Grunder begins 31st season as Tampa Bay announcer

OLDSMAR, Fla. – “Good luck and good racing!”

It’s a simple five-word phrase, but much like Tom Durkin’s “at the Spaaaaaaaa,” Richard Grunder’s trademark salute to the fans following the completion of his daily announcement of scratches and changes is completely unique and an indelible part of Tampa Bay Downs’s charm.

Grunder begins his 31st season behind the microphone as Tampa Bay Downs’s announcer this season. The Kansas native grew up traveling to the smaller tracks of the Midwest and plains states with his father during the summer months as the latter ran a modest string, and the younger Grunder is an unabashed racetracker first and announcer second. He mixes information for the bettors as well as members of the racing community during his calls in a style that has earned him a large and loyal following through the years.