The Gist calls a horse race with Tom Durkin, and discusses ISIS and Iraq.

The Vin Scully of Horseracing Retires

The Vin Scully of Horseracing Retires

A daily news and culture podcast with Mike Pesca.
Aug. 11 2014 7:25 PM

The Vin Scully of Horseracing Retires

Famed track announcer Tom Durkin opens up his secret book of tricks for The Gist.

The Gist has moved! Find new episodes here.

140811-thegist-TomDurkin
Tom Durkin shares some of his most memorable calls on The Gist.

Photo Illustration by Slate. Photo courtesy NYRA.

Listen to Episode 68 of Slate’s The Gist:

gist_dailyemails

Today on The Gist, Tamara Cofman Wittes of the Brookings Center for Middle East Policy offers insight into the threat of ISIS in Iraq and President Obama’s selective humanitarian efforts. Then, famed horserace announcer Tom Durkin takes a partial break from calling a race in Saratoga to reflect on his storied career as a horserace announcer.* In honor of Durkin’s retirement this month, we’ll remember some of his best calls of all time and his appearance on the TV show Match Game. For the Spiel, who gets to speak about women’s body image?

*Correction, Aug. 12, 2014: This post originally misstated that Tom Durkin was calling a race in Sarasota, not Saratoga.

Mike Pesca is the host of the Slate daily podcast The Gist. He also contributes reports and commentary to NPR.