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Trevor Denman has been thrillling Southern California racefans for more
than 20 years. Denman's trademark picture perfect calls put fans at
Santa Anita, Del Mar, and Fairplex within the race itself. He poignantly describes race
details from the start, 'And away they go' until the finish while painting a clear picture for
both the casual and more seasoned fan. Denman's notable calls include 'If you have
your money on XYZ Horse, you can go to the window and collect' ; 'The more Bill
Shoemaker asks of Lord at War', the more 'Lord at War is giving him' and my personal
favorite, 'This Filly is taking to this muddy track like a duck to Water, She's Loving It out
There' ; Denman is also known for calling the race all the way to the finish, often
pointing out the winner of tight Photo finishes. At the time he started announcing in
Southern California, most (Horse) Racetracks would simply turn off the microphone
rather than risk an incorrect call of the race's finish and the ire of racefans. Calsports1
correspondent Saul Silver was able to catch the Breeders' Cup newest Race Caller
prior to his trip to Kentucky for the historic Cup Races. Denman reflects on his early
days in racing , this year's Breeders' Cup, as well as past great moments in his Race
Calling career.

Silver: First of all, many thanks for agreeing to take some time out of your busy
schedule to share your thoughts with our readers....A hearty Congratulations on being
named the Announcer for the Breeders' Cup 2006 World Thoroughbred
Championships, Saturday November 4th at Historic Churchill Downs....ESPN will cover
the Breeders' Cup for the first time
this year.
Since the Breeders' Cup is the topic of the day, how did this long deserved assignment
come about, what are you most looking forward to, and what are the inherent
challenges with respect to the Breeders Cup experience?

Denman: ESPN called me up out of the blue at Del Mar and asked if I would like to
call the Breeders' Cup. I said 'yes' and it was pretty much a done deal. I'm looking
forward to a great day of calling the best horses in the world. The challenges are
unknown horses, a worldwide audience and perhaps the hardest hurdle, a new
announcing booth. I have called races at Churchill Downs, but never from the new
booth (built 2 years ago.)

Silver: Speaking of the Breeders' Cup, how do you see the Breeders' Cup Classic
enfolding, and do you see this more as an East vs. West, Bernardini vs. Lava Man, or
more of a wide open affair? Is this comparable to the Famed SeaBiscuit Vs. War
Admiral long awaited matchup?

Denman: It will be billed as an East vs West match up and the two major contenders
are undoubtedly Bernardini and Lava Man. However, I think Bernardini is too good
for them. He just might join the list of 'all time greats' after this race. At Santa Anita I
think Lava Man would have a much better chance. I do not fancy his chances at this
distance at a track like Churchill Downs.

Silver: Which of the Breeders Cup 2006' races particularly intrigue you, and which
horses do you anticipate getting the pulse racing while Announcing the Races Up
Close and Personal for this year's Event?

Denman: They are all intriguing, but the match-up of Ouija Board and Wait A While
(Filly & Mare Turf) will be something special. The classy older mare takes on the
up-and-coming 'whipper snapper' Wait A While! That could be the race of the day.
The toughest of the day will be the Sprint. Luck in running often decides this one.
Henny Hughes looks best, but California is the home of speed and their two
hopefuls, Bordonaro and Siren Lure, will make it tough. Attila's Storm has a good
shot too. The Mile should result in a blanket finish. What an interesting field it is.
California's Aragorn is the one to beat, but he will be fully tested by the brilliant filly
Gorella and the European imports of Araafa, Librettist and Aussie Rules. Should be a
thriller!

Silver: What are your most memorable Breeders' Cup past moments, visions, etc, both
good and bad or tragic?

Denman: The Personal Ensign/ Winning Colors race was one of the best ever.
Sunday Silence and Easy Goer was another one for the ages. I loved Kona Gold's
win and Brocco was memorable too. Too many good ones to remember them all!

Silver: With all due respect to Vin Scully, Chick Hearn, and Bob Miller, other
Southern California Classic Announcers, how did your inimitable style come about,
and who are your influences?

Denman: I grew up in South Africa where racing is hugely popular. I borrowed a
hodge podge of sayings from announcers around the world. I took the best from
Australian, New Zealand, English and Irish announcers and put the sayings I liked
best together with my own calls. So, my calls are unique in that they are a blend of
many different styles. In my young days I listened to the likes of Bill Collins of
Australia and Peter O' Sullivan of England, two legends of announcing.

Silver: What is your favorite Santa Anita moment and your favorite Santa Anita 'The
Great Race Place' horse that you've called?
How about a moment from 'Where the Turf Meets the Surf' at Del Mar as well as an
All-Time horse?

Denman: Very tough questions!
Bill Shoemaker's last ride (on Patchy Groundfog) has to be on top of the list, but
there have been many, many great moments. Precisionist is one of my all time
favorites. He was one of a handful of horses in history who could win a Grade 1 at 6
furlongs and a mile and one quarter.
Best Pal in the inaugural Pacific Classic in a memorable moment at Del mar.
All time favorites would include Nijinsky, Cigar, John Henry, Precisionist, Sunday
Silence, Estrapade, Winning Colors and Silver Charm (Plus some I know I'm leaving
out!).

Silver: My father took me to Hollywood Park for the 1st time as a youngster in 1971, and
I remember that Over the Counter beat the famed speedster Triple Bend? How did you
start out in the game, and what was your earliest memorable racetrack experience?

Denman: I first went to the track when I was 5 years old. My brother's friend said I
looked tailor made to be a jockey and he took me to the track for the first time.
Mixing with the jockeys and trainers as a kid was a thrill for me, but the
magnificence of the horses is what got me hooked.

Silver: Once again, thank you spending time with our fans, and good luck to you in your
latest venture at Churchill Downs on Nov. 4th..One last question, please...
What will you miss most about Horse Racing when and if you ever leave the game and
the Race Calling Field?

Denman: A classy horse in full flight through the stretch.