British racing commentator Mark Johnson to make history
British racing commentator Mark Johnson is set to make history at next Saturday’s Kentucky Derby by becoming the first non-American to call at Churchill Downs.
Mark will also become the first commentator to have called both the Epsom Derby and the Kentucky Derby.
He beat four other commentators to win the Kentucky Derby calling role last autumn at Churchill Downs. He will replace Luke Kruytbosch, who died last summer. Luke had called the race since 1999.
The Lincolnshire-born commentator was later described by the racecourse as “unique, polished and passionate talent with an absolutely infectious personality.”
The 135th Kentucky Derby takes place this Saturday (2 May) at Churchill Downs.
I Want Revenge, trained by Jeff Mullins and to be ridden by Joe Talamo, currently heads the Kentucky Derby odds. The 3-year-old colt is unbeaten since switching from synthetic to a dirt track.
For more information visit: www.kentuckyderby.com/2009
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A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.