John Imbriale named new NYRA announcer
The New York Racing Association has appointed John Imbriale to the position of race caller and track announcer. In this role, Imbriale becomes the voice of NYRA at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.
Imbriale succeeds Larry Collmus, who continues to call the Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup for NBC, and follows a long line of legendary New York announcers, including Tom Durkin, Marshall Cassidy, Chic Anderson, Dave Johnson and Fred Caposella.
"John Imbriale is a central part of the fabric of thoroughbred racing in New York," said NYRA CEO & President Dave O'Rourke. "Johnny I's high level of professionalism and flawless delivery are well known to horseplayers and racing fans, and we congratulate him on becoming the voice of NYRA.
"We would like to thank Larry Collmus for his many contributions to NYRA and wish him the very best as he takes the next step in his career."
Imbriale's tenure with NYRA dates to 1979 when he won a New York Daily News contest which gave him the opportunity to call a race and work with the NYRA press office. In 1990, Imbriale became Tom Durkin's backup and has since been part of NYRA's race-calling team at all three tracks.
Along the way, he took on other responsibilities at NYRA, working with Harvey Pack on the popular "Inside Racing" program, and also behind the scenes in a variety of roles within NYRA TV, most recently as NYRA's Director of Television Production.
Imbriale succeeds Larry Collmus, who continues to call the Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup for NBC, and follows a long line of legendary New York announcers, including Tom Durkin, Marshall Cassidy, Chic Anderson, Dave Johnson and Fred Caposella.
"John Imbriale is a central part of the fabric of thoroughbred racing in New York," said NYRA CEO & President Dave O'Rourke. "Johnny I's high level of professionalism and flawless delivery are well known to horseplayers and racing fans, and we congratulate him on becoming the voice of NYRA.
"We would like to thank Larry Collmus for his many contributions to NYRA and wish him the very best as he takes the next step in his career."
Imbriale's tenure with NYRA dates to 1979 when he won a New York Daily News contest which gave him the opportunity to call a race and work with the NYRA press office. In 1990, Imbriale became Tom Durkin's backup and has since been part of NYRA's race-calling team at all three tracks.
Along the way, he took on other responsibilities at NYRA, working with Harvey Pack on the popular "Inside Racing" program, and also behind the scenes in a variety of roles within NYRA TV, most recently as NYRA's Director of Television Production.
