LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending legendary track announcer Tom Durkin
upon the occasion of his retirement after 43 years of distinguished
service to the sport of horse racing

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives
of service to their community and their profession; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
legendary track announcer Tom Durkin upon the occasion of his retirement
after 43 years of distinguished service to the sport of horse racing;
and
WHEREAS, Announcer Emeritus Durkin, one of the greatest race-callers
in sports history, will call his final race at Saratoga Race Course on
Sunday, August 31, 2014, bringing to a close an exceptional 43-year
career; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed broadcaster studied theatre at St. Norbert
College and began calling races at county fairs in Wisconsin in the
summer of 1971; he continued to work at a string of small tracks includ-
ing Cahokia Downs, Balmoral Race Course, Quad City Downs and Miles Park
before landing the job at famed Hialeah Race Course in 1981; and
WHEREAS, In 1984, Tom Durkin was hired as the announcer for the annual
Breeders' Cup, a position he held until 2005; he gained further notorie-
ty as the voice of the Triple Crown for a decade beginning in 2001; and
WHEREAS, Tom Durkin's insightful commentary and ability to use his
voice to build to a thrilling crescendo were unparalleled; he will long
be remembered for such indelible moments as Cigar's victory at the 1995
Breeders' Cup Classic, the 1998 photo finish at Belmont between Victory
Gallop and Real Quiet, and whimsically singing Doremifasollatido's run
to victory in a 2008 maiden race; and
WHEREAS, Throughout more than four decades of outstanding calls, Tom
Durkin has been a vital part of countless memorable races and has
witnessed some of the sport's legendary horses; in addition to his flair
for the dramatic, Durkin's sense of humor has stood him in great stead
as one of horse racing's most famed personalities; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his dedication, commitment and efforts on
behalf of his community and his profession, it is the intent of this
Legislative Body to extend its highest commendation to Tom Durkin; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend legendary track announcer Tom Durkin upon the occasion of his
retirement after 43 years of distinguished service to the sport of horse
racing, and to wish him the best in all his future endeavors; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Tom Durkin.