Mirahmadi to be backup announcer at Aqueduct

ELMONT, N.Y. – Frank Mirahmadi, who has called races across the country in a career spanning more than two decades, has been hired by the New York Racing Association to be its backup track announcer during the winter at Aqueduct. Mirahmadi replaces Travis Stone, who earlier this month announced he would not be returning to NYRA.

Mirahmadi will call the races at Golden Gate Fields until that Northern California track’s fall meet ends Dec. 10. Mirahmadi will not be returning to Golden Gate in 2018.

Mirahmadi, 50, will split the winter calling duties with John Imbriale. Larry Collmus calls NYRA’s races from April through October.

“Overly excited,” Mirahmadi said Wednesday from California. “This is one of the best opportunities there is in racing. When NYRA calls, there are two things to say, ‘Yes, please,’ and ‘Thank you very much.’ ”

Mirahmadi’s other duties at NYRA will include a few appearances with Andy Serling on “Talking Horses,” this circuit’s precard handicapping show. Mirahmadi also will do some work in NYRA’s sponsorship department.

Mirahmadi will continue as the track announcer at Monmouth Park.

Salvato named Aqueduct racing secretary

NYRA has promoted Matt Salvato to racing secretary at Aqueduct, effective when its meet opens Nov. 4. Salvato will replace Dan Eidson, who will leave NYRA in December to become the racing director at Santa Anita when that track’s winter/spring meet opens Dec. 26.

Salvato, a graduate of Adelphi University with a degree in sports management, joined the NYRA racing office in 2008 and for the last few years was the assistant racing secretary.

“Matt is a talented professional with a bright future in racing,” said Martin Panza, NYRA’s senior vice president of racing operations. “We’ve always had the highest confidence in his abilities, and we’re especially pleased to be able to promote from within the racing office.”

Meanwhile, Eidson will be returning to California, where he had previously worked at Golden Gate Fields and Hollywood Park before joining NYRA in 2014.