Durkin, Baffert to Receive Awards at Fan Brunch
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Retired track announcer Tom Durkin with his plaque at Saratoga. (Photo by NYRA/Coglianese Photo)
In an Eclipse Awards week filled with events featuring a who's who of the Thoroughbred industry, fan association ThoroFan is hosting their fourth annual awards brunch at Gulfstream Park as part of the lead-up to the industry awards program. Fans can enjoy a gourmet meal and have a chance to meet legendary race caller Tom Durkin and Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert. The ThoroFan brunch will take place on Friday, Jan. 15, one day prior to the Eclipse Awards themselves.
Tom Durkin will receive this year’s ThoroFan Award recognizing his years of service to the industry. Durkin retired from calling the races at New York Racing Assocation tracks in 2014 after more than 40 years calling the races. Durkin also called the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup races, a voice that many of today’s fans grew up listening to.
Trainer Bob Baffert, who conditioned American Pharoah to win the first Triple Crown in 37 years in 2015, will receive a Special Recognition Award for his work supporting aftercare for retired racehorses and his efforts to help build the fan base.
BAFFERT AND AMERICAN PHAROAH
Photo by Eclipse Sportswire
The Horse Racing Nation’s Timothy “Tiznow” Reynolds Fan of the Year Award and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Moment of the Year Award will also be presented at the brunch, which will begin with registration at 10 a.m. at Frankey’s Sports Bar at the track. The gourmet buffet will be followed by the awards presentation and photo and autograph opportunities for fans.
Get your tickets here.