Denman recovering from broken leg as Del Mar opens

DEL MAR, Calif. – Trevor Denman is playing hurt this meet. The long-time, popular announcer is back for his 34th summer here at Del Mar, but he showed up for work Wednesday with a full cast on his right leg and a cane to help him move along, the result of an accident on farm equipment at his spread in Minnesota in April.

“Never had pain like that before,” said Denman, who said he broke his leg in three places, but said he is supposed to have the cast off a couple of weeks into the meet.

Denman said he wasn’t even sure he’d make the meet as of a couple of weeks ago, but said he felt better and he arrived with his usual good cheer, eager for the meet to start.

He said he was fortunate that his wife, Robin, was with him when the accident happened and could summon help.

Denman reduced his workload in late 2015, giving up his gig at Santa Anita, and now only calls at Del Mar’s summer and fall meetings. He lives two hours outside of Minneapolis the rest of the year.