Durkin Joins West Point Thoroughbreds

Retired New York Racing Association announcer Tom Durkin has joined West Point Thoroughbreds, it was announced Jan. 15 by West Point founder and president Terry Finley.

Durkin, a long-time Standardbred owner, will be an equity partner on horses within the West Point Thoroughbred partnerships, including the promising 3-year-old filly Phantom Phasr. In addition to his ownership interests within the organization, Durkin will work directly with Finley and West Point chief operating officer Tom Bellhouse in business development and partnership relations.

"We are thrilled to welcome Tom to our team," Finley said in a release. "In addition to Tom joining the partnership on the owner side, he brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and history to the game and will no doubt be an asset to our team."

Durkin will be honored Jan. 17 with the Eclipse Award of Merit for a lifetime of outstanding achievement in the Thoroughbred industry. He called races at numerous tracks throughout the Midwest before moving to Hialeah Park in 1981.

Durkin was announcer for the Breeders' Cup World Championships during the 21 years the event aired on NBC until the races shifted to ESPN in 2006.

"I've known Terry and Tom for years and admire the class and integrity that West Point brings to the game," Durkin said. "They are the gold standard in Thoroughbred partnerships, and I am very excited to join their partnership and work with the team."

Founded in 1991, West Point Thoroughbreds manages equine portfolios for nearly 500 partners and a stable of more than 75 horses.