Racing Says Farewell To A Legend
Published: 10 Jan 2015
Today will be the last time we hear the dulcet tones of Sydney's premier race caller Matt Hill as he prepares to hang up the racing binoculars and embark on a career in broadcasting the AFL south of the border.
At Coffs Harbour today, Matt will be honoured with the running of the "Komatsu With Matt Hills Last Call Benchmark 60 Handicap" over 1600m. He will be joined by legendary race callers and great friends John Tapp and Greg Miles in what will be an emotional send off to a great career in racing.
After calling his last Sydney metro race meeting yesterday at Royal Randwick, The Race Guide asked a Matt few questions about his career and the industry landscape;
Favourite track to call at? Rosehill.
Best horse you have called to victory? Black Caviar. She managed to grab the imagination of a nation.
Most memorable race to call? For the above reason, the 2013 TJ Smith was my most memorable race. My first slipper in 2010 was a real thrill too.
Most bizarre thing you have seen on the track? A horse crashing through the member's car park and then the crowd at Kembla Grange one day.
Which jockey is the most complete? Hugh Bowman.
Who is the most interesting person in the racing community? Ray Murrihy. He has the toughest job in the world but I always enjoyed working with him.
What will you be doing with your binoculars now? The binoculars are staying in my keeping as you never know when you might need them, although I have a smaller pair for calling the AFL!
Will we see Matty Hill back on the race track soon? There is every chance with my casual role at the ABC that I will be back covering the feature meetings including the Slipper, so I will be back pretty soon.
What will you miss most about race calling? I will miss the adrenalin rush of calling a race, and all the nice people on the race track. I won't miss the pressure.
What has been the biggest change you have seen in the industry landscape? The biggest change has been the amount of meetings. There are more city meetings/provincial meetings than ever before. I would like to see race meetings become more spectator friendly. Thirty minute gaps between races, entertainment between races, and offer more than just a party. Tough task but if we don't, racing will further fade away into its own world and won't compete for airtime in the sports landscape.
We thank Matt Hill for spending time with The Race Guide and wish him all the best on his future endeavours in chasing his passion and his dream with calling the AFL.