Emerald Downs announced the hiring of Bill Downes as broadcaster for the 2022 live racing season, which begins Sunday, May 15.
Downes succeeds Tom Harris, who recently stepped down to spend more time with his family.
A native of Chicago, Downes brings the Emerald Downs a résumé full of notice. He serves as Indiana Grand follow the broadcaster from 2013 to 2021 and before that known as races at Ellis . ParkBeulah Park, Presque Isle Downsand River Downs. He is also a supporting announcer at Churchill Downs.
“I’m so excited to go to Emerald Downs,” Downes said. “The Emerald is a track that I’ve always appreciated. I went there once during a two-day paradisability tournament, and what I found was a great experience on the track. Everyone was there. having a good time.”
When asked to describe his messaging style, Downes said his #1 goal is accuracy and information delivery.
“Accuracy is the most important thing, nothing else matters if you are incorrect,” says Downes. “I love being the backdrop to a race. Every race has a story.”
Harris, who has called four seasons at the Emerald Downs, travels from Spokane to Auburn weekly to call races.
“I will certainly miss all the wonderful people, riders and horses in the Emerald Downs,” Harris said. “It’s been a really great adventure in my life, but my family is so important.”
Downes became only the fourth broadcaster in the track’s 27-year history. Robert Geller was in the announcer’s booth from 1996 to 2015, followed by Matt Dinerman (2015-2017) and Harris (2018-2021).
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