Report: Byers Replaces Stauffer Behind Mic at Oaklawn

Jim Byers will continue serving as Oaklawn Park track announcer "at least in the short term" due to prior announcer Vic Stauffer no longer being with the track, Wayne Smith, general manager of Oaklawn, told Daily Racing Form. Byers began calling the racing action at the Arkansas track in early March.

Byers is the regular announcer for Lone Star Park, which opens its Thoroughbred meet April 13. Oaklawn continues racing through May 6.

"At least in the short term, Jim is going to assist us until he has another engagement," Smith said to DRF's Mary Rampellini. 

In the DRF report, the Oaklawn Park executive declined to comment why Stauffer would not announce at Oaklawn.

I've separated from @OaklawnRacing I thank them for 6 1/2 GREAT yrs. We disagreed about the severity of a tweet I recently posted. Respect their opinion. In LV to enjoy competing vs fellow horse players in the NHC. Humbly appreciate all the well wishes. Our game is the BEST! VJS

— Vic Stauffer (@goofonroof) March 10, 2023

Smith told DRF that a search for a new announcer would not begin until the Oaklawn Park meet concluded.

Following a request for comment from BloodHorse, Smith issued a statement Friday evening echoing his earlier statements to DRF.

Byers, who has announced at Lone Star in Dallas since 2016, previously called races at Remington Park from 1988-99 and at defunct Hollywood Park from 1984-87. After leaving Remington, he spent over a decade broadcasting hockey and baseball in Oklahoma City.

Stauffer became Oaklawn Park's announcer in 2017 after calling at numerous tracks across the country, including Gulfstream Park, Hialeah, Golden Gate Fields, and Hollywood Park, where he announced for 13 years. He has also worked as a steward and jockey's agent.