A pair of well-known announcers will share race-calling duties when live racing returns to Santa Anita Dec. 26 as the Arcadia track begins its search for a full-time replacement for legendary announcer Trevor Denman. Frank Mirahmadi, who called races at Oaklawn Park and Monmouth Park this year, will call opening week at Santa Anita and Golden Gate Fields' longtime announcer Michael Wrona will call Santa Anita's races from Jan. 7 through Jan. 24. From there, the two will alternate on a three-week schedule, with Mirahmadi calling the Golden Gate races when Wrona is at Santa Anita. Mirahmadi will call the Mar. 12 GI Santa Anita H. and Wrona will handle the Apr. 9 GI Santa Anita Derby.
“We are extremely fortunate that both Frank and Michael are available to continue to give our fans a top-quality experience during this transition,” said Joe Morris, SVP West Coast Operations for the Stronach Group. “Both are so well-respected and have earned strong consideration and wide support for the permanent position. We are excited to hear how our fans will respond to them.”
Additional announcers will be brought in throughout the season to audition for the position. Since Santa Anita opened in 1934, the track has had just four primary announcers: Joe Hernandez, Chic Anderson, Dave Johnson and Denman. Denman, who announced his retirement earlier this month, has been calling the races at Santa Anita for the last 33 years.
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