Durkin to join West Point Thoroughbreds

Recently retired announcer Tom Durkin will join the team at the West Point Thoroughbreds partnership, as an owner and in other roles.

Durkin will work directly with West Point founder and president Terry Finley and chief operating officer Tom Bellhouse in business development and partnership relations. Durkin, a longtime Standardbred owner, will also be an equity partner on West Point runners.

West Point, launched in 1991, has campaigned Grade 1 winners Awesome Gem, Dream Rush, Flashy Bull, Irish Smoke, Lear’s Princess, and Macho Again. The operation currently manages equine portfolios for nearly 400 partners, with a stable of more than 80 horses. It is based in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and also has offices in New York City, New Jersey, Kentucky, and California.

“I’ve known Terry and Tom for years and admire the class and integrity that West Point brings to the game,” Durkin said. “They are the gold standard in Thoroughbred partnerships and I am very excited to join their partnership and work with the team.”

Durkin began his tenure as the New York Racing Association’s caller in 1990, and gave his final call on Aug. 31. He was the original voice of the Breeders’ Cup and, in addition to calling the Belmont Stakes annually for NYRA, called the Triple Crown series for NBC Sports for several years, calling eight failed Triple Crown bids total.

Durkin will be honored with the Eclipse Award of Merit for lifetime outstanding achievement in the Thoroughbred industry Saturday night at the Eclipse Awards ceremony at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla.