Third Race Call
Reserve The Third Race Call With Tom Durkin This Summer!
SARATOGA SPRINGS NY - The Third Race Call with Tom Durkin is back again this year at the Saratoga Race Track.
You can meet race announcer Tom Durkin in person and watch the thoroughbreds race from the announcer's booth as he calls the third race on each day's card! This is a great opportunity to rub shoulders with this race track legend, be in the thick of the racing excitement, get a great view of the race track, take up to five of your friends along, and best of all... support a great cause!
Reservations are $100 per person, with 100% of the proceeds going to benefit New York's Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T.). B.E.S.T. is a non-profit organization that provides a wide range of health and other services to the backstretch workers at NYRA-run race tracks, including Saratoga, Belmont and Aqueduct.
Past racing fans have also enjoyed an embroidered baseball cap and a souvenir photograph on the roof with Durkin. This special opportunity is limited to six fans daily from Opening Day to Closing Day, excluding Travers Day.
"I've been on the B.E.S.T board for at least 18 years and I do what I can to help the operation, which I really believe in," said Durkin. "Seeing how we've been able to positively affect the lives of people living on the backstretch - the social services that we provide - is a model for the thoroughbred industry."
Durkin has been bringing his special brand of excitement to race fans at the New York Racing Association's three tracks since 1990. A native of Chicago, Durkin studied theatre at St. Norbert College and began calling races in the early 1970s. Affectionately known as "the voice of NYRA," Durkin called the Breeders' Cup from its inception in 1984 through 2005, and the Triple Crown which he called through 2010. While Durkin has called races at more than 50 tracks in six countries, he has a special fondness for Saratoga.
"I really enjoy being around horseracing fans - its edifying because I can tell that they love being up there and having a behind-the-scenes experience," said Durkin. "My job is pretty isolated by necessity and with 'The Third Race Call', I get to meet people and we have a good time." This opportunity is limited to six fans daily from July 18 - September 1, excluding Travers Day.
Make your reservations by contacting the B.E.S.T. office at 516-488-3434 or visit them online at www.bestbackstretch.org