Turf Paradise names new voice

Turf Paradise has named Mike Chamberlain its new announcer for its upcoming 54th meet, which opens Friday. Chamberlain replaces Frank Mirahmadi, who called the races last year after the death of Luke Kruytbosch. Mirahmadi resigned to take on an expanded role with the TVG Network.

"I first became aware of Michael's considerable talent when I lived in Texas, and I'm a big fan," said the track's president and general manager, Eugene Joyce. "We are excited to have him on board."

Chamberlain, 39, served as Sam Houston Race Park's announcer for the past 12 years. He broke into announcing under the tutelage of Kruytbosch.

"It's like a homecoming and a dream come true to be the announcer at Turf Paradise," said Chamberlain, who grew in Arizona and whose parents live in Chandler, a Phoenix suburb. "I hope to follow in line of the track's great announcers, like Bob Weems, Luke Kruytbosch, and Frank Mirahmadi."