After calling his 37,587th horse race Sunday at Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar, Fla., announcer Richard Grunder succeeded – barely – in keeping his emotions under control.
“And that’s a wrap from Tampa,” Grunder said as the aptly named Friendly Fella crossed the wire in first in the 10th race, “and God bless everyone involved in the Thoroughbred industry.”
Once the race became official, the jockeys and their valets lined up in the winner’s circle, waving toward the press box and shouting their encouragement to the man whose voice is the only one most Oldsmar followers have ever known.
“Thank you guys. Thank you so much,” said Grunder, known far and wide as a vocal supporter of race riders.
With the understanding that all the attention he has received since announcing his retirement has made him uncomfortable (although he never showed it), on to the action on closing day of the 2020-2021 season.
Video of Richard Grunder’s final call at Tampa Bay Downs
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