Fair Grounds Racetrack announcer, John Dooley is this week’s Player’s Edge Guest. He stopped by before Thursday night’s show to answer a few questions. He shares some helpful handicapping tips for the current Fair Grounds meet and this weekend’s Louisiana Championship Stakes Races. Dooley also wonders how he still has a voice after giving legendary Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim the business.
Make sure to follow John on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnGDooley
HRT: Your horse racing storyline begins like so many others we’ve heard, “I went to the race with my family.” Tell us about the first horse racing memory that stands out to you?
John Dooley: That’s true with me too. My family and I were visiting the Hidden Valley Ranch in Lake Luzerne, NY one summer in the early 1980s. There were a group of regulars that would come there every summer in August on vacation. A group of them loved talking about and betting the horses. One day, for a change of pace, we all went to Saratoga. I can remember looking up toward the announcer booth and seeing Marshall Cassidy, who was the Voice of NYRA at that time, thinking, “What a cool job.” Of course, placed a few bets, loved watching the horses run, taking some photos and really was hooked. After returning back to Staten Island, I started to read more about horse racing, betting and careers in the sport. But will always remember those Wonder Years in upstate, New York.
Fair Grounds Announcer John Dooley: Photo Credit: Hodges Photography
HRT: Since mom/dad/crazy uncle… is the most common way lifers seem to be introduced to the Sport of Kings, how would you suggest tracks make a day at the races more family friendly?
John Dooley: I think we had a terrific concept in place for that at Arlington. Every summer we had Pepsi Family Days which would bring out a lot of fans to the park to cheer the horses on. And theme days as well for a cross-over for Chicago sports teams fans and families that might be introduced to the first time to thoroughbred racing. Before the pandemic in 2020, we had Arlington University which was designed to educate and teach newcomers or anyone with general questions about betting and the sport. I know regulars will congregate to their favorite seats, lucky spot and place their bets. Have a beer. But I do like those tracks, as Arlington did, that would dedicate a small area to the pony rides, petting zoo and other activities that the young, possibly future fans, could enjoy.
HRT: You’ve spent time working at Thistledown in Ohio, Lone Star Park in Texas, Arlington Racecourse in Illinois, and Fairgrounds in Louisiana. Those are four different places culturally. What would you say horseplayers have in common in those four locations?
John Dooley: I’ve been fortunate to work in those cities all of which also have professional sports. And, like any team fan, they are passionate. Whether rooting for the Browns, Cowboys, Bears, or as is the case in New Orleans, the Who Dat Nation. The horseplayers I know all love thoroughbred racing. In all those cities, I have fans that just love casual conversation about the sport, “John, what did you think of that win?” Or about a big race coming up, “Who’s your Louisiana Derby pick?” And what I really love, even if a horseplayer has a bad day, the “I’ll get them tomorrow” attitude.
HRT: And what makes each different from the others?
John Dooley: I think what makes some of them different is the on-track experience. To me, there will never be a venue built like Arlington ever again in the US. There were lots of options for fans wherever to sit near the paddock, in the grandstand, clubhouse, restaurants and upper suites. Lone Star Park, as a track built in 1997, also had plenty of options for horseplayers. I haven’t been back to the new Jack Thistledown Racino, but I’m sure there are plenty of slot machines, as we have our gaming at the Fair Grounds too. But, while those tracks in some of their amenities might differ, the horseplayers I find are all the same with their passion for the sport and picks.
HRT: A couple of quick Chicago questions for you since you spent the last 21-years as the voice of Arlington Park Racecourse.
HRT: Ketchup on your hotdog – yes or no and why or why not?
John Dooley: No ketchup. No mustard either. Just give me a Nathan’s Famous on a bun. I’ll miss a good Johnnie’s Italian Beef (juicy/sweet).
HRT: Favorite Chicago Pizzeria?
John Dooley: It had been Gino’s East in Rolling Meadows. But, their rent became too high many years ago and moved out of Rolling Meadows, so for the last few years it has been Lou Malnati’s. But, have to say, Tortorice’s (delivery only) in Buffalo Grove makes a very good deep dish.
HRT: Cubs or White Sox, no diplomacy allowed, one or the other.
John Dooley: Cubs. Went to my first rooftop in 2000 and glad to have gotten to some games during their World Series winning season. Did I say Cubs World Series winning season? That was a fun year!
HRT: Sticking to sports, you went to St. John’s University during the height of their basketball program when Chris Mullin was the big man on campus. That was probably peak Big East Basketball, tell us what game day versus Georgetown, the rivalry with Patrick Ewing was like as a student?
John Dooley: Those were some competitive years for SJU basketball. I was in a fraternity (Sigma Chi Upsilon) and we’d often all go over to the Queens campus for a game or, even better, to Madison Square Garden. While I’d never root for the Hoyas to win, for me, it was Syracuse that got my rivalry blood boiling, I’m surprised I even still have a voice from the years booing Jim Boeheim and Syracuse for four years from the student section at MSG!
HRT: Louisiana Champions Day is coming up, what makes it special?
John Dooley: I love big race days like Louisiana Champions Day to celebrate the breeders and owners in this State. The Louisiana Breeders are also giving away six $1,000 scholarships as they support students in the State. A great way to promote the sport to young fans. On the track, over the years, we’ve seen the likes of Star Guitar, Happy Ticket, String King and a gladiator like Monte Man all bring their best on Champions Day. I always think it’s a great betting day with a lot of races and chance to make money whether you tend to back the favorites or go for a longshot.
HRT: Share some of Fair Grounds’ insights, maybe some subtle biases you’ve noticed calling races that horseplayers might have missed.
John Dooley: While we have the long Fair Grounds stretch, it seems this 2021 meet thus far has really been kind to speed. That’s something I’m watching going forward as the meet is still young. When it comes to turf racing, I always look for a horse that has some speed and can stay close to the pace. Not a fan of a deep closer on our Stall-Wilson Turf Course, especially one with a high draw (Post 11 – 12). From a rider observation, I’ve been very impressed with Reylu Gutierrez. He’s definitely off to a great start and fun to watch ride.
HRT: Of all the opportunities or things that horse racing has brought your way, what’s the one “I still can’t believe that happened” moment that sticks out?
John Dooley: That’s a great question. I’d go back to my press box and back-up announcer days at the NYRA. I was working at Belmont Park in the Fall, 1990 when Tom Durkin was over in Europe to call the Prix d’Larc de Triomphe for NBC Sports. The Assistant Announcer, Frank Dwyer at that time, was supposed to call that weekend, but had some unfortunate mishap. I remember sitting in the Press Box being told, “You’re calling this weekend.” On top of that, my binoculars fell to the press box hallway floor and broke. I wound up renting a pair from the Clubhouse. And, before you know it, Go For Wand is winning the G.1 Beldame and Cacoethese with Ray Cochrane triumphed in the G.1 Turf Classic. I still can’t believe that happened.
HRT: Finally, if there is one thing in your career that you could do, what would it be and why?
John Dooley: I’d love for a chance to call the Breeders’ Cup. It’s different now compared to years ago in that my mentor and legend Tom Durkin was the Voice of the Breeders’ Cup, not only for network TV, but also on-track. No other person. Now, when hosting a Breeders’ Cup, the Announcer, whose home track it is, has the opportunity to call it for the World. Obviously, it’s the World Thoroughbred Championships and I love when horses across all the continents compete. I’ve always enjoyed European racing which now can be seen daily on ADW platforms. Great to watch races from Hong Kong, Japan and UAE too. Who knows? Maybe one day the BC will come to the Fair Grounds in the Fall. Dat would be great!
