Trevor Denman, one of horse racing’s most iconic voices, has officially announced his retirement after 40 years as the race caller at Del Mar. Denman, 72, revolutionized race calling in the United States with his vivid storytelling and ability to predict unfolding events mid-race. His successor at the seaside track will be veteran announcer Larry Collmus, best known as the voice of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Breeders’ Cup for NBC Sports.

A native of South Africa, Denman began calling races in 1971 before moving to the U.S., where he became synonymous with Southern California racing. He called races at Santa Anita from 1983-2015 and, at various points, was the voice of Hollywood Park and Fairplex Park. His influence on American race calling was profound, shifting the style from rigid position-by-position updates to a more immersive narrative approach.

“This is one of the hardest decisions I have ever made,” Denman said. “But my soul is telling me that now is the time.”

Del Mar CEO Joe Harper acknowledged Denman’s impact, saying, “We’ve been so lucky to have the best in the business in our booth for all these years, and now all we can do is wish him and his wife Robin the very best.”

Collmus, 58, has been a prominent race caller since his first call at Bowie Race Track in 1985. He has since called many of racing’s most significant moments, including American Pharoah’s Triple Crown triumph in 2015 and the Breeders’ Cup since 2012. Collmus has already been calling Del Mar’s fall meet since 2020 and now steps into the full-time role.

“I grew up listening to Trevor and have loved his unforgettable calls for decades,” Collmus said. “It is an absolute honor to follow him at Del Mar.”

Denman, who spent more than 50 years in the booth, now resides on a 500-acre farm in Minnesota with his wife, Robin. His legacy as one of the sport’s greatest commentators is firmly cemented, with his distinctive voice and storytelling style leaving an indelible mark on racing history.