yeah, sorry... I thought it was clear that I meant Mark Johnson. :)

Whew!

Never even crossed my mind Joey. I enjoy listening to Johnson very much, but like I said I perfer Durkin. He is in a class all by himself.

They should bring in an American to call the Epsom Derby...that would go over well.

I much prefer Mark Johnson to Durkin. Durkin was one of the best at one time, but I think that time is well in the past.

arse

Any suggestions? :D

david letterman

Tom Durkin is the voice of horse racing. It's undeniable.

Agree with this.

I like Mark Johnson quite a bit- I was disappointed when Travis Stone didn't get the CD job, but I've grown to like him- but Durkin is the best.

Is that Dave Johnson's only race calling deal nowadays? (but I do love it :D)

ESPN should use Mark for their Breeders' Cup coverage.

NO, there is a racecaller by the same name David Letterman, last I heard he was at Atlantic City but now I think does harness

my mistake, it was lerry lederman and I think hes at Freehold

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qitkh6u3wCc

get a load of him trying to call this horses name

i just wish they would pick one so they don't talk over each other during the race.

i still pick durkin.

The goof that calls at Tampa...they would love him...

For those who go back to the days of Roosevelt Raceway and then after at Freehold Raceway, Jack E. Lee was one of the best all time horse racing announcers when he could stay sober.

All the people saying "Durkin is the best" -- you have low standards.

Please enlighten us as to who you think is better, or as you put it, for those with higher standards. :rolleyes:

durkin-then the rest
 

tom durkin is the best in the history of racing- in the 55 years of my involvement there is no one close

Jack Lee was the best Harness racing caller....there is a big difference in calling harness races.

My vote for best Harness caller would go to Robin Burns.

I agree. Don't know if anyone is close but he consistently did it exceptionally well. His calls aren't as sharp as they once were but his best fastball is still a strikeout pitch.

Best Harness caller, easily Northfield Parks old caller. Guy is tops.

Right now, Vic is the best race caller in the country. And Wrona, up at GG, is 2nd best. Durkin excels in 'Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr' type calls, which keeps his fans very happy.

Vic is much more accurate and knowledgeable (when it comes setups) than Durkin and Wrona is much more entertaining. Wrona towers over all the other 'accent' announcers in the country.

The "Arrrrrrrrrr" call is the worst ever.

And there they are!

Durkin is Fur Elise to Stauffer's Cotton-Eyed Joe

:tro:

Can't call anyone else goof. You owe me $8.00.

.......imo, durkin was and maybe still is the best....this is comming from someone who started with trevor back in 1986........dave johnson was always overrated in my eyes.

.....shut up....that ruled.

:tro:

Toss up between that one and this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWmxWdHKS4Q

They both make me want to kill myself.

If race calls give you thoughts of suicide, you might have bigger fish to fry.