Durkin retiring Aug 31

[Topcat]

jma11473 Wrote:
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> It\'s NYRA. No matter who they choose to replace
> Durkin, you\'ll get the usual suspects with their
> \"clueless clowns\" posts. There really is no one
> NYRA can pick who won\'t get ripped.


There\'s no way NYRA looks good, because ANYONE available is at least one SIGNIFICANT step down . . . no one EVER got it like Durkin gets it.

[TMW]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JK2K8h-qd4

This is my favorite Durkin race call. Deputy Commander won the Travers by inches a few days after Chris McCarron\'s mother died. Owners thought Chris would not be able to ride. Chris tearfully gave his mom credit for giving him a little push at the wire. Durkin said he felt foolish after the race for emphatically calling Deputy Commander the winner since it was so close. He really did have an amazing talent.

[TGJB]

Very nice. And about ----ing time Bob started writing again. You (and Bob) should feel free to post links to that site any time.

By complete coincidence, three of Durkin\'s greatest and most famous calls involved horses bought on my recommendation-- \"They say a picture\'s worth a thousand words...\", \"Da Hoss comes back...\", \"Rachel Alexandra the Great\"...

He\'s also a really nice guy, gave me a ride from the airport in Louisville when he didn\'t even know me.

[magicnight]

Thanks, JB! I appreciate it.

Bob

[richiebee]

Magic:

Outstanding. Is the course in the picture Maison Lafitte?

[magicnight]

Thanks, Richie. Deauville. From last summer.

[Silver Charm]

Great Stuff. The video of the Travers with Holy Bull and Concern totally resonated with my emotions.  

Probably not one of the most historic Breeders Cups but one that has always left an indelible image in my much younger mind. The 1994 Classic with a stretch duel of Tabasco Cat and Concern. We were in the Grandstand with nothing but a head on of the Stretch. Another words you had NO perspective of what you were looking at and your eyes and feel for the race were working totally through Durkins race call.

With an ALL IN on Tabasco Cat to salvage an otherwise disastrous day all I remember hearing was Durkin calling out \"and Concern is kicking in, he is picking off horses one by one\". \"Concern continues to gather momentum\" \"Concern continues to fly on the outside\". I was both speechless, in order to listen and helpless.....

Later watching Pay Day on Tabasco Cat look back over his right shoulder turning for home, as Jerry Bailey six lengths back on Concern confidently twirled his stick. Day again a 16th mile later over his right shoulder and finally a 3rd time at the 1/8th pole before desperately pulling his own whip once Concern came to him makes me yearn for yesterday. Tomorrow is my Birthday and I can believe this was 20 years ago. I can still to this day clearly hear that echo ringing in my mind!! And Concern is picking off horses one by one......If you really love the game even your toughest beats can be some of the best memories.    

1994 Breeders Cup Classic

[Topcat]

TGJB Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Very nice. And about ----ing time Bob started
> writing again. You (and Bob) should feel free to
> post links to that site any time.
>
> By complete coincidence, three of Durkin\'s
> greatest and most famous calls involved horses
> bought on my recommendation-- \"They say a
> picture\'s worth a thousand words...\", \"Da Hoss
> comes back...\", \"Rachel Alexandra the Great\"...
>
> He\'s also a really nice guy, gave me a ride from
> the airport in Louisville when he didn\'t even know
> me.



Weird world -- only spent appreciable time with him once, 4-5 years ago in Sperry\'s backyard after a weekday card.   Absolute master at putting people at ease.   He\'ll be missed -- like oxygen.