Dear Friends,
Earlier this month, an ICON in our Industry, Trevor Denman, announced his retirement. For decades, his was the VOICE of thoroughbred racing in Southern California and countless Classic Races in our sport. Signature phrases defined his race calls. He’d begin a race saying, “The field is sent on their way” or “away they go.” As horses were running down the stretch, he’d add expressions as ?” Looks like she jumped in at the quarter pole”…” They would need to sprout wings to catch (horse’s name)”…” He’s out there moving like a winner” or “is coming like an express train” to name a few. Trevor’s ability to craft each race as an intriguing story sharing his knowledge of racing strategies, a jockey’s style, and his love for the thoroughbred became treasured by all.
On March 9th, Trevor did a wonderful interview with Mike Willman on KLAA830 Radio. He recounted the many spectacular races he called and the magnificence of the horses he watched race and thrill the fans. When Mike asked him which race call was his favorite, Trevor responded…” for years, it was the 1989 Preakness with Sunday Silence and Easy Goer going stride to stride, head-to-head, nose to nose as they came down the stretch.”
Then on November 7, 2009, the day Zenyatta won the Breeders’ Cup Classic, this changed. Her Classic WIN became his #1. Trevor commented he had called so many of her races and knew her running style so well. In preparing for the race, he tried to keep an open mind, not plan on any script, just let the race and the way it unfolded create the emotion for him to share with the fans. Going into the Classic, in his mind, she was the horse in the turquoise silks. Throughout the body of the race, he kept the fans aware of her position as she was such a fan favorite. “Zenyatta has a lot, a lot of ground to make up”…. was his one statement. As the race progressed, she was still far back, and he added…” If she wins this, she will be a super horse.” Once in the stretch, Zenyatta moved to the outside making up ground. He announced this to the crowd, and added…” Zenyatta is coming, flying on the grandstand side.” In this interview with Mike, Trevor explained he was watching her making this move and wanted his call to be in cadence with her strides. At that moment, his race call became one which echoed through the entire grandstand at Santa Anita: “THIS IS UN-BELIEVABLE! WHAT A PERFORMANCE, ONE WE WILL NEVER FORGET. ONE OF THE MOST SENSATIONAL EVER!”
Dear Trevor, Happy Retirement! We want you to know…YOU ARE ONE WE WILL NEVER FORGET!
With Love,
Hugs to all
Zenyatta, Her Fans and Family
Sally Blank
Bless Trevor on his retirement. He sure did a remarkable job! Zenyatta is UN BELIEVABLE!!
Gloria
Happy retirement to Trevor, of course. I will miss him. Bet he’s the only race caller with his epic call of Zenyatta winning the BC Classic written on the back of a shirt! Would also love to say a great big Happy Birthday to Zenyatta and Ziconic. Love to them always.
Dee in the Hudson Valley
Enjoy your retirement, Trevor, and thank you so much for giving us such wonderful memories that will last forever! Your calls were always impeccable, but the 2009 BC call was a work of art. You made an already exciting race absolutely thrilling with your timing and turn of phrase. We’ll miss you! 😘
Kathy
I hear every one of Trevor’s words in my mind right now. Happy retirement, sir. You definitely added to the excitement we felt!
Marshall (NC Broad)
All the very Best Wishes for a wonderful retirement to Trevor Denman! We have thrilled to your calls and never more so than that 2009 BC! Indeed, you are definitely unforgettable. Beautiful memories! Heartfelt thanks, Trevor!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our Unbelievable Zenyatta
AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY to her Red Prince, Ziconic❣️
🎉 💕 🎉 💕 🎉 💕 🎉 💕 🎉 💕 🎉
Hugs and Love forever
Allen
Trevor I hope you have a happy retirement, wishing you the best. Happy Birthday Zenyatta and Ziconic.
judy berube
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL, NYM, DC, SHUGS, JUSTY and TEAM Z:
Happy retirement Mr. Denman. One of the greatest race callers and two of the best calls of Breeders Cup Classics, 2009 and 2010, in my opinion.
Happy 21st Birthday Z and Happy 12th Birthday ZICONIC. Hope you both enjoy your Birthday treats today. Love and Hugs to all of you, JB
Sandy (northeast Ohio)
Thanks for the great recap re Trevor’s famous lines. How I wish I had heard him live even once. Of course we’ve all heard the replays and especially that epic call of Zenny’s stretch run in the BC Classic. Congratulations on your retirement Mr Denman and thanks for all of the wonderful memories. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Also, Happy Birthday to our Queen and her Red Prince! ❤️❤️
Sally Blank
Wishing all wonderful things for Zenyatta on her 21st Birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZENYATTA !!! And Happy Birthday to Ziconic a beautiful boy of yours Z .
Love forever, kisses to you and your foals
Auntie Sally B
Janie (in L.A.)
April 1st marked Zenyatta’s 21st birthday – wow! I hope you had a fun and happy day darlin’ girl! And happy birthday to your baby boy Ziconic too! Congrats to Trevor Dunman on his retirement and thanks for the memories!