Of all the specialist jobs in a niche business like horse racing, being a commentator is perhaps the most scarce skill, with no more than ten people currently occupying that role in South Africa. These rare individuals perch in a small booth, amidst the rafters, high up on the grandstand, using powerful binoculars to spot the racing action, then describing what unfolds during the race to millions of viewing fans around the world.
Jehan Malherbe, a race-caller based in Cape Town, makes this very difficult job appear simple. He is an accomplished commentator whose deep, assured tones have painted illuminating word pictures over three decades. He has been influenced by European, Australian and American colleagues all with varying approaches to their craft. “I have always tried to combine the need for being accurate and factual in my descriptions, together with making things exciting.” Racing is entertainment after all – but with big money at stake for punters and connections mistakes are just not cool, so attaining that balance is at the core of the commentators’ art.
Each caller will have their own tricks of the trade, but getting things right depends essentially on memory association. Commentators match the jockey’s colourful silks with horse’s names, then train their mind and eyes to swiftly identify the link. They may also note the horses’ barrier draw and expected running style to help prepare for their call. A peculiar marking, special piece of equipment, or even the jockey’s distinctive riding posture provides other clues.
The commentator will then describe what goes on in the race from start to finish, paying attention to running order, pace or any significant changes such as a tactical mid race move or a sudden fall. The most frenetic part is when the thoroughbreds rush towards the winning post – being able to precisely capture those fast-changing images in words that enhance the spectacle is what distinguishes the exceptional commentators.
No matter how gifted or experienced, even the best make blunders. They may accidently call the wrong horse or get the order of a tight finish scrambled. Sometimes the weather conditions, such as a heavy downpour, can be so bad that making out the runners is virtually impossible. Real focus and concentration is needed, together with poise under pressure.
One of the greatest commentators of all time, the recently retired Tom Durkin from the New York circuit, gave up a lucrative American gig, covering big races for a huge TV audience, due to the working pressures and creeping performance anxiety. He even resorted to hypnosis at one point to deal with the stress. A trained actor with a wonderful voice and fluent sense of tempo and tone, in his prime Durkin became a legend due to his sharp and humorous calls. YouTube devotees should check out some of Durkin’s best calls to appreciate the immense entertainment value he added to broadcasts.
Durkin treasured a well-worn file full of words to describe racing action. Just think how many similes you can come up with to express different degrees of “fast.” He would constantly add to his personal dictionary of descriptions, and consult the file when preparing each working day so that he could summon up apt phrases seemingly at will when in the commentary box.
Alistair Cohen is one of South Africa’s best and brightest young commentators. Based in Joburg, he has developed his skills through serious dedication, even plying his trade in the rodeo-like environs of Flamingo Park, a rugged bush-track in Kimberley. He calls with clarity and substance, sharpening his visual skills by watching races every day like a hawk.
Cohen realises that it is impossible to please everybody. He is concerned about the rhythm of his commentaries, “Some people say my calls are too slow,” he concedes, whilst appraising his work and striving to do better. Those critics are in the minority, and Cohen seems poised to take on lucrative commentating opportunities in the Far East or United States when the timing is right.
Durban race tracks have a unique father and son commentary team – “Eagle-eye” Craig and Sheldon Peters cover Greyville and Scottsville with consistent professionalism. In the Cape, Rouvaan Smit shares duties with Malherbe. The big man uses his resonating voice to good effect, whilst also dabbling in compering and DJ gigs when not calling the ponies home.
Commentating on horse races is not the sort of career that will ever appeal to the masses. It’s a highly specialized profession and, though racing is a big employer globally, there are precious few domestic opportunities. A critical audience waiting to deride any public error is another negative, so having a thick skin helps. But, for those strong characters with the voice, visual ability, and a deep love of racing, commentating represents a dream job – combining elements of sporting drama, showmanship and broadcasting in a stimulating mix.