In honor of Tom Durkin’s retirement from race calling on August 31, we are taking a look back at 40 of his most memorable calls–one for each day of the 2014 Saratoga meet.
It’s Hambletonian week! No, the Thorobros have not started covering the Trotters. Believe it or not, there is a Hambletonian-Tom Durkin connection. In addition to being the greatest thoroughbred race caller of all time, Tom Durkin also called the 1989 Hambletonian — which happens to be the most exciting Hambletonian finish ever.
The 1989 Hambletonian was the first Hambletonian to ever end in a dead heat. Tom Durkin’s call — climaxing with his trademark “Too close to call!” — was typically perfect. Even for those of us who are more inclined to like the heart pounding, pulsating action of a thoroughbred stretch drive, the battle between Probe and Park Avenue Joe down to the wire in the richest harness race in America is great to watch. Having Tom Durkin describe the action makes it that much better…
