BY FRANK DRUCKER,
Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway
YONKERS, NY, Monday, May 11, 2015—It
wasn’t exactly a convening of the U-N General Assembly. However, Yonkers
Raceway did its part for international relations Monday night, welcoming
preeminent Australian track announcer Fred Hastings and his family.
Mr. Hastings is Sydney Metropolitan’s
chief harness caller, including at the country’s premier venue, Menangle. He is
the voice of Australasia's signature races, the Miracle Mile and Inter Dominion
Championships, as well as the recent World Driving Championship.
He and his family--wife Cheryl, daughters
Megan and Lizzie--visited Yonkers, then Mr. Hastings was immediately put to
work. After a race presentation, he filled in for Yonkers’ own John Hernan,
announcing races 7,8 and 9, as they were included in the nine races that were
simulcast Down Under.
Mr. Hastings’ American announcing debut
may be viewed at www.empirecitycasino.com/livevideo/
(go to archived replays of Monday’s races).
“It was a pipe dream of mine to do this,”
he said. “I’ve been watching Yonkers’ races for quite some time back home, and
I know the history of the track, so to get to announce here was such a treat.”
Reviews of Mr. Hastings’ performance were
so good, that not only does he have an open invite to return, Hernan was
summarily suspended for four games by the National Football League.
The Raceway’s live season continues
Tuesday (1 PM, second round of the Jackpot Next Door Claiming Series), then
Thursday through Saturday (all at 7:10 PM). Note Sunday matinees are done until
November. Evening simulcasting accompanies all night programs, with afternoon
simulcasting available daily.
