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Five guest announcers tabbed for upcoming Churchill meet The talents of a select group of five guest announcers will be showcased at Churchill Downs during the Louisville, Kentucky, racetrack's Fall Meet, which begins its 26-day run on October 26. Larry Collmus (Gulfstream Park, Monmouth Park, Suffolk Downs and Meadowlands), Mark Johnson (England), Bobby Neuman (Calder Race Course), Travis Stone (Louisiana Downs) and Michael Wrona (Golden Gate Fields) will each spend one week behind the microphone during Churchill Downs' five-week stand as track officials continue their process to replace the late Luke Kruytbosch. Kruytbosch, the voice of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby (G1) since 1999, unexpectedly passed away on July 14 at age 47 from an apparent heart attack. "Our worldwide search for a successor to the late Luke Kruytbosch as only the sixth voice in the history of Churchill Downs has been diligent and far-reaching," said Jim Gates, general manager of Churchill Downs. "Each of these five individuals is greatly respected and they are considered to be some of the top announcers anywhere in the world. They've generously agreed to assist us through this difficult situation, and we truly appreciate their cooperation and the support of their respective employers, including Magna Entertainment Corp. and Harrah's Louisiana Downs. "Our track announcer selection committee has conducted a thorough review and critique of material submitted by nearly two dozen applicants, and this select group is an exemplary sample of the many talented candidates -- an international blend of veterans and rising stars." Neuman will call the opening week action at Churchill Downs, from October 26 through Novenber 2, and will be followed by Stone (November 5-9), Wrona (November 12-16), Collmus (November 19-23) and Johnson (November 26-29). "This showcase of talent is a unique and mutually beneficial way for us to introduce some of the outstanding worldwide candidates to Churchill Downs, our horse racing fans and the city of Louisville," Gates said. "Our committee will reconvene at season's end and, based on positive reviews, I think there's a good chance that our next announcer will come from this group. I would expect a final decision before year's end." Only five individuals have held the coveted position as track announcer for Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. Gene Schmidt was the first as he called races under the Twin Spires from 1940-60, and was succeeded by legendary announcer Chic Anderson through 1977. Mike Battaglia was the next to look down on Churchill Downs' one-mile oval from the announcer's booth as he called the Kentucky Derby and all of the track's races from 1978-96. Kurt Becker then handled the announcing duties for two years, and his departure opened the door for Kruytbosch's arrival in 1999.
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