The Victorian racing industry will farewell an icon on Saturday afternoon when 81-year-old racecaller Jack Styring hangs up his binoculars.
After a career spanning more than 60 years behind the microphone, the colourful racecaller will call for the final time at Saturday’s Yea Cup meeting.
Styring, who is famous for unique phrases such as “baring his molars to the breeze”, is looking forward to his farewell meeting.
“I called my first dogs race in 1947 at Napier Park and my first gallops race in 1950 at Kaniva so it’s been a long time coming. I’ve loved every minute of it,” he said.
Styring, who turns 82 on Sunday week, has called at countless tracks throughout Victoria and boasts seven Melbourne Cups on his CV.
Amongst his calling achievements is 60 Gunbower Cups from 1952-2010 – a feat recognised by the Guinness Book of Records.
He was to have called his 39th Hanging Rock Cup at yesterday’s Australia Day meeting before it was abandoned due to kangaroos on the track.
The veteran rates Tulloch as the best horse he’s called and Darby Munro as the best jockey to have appeared in his binoculars.
Despite his admiration for Tulloch and other greats like Redcraze and Rising Fast, Styring’s favourite racehorse carries a more personal touch.
“I bred a horse, named it She’s A Doll after my darling wife and then gave it to her to race,” he said.
“She’s A Doll won four races and it was a great thrill calling her first past the post for my wife who has been the rock of my career.”
The first of six races at Yea, which is located 125kms north of Melbourne, will be held at 1.05pm (AEST) with the Cup scheduled for 3.55pm.
Racing Victoria
