Horse Racing Fantasy Community

Larry Collmus is one of the premier thoroughbred announcers in the world. The 43-year-old native of Baltimore grew up a Orioles fan, but is now a converted Red Sox fan from his days calling the races at Suffolk Downs. He is currently the track announcer at Monmouth Park and Gulfstream Park.

Q: How did you get started in thoroughbred racing?

A: My father was installing a sound system at Timonium in Maryland when I was a teenager. I would go along with my Dad to learn his job, but fell in love with the racing. I would hang around the Press Boxes of the Maryland tracks and I would do impressions of tracks announcers to pass the time. Clem Florio, the longtime handicapper from the Washington Post, told me I should make a career of it. I got my first pair of binoculars at and started to practice calls. One day, Chick Lang heard me practicing and offered me the back-up announcer position at Bowie. That was the summer of 1985 and I would get to call one live race a day. This June will be the 25th anniversary of my first live race call.

Q: Chick Lang recently passed away. He served the sport of thoroughbred racing for his entire life. What can you share from you time spent with him?

A: Chick Lang was Pimlico. He was the Preakness. He dedicated his life to the tracks and Maryland racing and elevated the Preakness to what it is today. I would probably not be in the position I am today without his help. His son Chickie died many years ago, but he should not be forgotten, he was also a great man that helped my career immensely.

Q: Monmouth Park is about to embark on one of the most ambitious racing meets in the modern history of the sport, running a third of the days of last season for around a million a day in purses. What are your thoughts on the meet?

A: I am really looking forward to the season. Monmouth is a special place anyway, but we should compete for the best horses and outfits from around the country. I just heard Bob Baffert has applied for stalls and that says a lot about the expectations for the quality of the racing.

Q: You get to see many of the leading Triple Crown contenders throughout the winter months at Gulfstream. What are your impressions of this seasons three-year-old crop?

A: I don’t really have any sleeper picks, Eskenderaya was easily the most impressive three-year-old I have seen this season. His allowance win and Fountain of Youth really stood out to me. He also looks like a horse that wants to go longer in distance, that should help him next week in the Wood Memorial and the Triple Crown races. Odysseus was also impressive and he could win some big races.

Q: Quality Road won the Florida Derby in 2009 and most consider him to be the best horse currently in-training. How does he compare with the best horses you have seen run?

A: I have no hesitation saying when he is on his game he is as good as any horse I have called. He overpowered the competition in his last race and he is very special, as good as we have seen in recent years.

Q: What horses that you have called are considered your favorites?

A: Holy Bull, Cigar, Rachel Alexandra.

Q: What about the most exciting race you have called?

Cigar’s MassCap wins at Suffolk Downs were my favorite races until last season, when I was fortunate enough to call Rachel Alexandra in the Haskell. While she won rather easily, the build-up to the race was intense and it was a pleasure to call her at Monmouth.

Q: Do you still get nervous in the build-up to the big races? How do you prepare to call a big race?

A: I think you should be a little nervous for any big race, but I try and do certain things to keep it under control. I always try to take a few deep breaths before the race. I also keep in mind that a good race call has a crescendo, you don’t want to get excited to early and you don’t want to be too high-pitched.

Q: You have always been very gracious and willing to help young people trying to get into the sport. What advice can you pass along to those interested in a career in racing?

A: Don’t do it! Of course I am kidding. If someone is trying to make a career in race calling I would tell them to always keep it about the horses and the race call. Don’t make it about yourself, you are there to tell the story not be the story.

Q: Name one jockey that has impressed you this season at Gulfstream.

A: Julien Leparoux. He always seems to have his horses in the right spot during a race. He doesn’t make many mistakes, and he is a classy guy that has fun and does his job with a smile on his face. He doesn’t take himself too seriously and is a great guy.

Q: Keeping with jockeys, who is the best you have ever seen?

A: Laffit Pincay without a doubt. He was the strongest finisher ever and his record of consistency at the highest level is remarkable. Chris Antley had all the tools to be the best ever, but as we know, it did not work out that way.

Q: I am always amazed by the different riding styles in the USA compared with Europe. What do you think about the different styles?

A: Our riders are certainly prettier on a horse, but I am a huge fan of Frankie Dettori, he is one of the best characters of the sport and we need more like him in this game. While I think for the most part our riders are prettier on a horse, Frankie looks as good as anyone.