Tom Durkin opts not to renew Triple Crown deal
April 26, 2011NEW YORK (AP) - Horse racing's Triple Crown is looking for a new voice.
Longtime announcer Tom Durkin said Tuesday he is stepping away from his gig calling the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes for network television. Durkin cited the stress of the job as a major reason for the decision not to renew his contract with NBC Sports.
Durkin has called the last 30 Triple Crown races for various networks and the last 13 Kentucky Derbys.
NBC spokesman Adam Freifeld said a replacement will be named shortly. This year's Derby will be run on May 7.
Durkin will continue to serve as track announcer for Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga.