Lexington, Ky. (Jan. 12, 2026) ─ The National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Daily Racing Form, and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters have collectively announced that renowned race announcer Trevor Denman will be presented with the Special Eclipse Award for Career Excellence.
Denman, who served as the prominent voice of Southern California horse racing for over 30 years, is scheduled to be celebrated at the 55th annual Resolute Racing Eclipse Awards, which will take place at the Breakers Palm Beach in Florida on January 22.
“What a magnificent conclusion to a 53-year professional journey,” Denman expressed. “I am profoundly privileged to accept this accolade and will hold it dear indefinitely. My gratitude extends to Alan Balch of Santa Anita Park and Joe Harper of Del Mar for offering an opportunity to an unrecognized young individual to announce at such esteemed venues back in 1983. Additionally, I extend my appreciation to all the enthusiasts for their unwavering encouragement throughout the years. Thank you, everyone!”
Hailing from Germiston, South Africa, Denman initially exhibited a passion for racing as an exercise rider, but soon discovered his true calling resided in the broadcast booth. His career as a race announcer commenced at the age of 18 in 1971 within South Africa. Later, while in South Africa, Californian Bill Kolberg heard Denman’s race calls and took note of his abilities. When Santa Anita Park sought a new race announcer, Kolberg enthusiastically recommended Denman to track management, leading to an audition that Denman successfully completed at 31. His first announcing duties at the Oak Tree Association Meeting began in 1983.
Despite his recognizable accent, Denman revolutionized conventional race announcing with an inviting and pioneering approach. In contrast to most American announcers who typically confined themselves to detailing race positions and distances between horses at various stages, Denman integrated observations and insights into his broadcasts. He offered listeners cues regarding which horses were performing well and which were losing ground. He also established a memorable phrase for the start of every race: “And away they go.” Furthermore, he wove in characteristic expressions such as “moving like an express train!” and “they’ll have to sprout wings to catch him.”
Craig Fravel, a veteran industry executive and currently a partner and senior advisor at Brown Advisory, commented, “Trevor Denman accomplished for the Thoroughbred through his voice and microphone what Claude Monet achieved for water lilies with a brush and canvas, across a career spanning over four decades as the race announcer at Southern California’s legendary tracks. Those among us who had the privilege to hear him perform daily at Del Mar, Hollywood Park, Pomona, and Santa Anita experienced a masterful narrative that vividly conveyed the tempo, excitement, and unfolding action of a race from start to finish, even without visual aid. His memorable pronouncements during the 1989 Preakness Stakes featuring Sunday Silence and Easy Goer, and the incredibly won 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic by Zenyatta, will endure as impeccable tributes to the brilliance of the horses on the course. This commendation is exceptionally merited.”
There was a period when Denman broadcast races at Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, Del Mar, and Pomona (Fairplex), maintaining an exceptionally busy yearly agenda.
During the 2009 Breeders’ Cup, while announcing for ESPN, he provided an international viewership with one of his most unforgettable calls. This occurred as the renowned mare Zenyatta stormed down the Santa Anita homestretch in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, gradually overtaking competitors. Above the collective cheers of the spectators, he exclaimed, “This is un-be-LIEVABLE! Zenyatta! What an exhibition, an event we will never forget!”
Denman continued to announce races at Santa Anita until 2015, and at Del Mar from 1984 up to 2024. His departure from Del Mar was publicly declared on March 6, 2025.
Speaking to Del Mar’s public relations team, Denman stated, “This represents one of the most challenging choices I’ve ever encountered. However, an inner conviction signals to me that the moment is now.”
Denman’s career as a race announcer spanned over five decades. Beyond his significant tenure in Southern California, he also officiated at racetracks in the Bay Area and along the East Coast. Furthermore, he broadcasted the Breeders’ Cup races when ESPN held the television rights for the championship spectacle. In addition, his voice was featured in numerous racing films and scores of television programs. Presently, he resides with his spouse, Robin, on a 500-acre rural property in Minnesota.
