Tom Durkin: Best Breeders' Cup Race Calls

Spanning from 1984 until 2005... some of the great Breeders' Cup race calls of the magnificent Tom Durkin.

[@WOODBINEMAN99]

Tom was the GOLD STANDARD-greatest voice in horse racing

[@qhsperson]

Personal Ensign still puts me on the edge of my seat, no matter how many times I watch that race.

[@JosephConnelly-dx7kk]

Nothing against Personal Ensign she was an unbeaten filly that gave her best every time but Winning Colors was almost broken down when they met Winning Colors on her best day before she ran in or has she not ran in the Santa Anita Derby and all three triple crown races, Winning Colors would have trounced her

[@smokeglacken]

Tommy D. wrote the book on announcing!! The best there was, the best there is and the best there ever will be!!!

[@mvlach77]

I didn't realize how good Durkin was. I appreciate him now.

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

The Breeders' Cup was one of the few hyped events that lived up to the hype from day one.

[@jimhirsch4482]

You got right! Well said.

[@gregorybarrett4747]

Rayaida

[@chocolatetownforever7537]

God, Tom Durkin was AWESOME.

[@alexis1936]

Thanks to Tom Durkin for these amazing calls! I get the chills every time I hear them. This is what horse racing is all about!! The thrill!

[@23000tc]

yes, 1000% correct.. its about the call, the thrill, , chills...the reason why i like horse racing.

[@SnidgetAsphodel]

A legend in his own right. I will miss his calls.

[@ken45y]

Thanks Durkin for such amazing thrilling calls! We will miss you!

[@mickster1780]

nobody's ever done it better than Tom Durkin

[@joe4306]

Nobody was better !! Durkin was the best ever .. Man I miss him ! Come Back Tom !!!!!!

[@jimhirsch4482]

The two derby winners, hit the wire together!!

[@rachelalexandra9818]

Tom Durkin..forever my favorite. Love and miss you Tom!

[@luvbft1]

Love this video, my favorite races were the Tiznow and Sunday Silence ones.

[@richarddavisiii9910]

TizNow is one of the Greatest Horses Ever and he gets very little credit for how Great a Horse he really was...if only TizNow would of had the opportunity to run for the Triple Crown. I believe he would have Won The Triple Crown Easily, bcuz just like Secretariat, TizNow, Alwayz Showed Out in the Biggest Races...Its a damn shame he was denied the opportunity 2 even Run 4 the Crown. I also LUV me sum CatThief...He was also an Amazing Horse that is talked about very little, and does not get the Credit he deserves, and then there was Sunday Silence Surging 2 the Front...I believe that was 1of Tom Derkinz Greatest Calls of his Amazing Career. Really really mizz him calling the Classic...U could tell in his voice just how much he Loved Horse Racing and he Poured his Heart~n~Soul into every single call he ever made...Shout Out 2 Derkinz and everything he has done for the The Sport of Horse Racing over the many many GreatYearz he gave his all 2 the Sport...

[@JamesJames-ut9yu]

Great call 89

[@jsl964]

This is the greatest comeback since LAZARUS. Awesome!!

[@LeeAnne151]

I am really going to miss Tom Durkin! Gotta love three generations of winning fillies: Personal Ensign foaled My Flag who foaled Storm Flag Flying

[@johnc7149]

Tom is my favourite. The current guys don't bring the same level of excitement to the race.

[@Laytonia1977]

Tom Durkin for USA and Sir Peter O'Sullivan for UK :)

[@gregmccurry5619]

yes he gets carried away I wonder how much money I lost getting excited over his race calls? good thin I don t Know?

[@chocolatetownforever7537]

Amen buddy.

[@josephhale9198]

DAVE JOHNSON WAS THE BEST! JOHN SCULLY FROM FAIRMOUNT PARK ILLINOIS WAS PRETTY GOOD TOO!

[@RoeserFan1]

I think Larry Colmus is great. I also loved Chic Anderson. I do think Tom D. was probably thr best.

[@joannleichliter4308]

What gun to see all of these, especially Cigar and Sunday Silence.

[@markhoad5921]

“And arazi runs right by him” fantastic!

[@marklewen9384]

But in hindsight, EVERBODY ran by bertrando...

[@richarddavisiii9910]

"TIZ NOW tuff as nails" "Coming into the final furlong, SUNDAY SILENCE surges to the front"....Ole Tommy D the G.O.A.T. U will be missed...

[@fionawimber1028]

Tiznow wins it for America! I get chills every time I hear that call. We needed a victory that year.

[@frankspencer9644]

Tom Durkin was the best.

[@davidharmon9967]

Banks hill at CD “she has given them the slip”...Durkin is a great one

[@marioyoung2645]

The Flanders vs. Serena's Song duel was absolutely riveting...

[@giaguidera8221]

Few people knew Flanders pulled up badly injured at the time

[@JerseyDevil26]

Ghostzapper, Roses in May, Pleasantly Perfect finish 1-2-3 in the 2004 Classic...one of the best fields I can remember of recent memory.

[@stivosimz]

I agree. Only the 1998 edition can compete

[@andrewwilliams4283]

Ghostzapper is the best US horse since spectacular bid imo

[@jeffsnell2795]

Ghostzapper is an Underrated Horse because he did not compete in the Triple Crown and was always Sidelined for LONG periods of time...But when he stepped on the Track he was absolutely Brilliant...He could Wire a field or come from 20 lengths out of it and bury fields in FAST time...GREAT GREAT Horse

[@marklewen9384]

The 88 classic FAR better as all hirses were in top form. In 2004 many were past their best form...

[@rugger104]

So many great ones, but that late run from My Flag was one of my favorites- what a closer!

[@rie-bird9701]

My 2nd favourite announcer.... Chic Anderson is my favourite..... *'HE IS MOVING LIKE A TREMENDOUS MACHINE!!!!!!!!'*

[@question_it_701]

Chic Anderson is known for 1 phrase in horse race, due to one horse winning by 31 lengths. That's it. Without that, no one knows of him.

[@jamesfarrell3940]

Concern from out of the clouds!!!!!!!!!

[@billygiamou7435]

"This is the greatest comeback since Lazarus".......perfection!

[@billyguns1745]

The greatest comeback since " Lazarus

[@natalliaf6387]

"The greatest comeback since Lazarus"

[@tizfrreecharm]

Lucky guy, got to call all dem great races!

[@jamesfarrell3940]

Jerry Bailey calls on Cigar for everything he has!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@greggpfeiffer6998]

Any time I want to get chills I watch this video

[@Celal7411]

The world is not enough for these great WARRIORS. I love them. Ultimate respects.

[@trinityemergencytraumacent9317]

Gel B

[@mikef9126]

Cat thief claws his way to the lead. Dude was a gem of a race caller.

[@digitalistca4629]

Sunday Silence-Easy Goer..awesome full race call.

[@vicentharke5488]

silent sunday and east goer are my favorite races in 1989 how else would u announce a race that close he deserves a gold metal for his lungs

[@lorderchamion]

Best announcer ever. I just wish he'd hung on for one more year calling the TC races. Had he done so he would have called American Pharaoh's TC

[@Katt30]

I bet he was heart broken. So many years of so many heartbreakingly close calls/loses for the TC. And then AP wins the TC a year after he retires from NBC. I know I would be.

[@dawpawnshop]

GREAT, GREAT, GREAT STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@josephdelgado6298]

Mr.durkln is and will always be my favorite track announcer at any track

[@tooraktoff]

Personal Ensign, My Flag, Storm Flag Flying. 3 generations of BC champions.

[@MJBYouTubeNetwork]

"You have just witnessed a felony, for jockey Gary Stevens has just stolen a $1,000,000 horse race!" LMAO

[@grantbean2631]

"...and we've got it on video"

[@milolee4746]

@@grantbean2631 great add on bud 👍

[@CC-xn5xi]

He did? Which race did he steal?

[@joechrow8341]

Easy Goer was 1 of the Most Beautiful and well built horses i Have ever seen up close and live...1989 Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct i got to see him in person...What a Sight he was

[@ScotsmanInTheUSA]

Gary Stevens just committed a felony and Tom Hammond we have it on Video.......................................................Absolutely awesome!

[@davidmullen4763]

It's da hoss in da mile, what a great call

[@nedwart]

Apparently Tom's coming out of retirement this year. Very hyped!

[@markperryman1797]

Ferdinand and Alysheba, great call....

[@Chloe0418]

Fantastic compilation! Thanks for uploading. Sure gonna miss Tom's calls :'(

[@bamfy15]

“Tiznow tough as nails!”

[@chuckinontario]

As great as some of these classic calls were. The greatest Tom Durkin call was the 94 travers holy bull in a gut wrenching nose victory over concern still sends shivers through my body as Tom durkins call is my all time greatest call. Listen and judge for yourself

[@jimhirsch4482]

Good call on the Travers. I also liked his '98 Belmont call when he said "a photo is worth a thousand words, this one is worth $5M ..............."

[@marioyoung2645]

'HOLY BULL WINS!! WHAT A HERO!!!' What a call... That and 'There's cause for Concern...' Dave Johnson's call on the ABC telecast was garbage in contrast to the NYRA CC feed.

[@tjstrong3607]

Thanks Tom-- you witnessed Greatness & it came right thru to your living room... " Easy Goer with ONE FINAL SURGE....."

[@paullee9694]

Two races comes to mind. The One Dreamer front running win at 42-1 had me happy as this was a great day for me. But a few years later I wagered with two fist on Hawkley Hills as I watched in disbelief as Da Hoss shoved it right up my butt. Oh the memories...lol

[@terrydodson9884]

Some great horses

[@patrickjamesmurphy]

awesome video

[@florancerudi]

SUNDAY SILENCE!!!!!!

[@ichigo1187]

Too many goosebumps!

[@mastermmv]

I can't believe you don't have the 1988 Breeders Cup Turf with Great Communicator going wire to wire-the smallest Horse with the biggest HEART "Unyielding! Great Communicator will not be denied!".

[@christopherashford4194]

you have just witnessed a felony!

[@MJBYouTubeNetwork]

*"TIZNOW WINS IT FOR AMERICA!"*

[@eliaatempa8016]

He was the american horse of 2001

[@manuelschwartzman3292]

The 1986 Breeders Cup Turf with Manila beating Theatrical under the wire, Estrapade and Dancing Brave finishing 3rd and 4rth was also an amazing one

[@jimmyriter391]

2:49...SUNDAY SILENCE.........!!!! Nuff said!

[@sbdgrwnmrw6085]

+Jimmy Riter GHOSTZAPPER........!!!! Nuff said!

[@SkyPantherr]

+sbdgrwnmrw nah. Sunday Silence.

[@SnidgetAsphodel]

+SkyPantherr Nah. Both. ; )

[@glendunbar]

One of the races that cemented my love of racing growing up.

[@StFidjnr]

underrated call is from the same 1984 breeders cup where Tom Durkin said "'A champion is crowned, it's Chief's Crown"

[@alexandertriozzi5121]

Required video if on the way to the OTB!!

[@StFidjnr]

6:20 this guy the king of the coupled entries has done it again

[@davidwirth2716]

Tom was the best!

[@WillBackbone]

Best announcer ever best race Personal Ensign vs Winning Colors

[@bisonette5]

Great announcer (not the best, but close)..Personal Ensign..i agree..my all time favorite race finish ...

[@alekk796]

Will Backbone sunday silence easy goer?

[@giaguidera8905]

Incomparable

[@shadowg6563]

Cat Thief claws his way to the lead...

[@lajarasmooth115]

Jerry Bailey over 100-1 one of the best jockey to live

[@user-ej2kv5kr5e]

I forgot how impressive Inside Information was that day

[@pugglesprindle2698]

Hollywood park could get loud. Wow

[@melissasmisteak]

Arazi will never not give me chills

[@jayconnelly3110]

PVal looks over his shoulder to see Easy Goer coming and starts pumping Sunday Silence frantically. Those two. Wow.

[@jeffsnell2795]

SS had Everything is his favor heading into that race and during the race as Easy Goer had Everything against him heading into race and during the race...SS should have Won by Open lengths with everything on his side....Easy Goer only losing by a Neck under all the circumstances showed his Greatness

[@jimhirsch4482]

PVal wasn't on SS for the Classic. I believe he was serving a suspension. Chris McCarron only time on SS produced the win.

[@tonysmith2025]

That was Chris McCarron not p val

[@jarrodgoldberg4904]

Need to add 2007 Belmont !!!!

[@jeffmejia3556]

I was at Santa Anita when Arcangues upset the Classic. Back then you could just walk up to the gate on Breeders. Back then then you could go on race day buy a ticket and get in. Jerry Bailey was just coming into his own and many weren’t even sure on how to pronounce the horse’s name. The best race that day was Phone Chatter and Music Merci battling the whole stretch all the way to the wire. I was at Belmont for Tiznow’s epic victory and call. 911 had just occurred the.month before so there was a lot of healing going on still and Ground Zero still hadn’t been cleaned up yet. Sakheed definitely deserves more credit. Kept in training after his win the Arc and his first run on dirt. Pretty gutsy performance in defeat.

[@hermespimondres6596]

YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING YOU MISSED THE BEST ONE OF ALL TIME 2009 BREEDERS CUP CLASSIC WON BY THE SUPERHORSE THE AMAZON QUEEN ZENYETTA. 19 FOR 20

[@elom55]

"TOM DURKIN: Best Breeders' Cup Race Calls". Durkin didn't call BC races after 2005.

[@kevindebernardi6166]

That was Trevor denman’s call

[@christopherchannelmarlo3227]

Waquoit is TANACIOUS. great.

[@greggpfeiffer6998]

AWESOME AGAIN WINS IT!

[@cousy65nc61]

Left the best till last

[@lajarasmooth115]

Tom durkin no one is like him best ever

[@dontaeward34]

Greatest Jockey ever...L PINCAY JR

[@patersonplankrd]

Tiz now wins it for America!!!!!!!!!

[@tonysmith2025]

Don't count Flanders out yet pat day or pay day as we use to call him goes to work. Storm flag flying giving her all she is coming back. The heart of a champion. Winning colors personal ensign a dramatic finish

[@richardk6196]

Great calls-Surprised Pebbles in the Breeders Cup Turf didn't make the cut

[@Milkman98155]

Sunday Silence!!!!

[@bandovreal22]

Gadungum, Gary, why did you have to float Silver Charm out 6 paths in deep stretch and let Awesome Again by?

[@greggpfeiffer6998]

A Colossal Victory!

[@fckem1000]

One gutsy horse that Tiznow

[@joechrow8341]

McCarron with 1 of the Best tactical rides of his career in the 89 Classic...That Ride should be studied by all Young Jocks...Pat Day on the other hand felt Easy Goer was going to Win no matter how he rode him or no matter when he pushed the button...Pat Day got thoroughly outridden in that Race aboard the heavy 1-2 favorite

[@garfielddenton7849]

True Pat Day admitted he made a mistake

[@joechrow8341]

@@garfielddenton7849 Pat Day was Spoiled Aboard Easy Goer...Take a look at all of Easy Goers career Races and you will see That Most were Horrible Rides/Trips...Never seen 1 Horse have so many Odd Trips During a Career...Pat Day Felt he could do "Anything" aboard Easy Goer and Still would Win...Used Zero Tactics unlike Valenzuela/McCarron

[@MerryDalmatian-ic1fb]

Nobody better than Trevor Demin

[@gregthanks4757]

He even had his own vocabulary

[@garfielddenton7849]

😁😁😁😁

[@jeffsnell2795]

1989 Classic was a Great Race but so Disappointing...Easy Goer was the Heavy 1-2 favorite...He Entered the race off a Grueling campaign...He was Training poorly...His career ankle issues were flaring up....Connections debated Scratching him...He raced very sluggishly throughout...He broke slow...Moved up...Fell back...Moved up again...Speed favoring track...Still only missed by a Neck at the Wire...Sunday Silence on the other hand had an easy light campaign coming into race...Good trip...Perfect Track for him...McCarron also called it best ride of his career and said he "Stole the race from Easy Goer"...Easy Goer had EVERYTHING against him as Sunday Silence had EVERYTHING in his favor and still had to survive at the Wire...Sunday Silence was a Great Horse and Great Rival and had Beaten Easy Goer before but you must admit with all the Circumstances Sunday Silence should have won this race by 3 or more lengths and Easy Goer was VERY unfortunate not to Win this race and was the Best Horse during a Neck loss....Easy Goer had ankle issues and was Sluggish once in a while but when he was 100% Healthy and ready to run he was near the Top of the All time List in Natural Talent and ability and at any distance...Sunday Silence held the very narrow 3 to 1 edge against Easy Goer but some Circumstances went into that record and it was only a Nose and Neck short of being 3 to 1 in Easy Goers favor....GREAT GREAT Rivalry....Easy Goer had Top 5 all time Talent

[@tizfrreecharm]

Yes, great calls most of them, but missing (IMO) is one of his finest - 1988 Turf - "Great Communicator, will not be denied!" But the race that Tom entirely dreamed up was the '89 Classic - if substitute rider McCarron (huh, 'substitute'?) hadn't taken a breather once he passed Blushing John, Sunday Silence was much the best

[@trinityemergencytraumacent9317]

tizfrreecharm you're absolutely right, Great Communicator is missing.

[@DevylsAdvocut]

Tom Durkin… so good. Frankly, it’s him and Trevor Denman as the top race callers of all time… everyone else is a deeply distant third

[@StFidjnr]

7:47 for the mother of all BC runaways

[@jackcodmyt1352]

1984-2014

[@StFidjnr]

0:13 1st ever BC classic race has 3 words for a 3 horse race

[@deonarinesingh1751]

🎉

[@4orrcountry]

Another great call by Tom Durkin, the 1994 Travers Stakes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5XdhICad9aUrcU

[@mickjenner6697]

You can see Flanders breaking down , and still not stopping , both her and Serena got vanned off that day ,

[@greggpfeiffer6998]

Theatrical is Game