By Bob Bauer
Today brings the close of the winter/spring meeting at Tampa Bay Downs. Conditions are fast and firm, there are ten races scheduled. First Post time is 12:32 p.m,
GRUNDER'S LAST CALL Legendary announcer Richard Grunder will retire after Race 10 today.
Post time for the race is 5:18 p.m.
It will be our feature race of the day, with live coverage on RadioStPete online.
Grunder, a native of Dodge City, Kansas was born into the Thoroughbred business. As a boy, he accompanied his Dad and Grandfather every summer when they campaigned a modest stable to several tracks in the mid-west.
His first racetrack job as a youth was running photo finish pictures to the placing judges in the 1960's. Since then, he has served as a Clocker, Placing Judge, Jockey Agent and of course the voice of Tampa Bay Downs for thirty seven years. He also called races at several tracks in the West and Canada before coming to Oldsmar in 1983.
He has earned the title "Dean of American Race Callers", not only for his longevity but his expertise. Racing fans have relied on his accurate and exciting descriptions for decades. You can close your eyes and listen to his call and picture the race unfolding as the field progress around the course.
His replacement (currently unnamed) will have some very large shoes to fill. Richard and his wife Diana, plan to travel and visit racetracks (what else!) around the country. He plans to continue as a Jockey Agent at Canterbury Downs this summer.
Congratulations on a great career!!
THE BET Race 10
$20 to win on Friendly Fella (2) (could be named after Richard Grunder) and a $3 exacta box with KING ANDRES (7) and BLACK PRONG (11) 2,7,11. Total Bet $38 GOOD LUCK!!
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HorseRacing FLA staff