OZONE PARK, N.Y. – The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) 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 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,” added O’Rourke. 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.
“In a sense, this is a job for which I’ve been preparing for years,” said Imbriale, who celebrated his 40th anniversary with NYRA on Nov. 5. “I’ve been so lucky to be surrounded by incredible race callers during my career. I learned from all of them and these lessons live with me to this day. I’m humbled by the trust placed in me by NYRA and look forward to calling races for the best fans in the sport.”
Collmus joined NYRA in 2014 and called the last two Triple Crowns–American Pharoah in 2015, whose victory ended a 37-year drought, and Justify in 2018. “I’d like to thank the New York Racing Association for five great years calling memorable races at these wonderful venues,” said Collmus. “I will certainly miss the people and places that make NYRA so special, especially the passionate racing fans at Saratoga, but it’s the right time for me to move on to the next challenge while continuing my work with NBC Sports.”
Imbriale will officially assume his new duties effective immediately.
Via NYRA Press Release
