Robert Fox faced every racing announcer's worst nightmare during a violent downpour on Saturday at Ruidoso Downs: the rain began coming down so hard he could no longer see the field for the fourth race — or the starting gate. Fox said he knew the field had loaded into and broken from the gate because he could see the timer begin going, although at one point that also flickered.
“I have a little bit of a view at the head of the lane and I'll let you know from there,” Fox said as he squinted through rain falling off the announcer's booth, waiting for the horses to appear.
The shadow of horses appeared to Fox around the quarter pole, with Lemon Drop Gold leading the way by open lengths to break her maiden in memorable fashion. How she got there is known only to jockey Christian Ramos, since the official chart caller was also unable to see the field.
“I knew when there was a solid quarter time running, the race had to be going,” Fox said. “From there it was just trying to pick up a horse, like a 'shark watcher.' I think you can hear the excitement in my voice when I finally spotted the first horse.”
The remainder of the card was cancelled.
Watch the replay below.
The post ‘Literally, I Cannot See A Thing’: Ruidoso Announcer Calls Race In A Downpour appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
