The 2019 racing
season will offer a new perspective as the Jim Moran broadcast booth will
feature a “new voice” as – “The Natural”, Rich Mattei will proceed the efforts
of Scott Warren at the Central New York oval for the majority of the season.
Mattei, 27,
currently resides in Morristown, New Jersey with his girlfriend Joelle and has
merited much respect within the industry in recent years. He has held numerous
responsibilities throughout east coast tracks some of which include, working
the teletimer, charting races, photo finish photography and even assistant race
secretary. However, his calling within the sport certainly has been calling and
announcing the races. His start began at an early age when he would try his
hand at calling race replays from Monmouth Park and eventually garnered the
attention of Ellen Harvey while at one of Tom Durkin’s race announcing
workshops. Through this connection, he proceeded to develop his craft while
calling the baby races at Gaitway and ended up taking an opportunity via Kelly
Putaski and Pete Szymanski at Ocean Downs calling races. It was during his
first call at Ocean Downs where Mattei inherited his coveted moniker "The
Natural" from Mike Bozich. Mattei states, “Bozich gave me a high five and
said "You're a natural”; so he has been calling me that ever since and it
has stuck throughout the industry.”
In recent
years, Mattei has become a familiar voice and face as he has assisted in
handicapping for the Post Time with Mike and Mike radio show during live
remotes, as well as handicapping the Meadowlands card on TVG – compliments to
Dave Brower - and covering the Harrah's Philadelphia Pick 5 and best bet preview
on Facebook live.
Mattei credits
numerous individuals within the industry and is "very grateful towards
Scott Warren, Jason Settlemoir and Jeff Gural, for giving me this opportunity
to accomplish my true goal in life as being an announcer.”
From Labor Day
weekend until the conclusion of the 2019 racing season multiple voices of the
industry will be heard at the “Miracle Mile” including Director of Racing Scott
Warren, USHWA Rising Star of the Year winner Ray Cotolo, Tioga Downs announcer
John Horne, and who knows who else may step into the Jim Moran broadcast booth.
