Tom Durkin to retire August 31st

[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.