Arizona Downs hires Wrona as announcer

Arizona Downs, which begins its inaugural season May 24 in Prescott Valley at the old Yavapai Downs, announced that veteran announcer Michael Wrona will be behind the microphone.

The 53-year-old Australian has announced at Bay Meadows, Golden Gate Fields, Arlington Park, Retama, Lone Star Park, Fair Grounds, Los Alamitos, Turf Paradise, the Sonoma and Fresno fair meets in Northern California, Hollywood Park, and Santa Anita.

The northern Arizona track returns for action under a new name after being inactive since 2010. Wrona already had been named the race-caller at Kentucky Downs's five-date, all-grass meet starting Aug. 31, so Arizona Downs will have a guest announcer for the closing Labor Day weekend.

Arizona Downs is scheduled for a Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred meet for 35 days from May 24 through Labor Day, Sept. 2.