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| Mark Johnson Photo: Churchill Downs |
from Churchill Downs
Mark Johnson, one of the most popular and acclaimed horse racing commentators in Britain, will bring his talents to America in 2009 as the new track announcer for Churchill Downs. The announcement was formally made by track officials during at news conference at the historic Louisville, Ky. racetrack Jan. 15.
“In our eyes, Mark Johnson is the complete package when it comes to a track announcer,” said Churchill Downs President Steve Sexton. “He is a unique, polished and passionate talent with an absolutely infectious personality. His race calls and pre- and post-race commentary are supremely accurate, descriptive and colorful, and his knowledge of the sport of horse racing and its historical perspective is vast. It all makes for a wonderful and unique entertainment mix and we’re thrilled to showcase his talents to an American and worldwide audience in 2009.”
Johnson becomes only the sixth track announcer in Churchill Downs history and “Voice of the Kentucky Derby” – America’s premier race which has been run every year without interruption since 1875. The 42-year-old native of Skegness, Lincolnshire, England replaces the late Luke Kruytbosch, who unexpectedly passed away July 14, 2008 from an apparent heart attack at age 47.
Johnson’s selection as announcer at Churchill Downs reinforces the historic link that connects England and British racing with the Kentucky track and America’s greatest race.
The Mark Johnson File
Born: Feb. 7, 1966 (42 years old)
Parents: Derek and Joy Johnson (only child)
Birthplace/Hometown: Skegness, Lincolnshire, England
Current Residence: East Twickenham, London, England
Relationship: Engaged to marry longtime girlfriend Katherine Heptonstall on Jan. 28, 2009 on a beach in Turks and Caicos
College Degree: BA Hons in Television, Film & Theatre Studies King Alfred’s College in Winchester, Hants, England
Post Graduate Diploma: Radio Journalism London College of Printing in Elephant & Castle, London, England
Career Milestones: First live race commentary: March 15, 1986 at Tweseldown, England
First “Classic” commentary: 1995 St. Leger Stakes
First Epsom Derby: 1998 (1998-2002)
First Cheltenham Festival: 1996 (most years to present day)
First Grand National: 2004 (2004-05)
First live race call in America: Oct. 11, 2001 at Calder Race Course
All-Star Announcer Appearances: 2005 (Belmont) and ’07 (Monmouth)
First full card announcing in America: Aug. 3, 2007 at Calder Race Course
First graded stakes race call in America: Nov. 27, 2008 at Churchill Downs
Favorite Announcers: Peter O’Sullivan, Raleigh Gilbert, Tom Durkin and Dave Johnson
Favorite Horses: Red Rum, High Chaparral, Sindar, Pleasantly Perfect and Corinthian
Favorite Kentucky Derby: “Smarty Jones in 2004.”
Favorite Movies: “I’m a massive film fan, particularly old westerns and swashbucklers. Errol Flynn is a particular favorite actor.”
Favorite Musical Acts: “The Police and Sting.”
Favorite Books: “The Gun and The Sharpe novels based on the Napoleonic Wars.”
Favorite Meal: “I have very cosmopolitan tastes for food, but a good meal has to be accompanied by a great red wine!”
Hobbies/Interests: “Golf and travel.”
Hooked on Horse Racing: “I got hooked on horse racing when going jump racing with my mother and father as a very young child and watching racing on Saturday afternoons on TV, especially the Grand National. Grand National Day for me as a youngster was like Christmas Day, my birthday and any other special day rolled into one.”
Interesting Fact: “I was an assistant trainer when briefly based in Newmarket. I also sword fenced to high standard and I am a qualified fencing coach.”
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