Bill Downes named track announcer at Emerald Downs

Emerald Downs has announced the hiring of Bill Downes as track announcer for its 2022 live racing season, which begins May 15.

Downes succeeds Tom Harris, who recently stepped down to spend more time with his family.

A Chicago native, Downes brings extensive announcing experience to Emerald Downs. He served as Indiana Grand track announcer from 2013 to 2021, and before that called races at Ellis Park, Beulah Park, Presque Isle Downs, and River Downs. He also was back-up announcer at Churchill Downs.

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“I’m thrilled to come to Emerald Downs,” Downes said. “Emerald is a track I’ve always held in high esteem. I was there once for a two-day handicapping tournament, and the thing I noticed was an excellent ontrack experience. Everyone was having a good time.”

Downes becomes just the fourth announcer in the track’s 27-year history. Robert Geller was in the announcer’s booth from 1996 to 2015, followed by Matt Dinerman (2015-2017) and Harris (2018-2021).