"Tom Durkin is one of the greatest race-callers in history, and we are fortunate to have had him with us here in New York for so many years," said NYRA President and CEO Chris Kay, who recalled that his first visit to a racetrack was at Cahokia Downs, where Durkin was calling the races. "The way Tom uses his voice to build to a crescendo is unparalleled, and the words he uses to describe races are pure magic. We are disappointed to see such a storied career finally come to a close, but we are grateful to have had the opportunity to enjoy his race-calling for so long. We wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life."