Fitzgerald Out to Make Most of First Overseas Trip

If you have to go overseas for the first time, why not sunny Southern California? When David Fitzgerald boards a Los Angeles-bound plane this week to audition for the open announcer's job at iconic Santa Anita Park, it will be the first time the 31-year-old–who now lives a stone's throw from Towcester Racecourse with his partner of six years, Dawn–has ever left the confines of Great Britain. Fitzgerald is the second of two overseas-based racecallers who has been invited to the Great Race Place following a global search by Santa Anita executives. Craig Evans, the senior commentator for the Singapore Turf Club, called the races Feb. 20 and 21.

“I don't think anyone can really replace Trevor Denman, those shoes are too big to fill, but I feel truly honoured to be in the running to succeed him. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Fitzgerald via email. “Santa Anita is one of the biggest and most celebrated racing venues worldwide. To be able to say that I've called there is something which I will forever be proud of, whatever happens next.”

Born in Epsom, Surrey, in 1984, Fitzgerald says that racing has been in his blood ever since his youth, when his mother and father regularly took him and his brother racing at places like Sandown Park and Fontwell Park. Fitzgerald joined the staff at Racing UK one day after his 20th birthday in 2004, initially as staff and then freelance. Employed first as an editorial assistant, he transitioned over to the technical, gallery-based role of EVS/VT Operator in March 2006. But Fitzgerald always had higher aspirations.

“My ambition was always to become a commentator, but this move enabled me to gain great knowledge of how a TV channel is run behind the cameras, which has stood me in good stead for my subsequent career in front of them, as well as behind the microphone,” he explained.

In hopes of pursuing such a track, Fitzgerald left full-time work behind in 2009 and was awarded a spot on the UK commentators' roster in 2010. He called his first live meeting at Kempton Park in January 2011 and celebrated what he deems the single biggest accomplishment at Royal Ascot in 2014.

“I was chosen as one of the three on-course commentators,” he recollected. “I called on the Wednesday and Thursday and did the same two days in 2015. The most valuable race I have commentated on would be the 2015 Ascot Gold Cup, won by Trip To Paris (VIDEO).”

When not working calling races, Fitzgerald says he likes to get 'hands-on' with horses, sometimes riding out for a couple of trainers, namely Alex Hales and Imogen Pickard.”

He added, “I have shares in three racehorses in the UK, all jumpers. I am also interested in thoroughbred pedigrees, and have an ambition to breed national hunt horses. Specifically, a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, if possible!”