Wrona leaves post at Lone Star

Michael Wrona, whose distinctive, stylish, and accurate calls have made him a fan favorite wherever he has called races, said he has decided not to return to Lone Star Park this year after being told he would become a seasonal employee and have his salary cut.

Wrona, a native of Australia, had been lured by Lone Star from Hollywood Park nearly five years ago. Since then, however, Lone Star has been purchased by Magna Entertainment, which in recent months has severely trimmed Lone Star's budget across the board.

Similar corporate belt-tightening caused Wrona last fall to be replaced at Fair Grounds by John G. Dooley. Fair Grounds was purchased by Churchill Downs Inc., for whom Dooley calls at Arlington Park in the spring and summer.