Legendary Horse Racing Announcer Confirms Retirement After 40 Years

It was the year 1971. Trevor Denman had just started out calling the races in his native country, South Africa. More than a decade later, Denman got on the Del Mar grandstand and called out the races there. He did so for all but one year since 1984, becoming one of the community’s most iconic race callers. More than 40 years after joining Del Mar, Denman has called time on his illustrious career and leaves a massive void to fill.

Announcing his retirement, Denman revealed, “This is one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. But my soul is telling me that now is the time.” However, Del Mar CEO Joe Harper admitted that he saw it coming after Denman gave four decades of service to Del Mar. Harper added, “We knew this would eventually come with Trevor, and now it is here. We’ve been so lucky to have the best in the business in our booth for all these years, and now all we can do is wish him and his wife Robin the very best on their road ahead.”

However, Del Mar wasn’t the only iconic location where Denman called the races. He was also in charge as a caller at Santa Anita from 1983 to 2015. Interestingly, he was so renowned that he once called races at every stop on the Southern California circuit which also included iconic locations like Hollywood Park and Fairplex Park.

Further, Denman would be replaced by another iconic name in the Equestrian world, Larry Collmus. The latter is the voice of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Breeders’ Cup for NBC Sports. Having made his debut in this role in 1985, Collmus has had the experience of calling races all across the world.

Nonetheless, it would be a monumental challenge to fill in Denman’s shoes and he received heartfelt messages after announcing his retirement.

‘Lucky to have Trevor’: Tributes pour in for Trevor Denman

The 72-year-old Denman leaves behind a huge legacy of calling races for four decades at Del Mar, which is one of the prestigious locations for the sport. Thus, fans will miss him and his voice as he ends his career here. As soon as Denman called time in his career, the President of Del Mar had some kind words for him.

He said, “Del Mar racing fans have been so fortunate to have Trevor as the announcer here and we’re excited that someone of Larry’s stature and experience can succeed him. Just as we’ve been lucky to have Trevor in the booth all these years, we’re lucky now to have Larry here.”

Furthermore, his successor, Collmus also reminisced some precious memories from the time Denman used to call the races at Del Mar. Having followed him closely, Collmus revealed, “I grew up listening to Trevor and have loved his unforgettable calls for decades. It is an absolute honor to follow him at Del Mar. Calling the races there in the fall the last five years has been a great experience and I’m thrilled to be the new full-time voice of Del Mar.”

Denman would forever be remembered by the horse riding fans for his contribution to the races at Del Mar. With the races at that iconic venue beginning in July, Collmus would have his task cut out to fill in the shoes of Denman.