Race-caller Dooley has surgery to repair detatched retina

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – John Dooley, the track announcer at Fair Grounds and Arlington Park, recently had surgery to repair a detached retina, but will be ready to assume his race-calling duties when Arlington opens on May 6.

Dooley was en route by car from New Orleans to Chicago following the Fair Grounds meet when he began experiencing problems with his vision. Upon arriving in Chicago he had the eye examined by a doctor, who diagnosed the detached retina and informed Dooley that he needed surgery to repair the problem. Dooley was scheduled to go on vacation, and said he asked the doctor if the procedure could wait.

“He told me, ‘No, you have to have this done tonight or you could go blind,’ ” Dooley said.

Dooley told the Arlington publicity staff that he was still recovering from the surgery.

“I’ve still got a ways to go, but I’ll be able to call the races on opening day,” he said.