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.
Anyone can get excited over a thrilling stretch drive and dramatic finish. One of the many traits that makes Durkin so great, in our opinion, is his ability add excitement and drama to dominant performances. It’s telling that two of Durkin’s most famous calls–Arazi’s Juvenile romp and Cigar’s going away win in the 1995 Breeders’ Cup Classic–did not involve a photo finish. Today, we look at a third example, Borrego’s dominant 2005 Jockey Club Gold Cup win.
Fresh off a break through win in the Pacific Classic, Borrego headed east to Belmont (home of the 2005 Classic) for the Jockey Club Gold Cup, where he sought to become the first horse to win the Pacifi Classic and Gold Cup in the same year. Borrego spotted field about a dozen lengths, but thanks to a solid pace prompted by an many as four horses, he was ready to pounce (more like maule) as they entered the far turn.
We’ll let Durkin take it from here. Again, amazing to hear how thrilling he makes a race seem where the winner litterally walked home the last 16th of a mile.
Also, good luck to Thorobro Master of Hounds who will be competing in/ reporting on NYRA’s recently added low roller tournament. Follow our twitter feed today for live updates.
