Emerald Downs announced May 25 that 22-year-old Matt Dinerman has been hired as track announcer through the remainder of the 2015 season.
A native of San Diego, Calif., Dinerman replaces longtime announcer Robert Geller, who will succeed Dan Loiselle as the announcer at Woodbine in Toronto, Ontario. Geller's final day at Emerald in Auburn, Wash., is June 7.
Dinerman called two races recently at Emerald Downs, and afterward track president Phil Ziegler officially offered the fledgling announcer the position.
"We consider Matt Dinerman to be a very talented young man," Ziegler said. "He has a great aptitude for announcing races, and he figures to get even better with experience. It's great to have him on board."
Dinerman begins his duties the week of May 25, observing and working with Geller until taking over full-time June 12.
"Emerald Downs staff, horsemen, and fans are all extremely enthusiastic about their racing and I am beyond thrilled to be joining their team this summer," Dinerman said. "I am extremely excited to get started."
The timing is perfect for Dinerman, who recently graduated from Chapman University in Orange, Calif. Born July 13, 1992, he grew up attending the races at Del Mar and spent four summers walking hots for trainer John Sadler, and another two years as part of the Del Mar publicity team.
Emerald Downs' 70-day meet runs through Sept. 27.