Louisville, KY (SportsNetwork.com) – Churchill Downs has named Travis Stone as
the track’s announcer when racing resumes in April.
The 30-year-old Stone served as Monmouth Park’s announcer for the 2014
meeting, succeeding Larry Collmus whom he also replaces at Churchill Downs.
Collmus left Churchill to take over from Tom Durkin at the New York Racing
Association tracks.
“Travis Stone is justly a rising star among the North American announcing
ranks,” said Kevin Flanery, Churchill Downs Racetrack President. “To no one’s
surprise, numerous race-callers with a wide range of talent and individual
style showed interest in our vacant track announcer position. But it became
clear to us that Travis’ passion for horse racing and charisma resonated
through the microphone and made him the ideal fit for our team and racing at
Churchill Downs.
“It’s apparent that Travis works tirelessly to hone his craft with
entertaining, colorful and accurate race calls. We believe he’s one of the
nation’s premier announcers and will be a fabulous ambassador for Churchill
Downs Racetrack in a community and region that loves horse racing like no
other for years to come.”
Stone also served as the backup announcer at the New York Racing Association
this winter. He will be the on-track and simulcast voice of the 141st Kentucky
Derby on Saturday, May 2.
“It is truly an honor to become the new voice of Churchill Downs and to join a
community that shares my passion and enthusiasm for this wonderful sport,”
Stone said. “The opportunity to call the Kentucky Derby and all of the
prestigious races at Churchill Downs is a dream come true. I am already
counting the days!”
