Woodbine Announcer Loiselle to Retire in 2015

Woodbine track announcer Dan Loiselle announced Dec. 9 that he will call his last race May 31, 2015, bringing a 29-year career as a Thoroughbred announcer to a close.

 

"It has been an absolute privilege to announce some of Canada's greatest races. My family and I owe everything we have to horse racing," said Loiselle, who has worked for Woodbine for more than four decades. "I want to thank the racing fans for all the kind things they have said to me over the years, my fellow employees at Woodbine Entertainment, and the horse people. We are a family here at Woodbine, and I have formed friendships that will last a lifetime."

 

A native of Scarborough, Ontario, Loiselle got his start at Woodbine, then known as the Ontario Jockey Club, as an assistant racing secretary in the Standardbred division and backup announcer Aug. 1, 1967. During his 17-year tenure, Loiselle stamped his voice on some of the circuit's most important races including the North America Cup, Maple Leaf Trot, and Breeders Crown.

 

On July 23, 1986, Loiselle took over from Thoroughbred race-caller Daryl Wells and launched a memorable career that will leave his calls indelibly inked on no less than 28 editions of the Queen's Plate, the first jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown.

 

"The name Dan Loiselle is synonymous with Woodbine Racetrack. Wherever I travel in North America, racing customers and industry players alike instantly ask about Danny and recount one of his many memorable calls," said Nick Eaves, Woodbine president and chief executive officer. "His distinctive voice and ability to build a race call such that we are all hanging off every word separates him from the rest.

 

"Beyond being one of the industry's very best race-callers, Danny is a wonderful human being, always putting others ahead of himself."

 

From his perch on the sixth floor, Loiselle has called five Canadian Triple Crown winners, including With Approval (1989), Izvestia (1990), Dance Smartly (1991), Peteski (1993), and Wando (2003). His voice has traveled across the continent adding a Canadian accent to five all-star announcer days at Churchill Downs, Belmont Park (twice), Arlington International Racecourse, and Monmouth Park.

 

With more than 55,000 race calls to his name, Loiselle's career in horse racing will come to a close next spring.

 

"It just feels like the right time," Loiselle said. "In 2015, I'll have worked at Woodbine Entertainment for 48 years. It's time for my family and myself to enjoy our summers, travel this great country of ours, and enjoy some time at the cottage."