Iconic NZ Race Caller Hangs Up The Binoculars

Two NZ greyhound commentators will hang up the binoculars this weekend as the fallout of COVID-19 continues to make an unwelcome impact.

Two New Zealand greyhound commentators will hang up the binoculars this weekend as the fallout of COVID-19 continues to make an unwelcome impact within the NZ racing industry.

Legendary commentator Peter Earley concludes his outstanding 48-year career when he calls Sunday's Manukau meeting.

And Lower North Island caller Darryl Robinson will exit the Hatrick commentary box for the final time this evening.  

Their departures follow on from tri-code commentator Dave McDonald recently wrapping up his southern commentary assignments after a 40-year career.

It has been a trailblazing career for Earley, spanning the rise of greyhound racing from localized sweepstake meetings through to today's international delivery of greyhound racing.

In 1981, Earley pioneered New Zealand racing history, delivering the first race commentary on a private radio station when commentating an Auckland meeting from Mt. Smart Stadium on Radio Pacific.

"Greyhound racing never had any outside coverage and turnover went through the roof with radio commentaries," recalled Earley.  

His last 30-years included hosting/broadcasting radio racing shows.

Listeners came to expect the ‘unexpected' from Earley's commentaries and radio programs. 

It is fair to state that Earley was a somewhat controversial, no make that colourful broadcaster/commentator.

For a period Earley held the position of vice-president on the old NZ Greyhound Racing Association board.

"Yes, those were good years – we changed things for the better during that time."       

Earley has also been a hands on industry participant, training and breeding greyhounds for many years. 

This month was scheduled to be the 50th edition of the prestigious Duke Of Edinburgh Silver Collar, a 779m race that was to be Earley's 48th call.

"The Collar has always been the race that you lift for – it is a wonderful, wonderful event," enthused Earley.

"It has been a fantastic journey all-the-way through, until 2020 when the ship sunk," summarized Earley in his known straight shooting style. 

On Sunday the Auckland GRC proudly acknowledges the absolute valued 48-year contribution that Peter Earley has made to greyhound racing with the running of the Peter Earley Classic (race 12). 

The tidy 527m field drawn to contest it is an appropriate line-up to bring down the curtain on Peter Earley's amazing 48-year career. 

Robinson started greyhound commentating at the now defunct country Wairarapa club in 1991. 

It wasn't until 2012 when he took up a more active role in the position at both the Hatrick and Manawatu Raceways.

He mixed those duties with a Trackside TV presenting position.

"Yes, it is frustrating and disappointing finishing up," said Robinson.

"It has been special commentating and I have enjoyed and appreciated the opportunities associated with the position." 

He added, "I'll be dedicating my final call to my greatest fan, my dad George."

Mark Rosanowski will deliver the three weekly lower North Island greyhound commentaries, while northern based equine commentators George Simon and Aaron White will occupy the Cambridge and Manukau commentary boxes.  

 

Latest News Articles