Frank Mirahmadi grew up in Southern California, where he became not only a passionate fan of racing, but a passionate fan of race calling.While developing his own style, he also worshiped at the altar of Santa Anita announcers such as Dave Johnson and Trevor Denman – mimicking their intonations and pet phrases – and on Monday he fulfilled a lifelong dream by joining a list that includes Johnson and Denman by becoming the new track announcer at Santa Anita.“Santa Anita Park has been my favorite racetrack since I started attending horse races as a kid in the seventies,” Mirahmadi said in a press release put out by Santa Anita on Monday. “I have vivid recollections of where I sat watching races featuring superstars such as Spectacular Bid, John Henry, Precisionist, Winning Colors, and so many others.“There is no higher honor than to be named the voice of what I like to call The Greatest Race Place.“I am so thankful for this incredible opportunity and look forward to returning home.”Mirahmadi was officially named the announcer at Santa Anita less than 48 hours after Michael Wrona, who held the position for the past 2 1/2 years, was informed that his contract was not being renewed by Tim Ritvo, the chief operating officer of the Stronach Group, which owns Santa Anita. Wrona and Mirahmadi both were part of an unusual audition for the position three years ago after Denman resigned, with Wrona winning the job at that time.Mirahmadi’s first day on the job will be Dec. 26, the start of Santa Anita’s winter meeting.“We’re very excited to be able to hand Frank the microphone here on opening day,” Ritvo said in the press release. “In addition to being an outstanding communicator, to know Frank is to love him. He’s a very engaging, funny guy who brings a unique perspective to his job.“First and foremost, he’s a fan, and I really think that’s important. He knows what our players want and he knows how to engage not only them, but newcomers as well. He’s well known and respected by our horsemen and we’re looking forward to having him do a number of promotional things in addition to calling races. I know he’ll be here on-track well in advance of opening day to get reacquainted with everyone and we can’t wait for the bell to ring on Dec. 26.”Mirahmadi, 51, is currently calling races at Aqueduct, where he will work through Dec. 16. He also has been the main race-caller at tracks such as Golden Gate Fields, Hialeah, Monmouth Park, and Oaklawn Park during his career, and has called races at numerous other tracks. He also has worked as an on-air analyst at TVG, doing extensive handicapping. He was treated in the summer of 2016 for colon cancer, had two surgeries, and one year ago was pronounced as free of the disease.