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.
Tiznow is one of my favorite horses of all time. While everyone, myself included, enjoys and appreciates sheer dominance like Secretariat’s win in the Belmont, its equally fun amazing to see a horse that simply refuses to lose and shows heart, grit and determination. Tiznow is the epitome of heart.
Tiznow of course won two consecutive Breeders’ Cup Classics in 2000 and 2001. Both featured star-studded fields and epic stretch drives that culminate in narrow victories by Tiznow over a European invader. Most importantly for this series, both races are described in chill-inducing fashion by Tom Durkin as Tiznow puts away his rivals and battles his foes from across the Atlantic right down to the wire.
Personally, I do not think these two races can be separated. Tiznow’s two Breeders’ Cup races are just inspiring performances made by a gritty horse who simply refuses to lose. Undoubtedly, the races would not hold nearly as dear a place in my memory if it were not for Tom Durkin’s calls. Even re-watching the stretch drive in 2000 leaves you breathless: “Tiznow tough as nails. Giants Causeway on the outside. Giants Causeway and Tiznow battling head to head! A heart pounding, pulsating stretch drive! And Tiznow prevails! The 2001 renewal, of course, is one of Durkin’s most famous calls. As Tiznow repels one last challenge from Sahkee, the Arc winner, Durkin exclaims “Tiznow wins its for America!” Its just fantastic. So this Friday we have a bonus two race 40 Days of Durkin. I encourage you to take 5 minutes and re-watch both races and both calls. Tom Durkin is the best.
