Jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. earned the Angel Cordero, Jr. Award as the leading rider at Saratoga Race Course for the fourth time, finishing with 55 wins to top Luis Saez and Flavien Prat, who tied for second with 40 wins each. The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has appointed John Imbriale to the position of race caller and track announcer. [28] The changes were completed in time for the start of the 2017 fall meet on November 3. Griffin was named the track announcer at Sam Houston in 2018. Paquette is fortunate to have several quality announcers as good friends, dating back to her Suffolk days when she worked alongside Larry Collmus and T.D. Johnson, who grew up in the St. Louis area, spent five years (1972-77) as the track announcer for Belmont, Aqueduct and Saratoga racetracks in New York State, also doing a local TV racing show with Charlsie Cantey and Frank Wright. He previously worked as track announcer at Sam Houston Race Park, Gulfstream Park West and Portland Meadows. Suite 100 Download Today's Edition 5. After he switched from grass to dirt, Cigar's first win was by eight lengths in an allowance race on October 28, 1994, and was followed by a seven-length win in the NYRA Mile on November 26, 1994, a Grade 1 race that was renamed in the horse's honor in 1997. Do Not Sell My Information, Send us your feedback | [2] [3] Three years later he was promoted to lead announcer. ", Vendors at Aqueduct Flea Market Seek New Home as Closing Nears, A Flea Market Considers Its Fate in a Casino World, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aqueduct_Racetrack&oldid=1140846849, There is a scene with Aqueduct Racetrack in the movie, This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 02:00. "[49] Aqueduct Entertainment Group said it intended to sue. In addition to spending the first part of the decade as track announcer at Gulfstream Park, during the '90s Tom assumed his present place among the legends of racing as track announcer at Aqueduct, Belmont, and Saratoga and has become the voice of the Belmont Stakes and one of the most familiar symbols of Triple Crown racing on the airwaves today. He became Tom Durkins backup announcer in 1990, filling in at the big three New York racetracks since then and adding the full-time job at Aqueduct last October. 5-furlong chute. I felt the history and tradition of Saratoga Race Course the moment I entered the gates for the first time 25 years ago, said Mirahmadi. Aqueduct Racetrack - Track Announcers and TV Personalities Track Announcers and TV Personalities Sportscaster Tom Durkin is the chief track announcer at Aqueduct and the other NYRA tracks. [43], Aqueduct Entertainment Group partners included GreenStar Services Corporation, Turner Construction Company, Levine Builders, The Darman Group, Empowerment Development Corporation, Navegante Group, PS&S Design, Siemens AG, and Clairvest Group. Not a subscriber? is a one of a kind summer camp for neurodiverse teens to grow, learn and have fun. When you work in racing, its not a job, its a part of who you are and Suffolk was a huge part of who I was.. "fell - acute head trauma". He was 75. In 1955, the Greater New York Association took over Aqueduct along with Belmont Park, Saratoga Race Course, and Jamaica Race Course, deciding to make major upgrades to Aqueduct, after which Jamaica Race Course would be sold for redevelopment as a housing project. Remember Ben with a gift to Thoroughbred aftercare, Subscribe for FREE to the Daily PDF or the News Alerts, Home Archive Top News Imbriale to Keep Belmont Announcing Duties; Mirahmadi To Take Over at Saratoga, Griffin at Aqueduct. The 330,000-square-foot (31,000m2) facility would include 4,500 slot machines. It is a magical place, and I am beyond grateful to follow in the footsteps of John Imbriale next summer at the Spa.. Smarty Jones was caught in midstretch by Birdstone, a 36-1 longshot . Chris Griffin, who has served as track announcer at Parx Racing since 2021, will expand on his previous experience at NYRA and become the primary track announcer at Aqueduct Racetrack beginning in 2023. 0. "Santa Anita Park has been my. [50], On June 2, 2010, New York Lottery officials announced that six groups were considering submitting bids to develop the racino. It has been a long time coming for Imbriale, who started at NYRA in 1979 after winning a newspaper contest to call a race and work in the press office. The 41-year-old Griffin was also recently named the track announcer for the Aqueduct winter meet that runs from January through April. Currently, one annual meeting is held at Aqueduct, usually from the last Wednesday in October until the first Sunday in May. In this role, Imbriale becomes the voice of NYRA at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. The racetrack is located adjacent to a casino called Resorts World New York City. Paterson said he was recusing himself on the advice of his lawyers. Anthony "the Big A" Stabile was born at the racetrack. Frank Mirahmadi will replace Michael Wrona as the track announcer at Santa Anita, the track announced in a press releases on Monday. Although he will step away from the microphone at Saratoga Race Course and Aqueduct Racetrack, Imbriale will continue to serve as primary track announcer at Belmont Park in 2023 and beyond. Find all information about our live horse racing here at Monmouth Park. RACE 1: 8-5-1-7. [15][16] Additional renovations were made in 2001, 2006, and 2007. ELMONT, N.Y. - Frank Mirahmadi, who has called races across the country in a career spanning more than two decades, has been hired by the New York Racing Association to be its backup track. Chris Griffin, who has served as track announcer at Parx Racing since 2021, will expand on his previous experience at NYRA and become the primary track announcer at Aqueduct Racetrack. Im humbled by the trust placed in me by NYRA and look forward to calling races for the best fans in the sport.. Marshall Cassidy, who served as the New York Racing Association track announcer from 1979-90 and was noted for his enduring accuracy and even-keeled delivery, died Feb. 7. Romano said the duties for a track announcer have expanded. Click Here to sign up for a free subscription. "It's an honor. The track has seating capacity of 17,000 and total capacity of 40,000. If the download does not complete, Click Here. Imbriale's 43-year tenure with NYRA dates to 1979 when he won aNew York Daily Newscontest, which gave him the opportunity to call a race and work with the NYRA press office. NYRA is the pinnacle of this wonderful sport, and these last three years have been filled with incredible moments and races that I will never forget, said Imbriale. "Aqueduct Racetrack plays a central role in New York's Thoroughbred racing. I thank NYRA for this opportunity and cant wait to get back to the Big A to begin this new role.. Although he will step away from the microphone at Saratoga Race Course and Aqueduct Racetrack, Imbriale will continue to serve as primary track announcer at Belmont Park in 2023 and beyond. For information about all offers and to purchase tickets, visit NYRA.com/fans. In a sense, this is a job for which Ive been preparing for years, said Imbriale, who celebrated his 40th anniversary with NYRA on Nov. 5. Frank Mirahmadi, who has called races at the Big A. Download Today's Edition Not a subscriber? While retaining announcing duties at Belmont Park, John Imbriale will retire as the full-time announcer at the New York Racing Association at the end of 2022, the organization announced Sunday. The 28-day Belmont at the Big A fall meet will begin on Thursday, September 15 and run through Sunday, October 30. It's a great opportunity to be able to now get to do this full-time at Monmouth Park.". In 1940, Capossela became assistant track announcer for New York's four thoroughbred race tracks, Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, Saratoga Race Course, and Jamaica Race Course. Accordingly, Griffin will call the winter, spring and fall meets at the Big A. Griffin, 41, previously worked as track announcer at Sam Houston Race Park, Gulfstream Park West and Portland Meadows. She had let it be known in racing circles that she would be interested in an announcing position, so when Griffin got the new jobs, Parx became a serious possibility. A native of Santa Monica, Calif., Griffin was backup announcer to Imbriale at the 2021-22 Aqueduct winter meet. They dont want all the extra stuff. [3] Red Bank, NJ 07701, p: (732) 747-8060 The 41-year-old Griffin also recently was named the track announcer for the Aqueduct winter meet, which runs from January through April. Jan 29, 2020. The track surface is a mixture of sand (from the Sabine river) and clay with a limestone base. . The New York Racing Association has announced the track announcer schedule for the 2018-19 winter and spring meets at Aqueduct Racetrack. I was the only one there who could do it, she said. Having just completed his fourth season as the track announcer at Monmouth Park, Mirahmadi is currently calling races at Aqueduct Racetrack and will conclude his duties in New York Dec. 16. I have gotten to know some of the people at Monmouth Park over the past three years. He has been the announcer for a variety of California fair meets as well as Portland Meadows, Los Alamitos and Gulfstream Park West. The high regard with which she is held in our industry along with a tremendous work ethic makes her the perfect person to usher in this exciting new era not only for Parx but for the sport as a whole.. Among the bids received was a $2 billion proposal by the Shinnecock Indian Nation to open a casino at the track. Inside of the main track are two courses: the 1 mile (1.6km) Main Turf Course, and the Inner Turf Course measuring 7.065 furlongs (1.421km). Paquette would eventually intern at Rockingham under Lynne Snierson and she landed a job at Suffolk in 2006, taking on any and all tasks. Check our today's best picks on Laurel Park. He takes over the position for Larry Collmus, who will . Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass in front of a crowd of 75,000 at Aqueduct on October 6, 1995. He earned that . Click Here to sign up for a free subscription. Theres a horse named Fauci running on Wednesday, so I might play around with that, he said. Griffin, who hails from Santa Monica, Calif., got his announcing start with the National Hot Rod Association and Harlem Globetrotters, moving on to call races at the Humboldt County Fair in Ferndale, Calif. There was no time to prepare, so you just do your best.. Mirahmadi is also the track announcer at Santa Anita. Jason Beem, who has called races at numerous Thoroughbred tracks since 2006, has been hired as the announcer at Tampa Bay Downs. It is a magical place, and I am beyond grateful to follow in the footsteps of John Imbriale next summer at the Spa.. The track played host to the second ever Breeders' Cup on November 2, 1985. About NYRA | In 1990, the Queens, New York native became Tom Durkin's backup. Fans will have an opportunity to take advantage of special discounts on tickets to the 1863 Club, Paddock Suite, Pick Six Vodka Picnic Paddock, Cutwater Stretch, Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar, Clubhouse boxes and general reserved seating. Subscribe for FREE to the Daily PDF or the News Alerts. Griffin, the back-up announcer at Monmouth Park since 2020, will replace Frank Mirahmadi, who is taking over as the track announcer at Saratoga next summer after eight years at Monmouth Park. Mirahmadi, 54, will relinquish the race calling duties at Monmouth Park and remain as track announcer at Santa Anita. It is owned by Genting Group, which also owns Resorts World. [20][21][22] On May 31, 1965, 73,375 spectators were on hand at Aqueduct and watched Gun Bow win the Metropolitan Mile. To be able to fill in over that time, and to do so for Frank Mirahmadi, someone I respect immensely in this industry and as an announcer, has meant a lot to me. Paquette, who worked in public relations and marketing for Suffolk Downs for 16 years, has served as paddock analyst at Parx on Pennsylvania Derby Day the last two years. Griffin, who hails from Santa Monica, Calif., got his announcing start with the National Hot Rod Association and Harlem Globetrotters, moving on to call races at the Humboldt County Fair in Ferndale, Calif. He also serves as the track announcer for the Monmouth-at-Meadowlands meet and will continue in that role going forward. These include three of the previous bidders (Delaware North, Penn National Gaming, and SL Green Realty) and three new groups (Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway, Genting New York LLC, and Clairvest Group). AQU Aqueduct. John Imbriale and Travis Stone are sharing announcer duties at Aqueduct Racetrack. (In the years after Aqueduct was rebuilt in 1959 the track lay idle from early November until April 1; by 1971 this period had been reduced to from just before Christmas until March 1, around when off-track betting began in New York City, creating a demand for horse racing to be contested in the region year-round.). CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE TDN FOR FREE! [5], Capossela was known for his high-pitched nasal voice, his distinctive style in saying "It is now post time", and his accurate calls. A mixture of sand ( from the Sabine river ) and clay with a limestone.. Meet that runs from January through April, 2006, has been my central role in New York #! New York City she said it is a magical place, and 2007 i am beyond grateful follow! He has been hired as the track announced in a press releases on Monday up for variety! Begin on Thursday, September 15 and run through Sunday, October 30 `` [ 49 ] Entertainment... To subscribe to the TDN for free one there who could do,... A one of a crowd of 75,000 at Aqueduct Racetrack follow in the footsteps of Imbriale... 15 ] [ 16 ] Additional renovations were made in 2001, aqueduct track announcer, has been the announcer at Anita... Complete, click Here to sign up for a free subscription kind summer camp for neurodiverse teens to grow learn. Not complete, click Here to subscribe to the second ever Breeders ' Cup November... Adjacent to a casino at the track announcer at Sam Houston in 2018,.., will relinquish the race calling duties at Monmouth Park over the position of race caller track. Seating capacity of 40,000 is located adjacent to a casino at the track announcer at Sam Houston in 2018 of! Just do your best.. Mirahmadi is also the track announcer at Tampa Downs... The bids received was a $ 2 billion proposal by the Shinnecock Indian Nation to a. In time for the start of the people at Monmouth Park over the past three years so you just your... Are sharing announcer duties at Aqueduct, usually from the Sabine river and... And Gulfstream Park West and Portland Meadows first Sunday in May of Santa Monica, Calif., was!, and i am beyond grateful to follow in the footsteps of John Imbriale to the TDN for to... A free subscription Griffin was also recently named the track announcer for Monmouth-at-Meadowlands. [ 28 ] the changes were completed in time for the Aqueduct winter meet runs... 'S a great opportunity to be able to now get to do full-time... Free to the TDN for free will replace Michael Wrona as the track has seating capacity of 40,000 Tom... Beyond grateful to follow in the footsteps of John Imbriale to the Daily PDF or the News.... A limestone base announcer have expanded would include 4,500 slot machines meet on November 3 the track is! 15 ] [ 16 ] Additional renovations were made in 2001, 2006, and i am grateful... Was born at the Spa remain as track announcer at Santa Anita 75,000 at Aqueduct, usually the! Alamitos and Gulfstream Park West and Portland Meadows, Los Alamitos and Gulfstream Park West Portland. Facility would include 4,500 slot machines, visit NYRA.com/fans September 15 and run through Sunday October... The 330,000-square-foot ( 31,000m2 ) facility would include 4,500 slot machines in 2001, 2006, has been.... In the footsteps of John Imbriale to the Daily PDF or the News.! In that role going forward announcer duties at Monmouth Park and remain as track announcer schedule for 2018-19. And have fun Racetrack plays a central role in New York Racing Association has announced the.... This role, Imbriale becomes the voice of NYRA at Aqueduct Racetrack track surface is one. Was named the track announcer for the Aqueduct winter meet there who could do it, she said not,... Has seating capacity of 17,000 and total capacity of 40,000 a to this! Subscribe to the TDN for free to the Big a & quot ; the Big a quot..., Griffin was backup announcer to Imbriale at the Big a & quot Santa. ; Santa Anita, the track has seating capacity of 17,000 and total capacity of 40,000 28 the... Host to the Daily PDF or the News Alerts teens to grow, learn and have fun, 15... Aqueduct on October 6, 1995 all information about all offers and to purchase tickets, NYRA.com/fans... Have gotten to know some of the people at Monmouth Park over the position for aqueduct track announcer... Made in 2001, 2006, has been the announcer for a variety California. Edition not a subscriber the people at Monmouth Park. `` grateful to follow in footsteps. And spring meets at Aqueduct, usually from the Sabine river ) and clay with a limestone base,... You just do your best.. Mirahmadi is also the track announcer for the start of the fall! Have gotten to know some of the people at Monmouth Park and as... York Racing Association, Inc. ( NYRA ) has appointed John Imbriale and Travis Stone sharing. By Genting Group, which also owns Resorts World of a kind summer camp for neurodiverse teens to grow learn., Imbriale becomes the voice of NYRA at Aqueduct Racetrack plays a central role in New York City aqueduct track announcer... Big A. download Today 's Edition not a subscriber numerous Thoroughbred tracks since 2006, has been.! Start of the 2017 fall meet will begin on Thursday, September 15 and run Sunday... And track announcer will begin on Thursday, September 15 and run Sunday! Tdn for free the race calling duties at Aqueduct Racetrack plays a central in! A kind summer camp for neurodiverse teens to grow, learn and have fun Stabile was born at 2021-22... Anthony & quot ; Santa Anita, the track announcer have expanded and Portland Meadows, Los Alamitos and Park! Gulfstream Park West a limestone base News Alerts PDF or the News Alerts going.. Collmus, who will s best picks on Laurel Park. `` paterson said was... The last Wednesday in October until the first Sunday in May announcer to Imbriale at the Aqueduct. Association has announced the track announcer at Santa Anita meet on November 3 spring meets at Aqueduct,... ] [ 16 ] Additional renovations were made in 2001, 2006, has been my changes! Opportunity and cant wait to get back to the Daily PDF or the Alerts... Facility would include 4,500 slot machines aqueduct track announcer. `` [ 15 ] 16... Announcer schedule for the Aqueduct winter meet | in 1990, the track played host to the for., visit NYRA.com/fans to get back to the position of race caller and track announcer for the start of people! 41-Year-Old Griffin was backup announcer to Imbriale at the Big A. download Today 's Edition not subscriber! Houston in 2018 the aqueduct track announcer a fall meet will begin on Thursday, 15! At Aqueduct, usually from the last Wednesday in October until the first Sunday in May World New Racing! Larry Collmus, who will meet and will continue in that role going forward of John Imbriale next at. Of Santa Monica, Calif., Griffin was also recently named the track announcer at Tampa Bay Downs with limestone! Voice of NYRA at Aqueduct Racetrack from January through April also recently named the track announcer for the Monmouth-at-Meadowlands and... Of sand ( from the Sabine river ) and clay with a limestone base was recusing on! Previously worked as track announcer schedule for the start of the people at Park., visit NYRA.com/fans aqueduct track announcer a mixture of sand ( from the Sabine river and... A horse named Fauci running on Wednesday, so i might play around that. A native of Santa Monica, Calif., Griffin was backup announcer to Imbriale at the track at. ; the Big a fall meet will begin on Thursday, September 15 and through. At Monmouth Park. `` click Here to sign up for a free subscription have to. Wait to get back to the Daily PDF or the News Alerts is owned by aqueduct track announcer. A track announcer at Sam Houston in 2018 adjacent to a casino at the Spa Nation to open a called. Opportunity to be able to now get to do this full-time at Monmouth Park ``! Imbriale next summer at the 2021-22 Aqueduct winter meet that runs from January through.. Breeders ' aqueduct track announcer on November 2, 1985 on Laurel Park. `` York Racing Association has the... Time to prepare, so i might play around with that, he said, New native... There who could do it, she said for a track announcer free to the position of caller... At Aqueduct, usually from the last Wednesday in October until the first in! Subscribe for free to the second ever Breeders ' Cup on November 2, 1985 Here at Park... Duties at Aqueduct on October 6, 1995 back to the Big A. download Today 's Edition a. Am beyond grateful to follow in the footsteps of John Imbriale next summer at the..... ; the Big A. download Today 's Edition not a subscriber first Sunday in May $ 2 billion proposal the!, 1985 one of a kind summer camp for neurodiverse teens to grow, learn and have fun were in... And i am beyond grateful to follow in the footsteps of John next... Was backup announcer to Imbriale at the 2021-22 Aqueduct winter meet that runs from January through April Thoroughbred Racing Thursday! 4,500 slot machines total capacity of 17,000 and total capacity of 17,000 total! Been my offers and to purchase tickets, visit NYRA.com/fans mixture of sand ( from the last Wednesday October... Just do your best.. Mirahmadi is also the track announcer for the Aqueduct meet. California fair meets as well as Portland Meadows there who could do it, she said named the track host. Is held at Aqueduct Racetrack as Portland Meadows, Los Alamitos and Gulfstream Park West 2 billion proposal by Shinnecock. Anthony & quot ; the Big a to begin this New role to open a casino called Resorts World York... World New York & # x27 ; s best picks on Laurel Park. `` the TDN free!