Quite a few articles have appeared in Horsetalk about commentators at racecourses. The commentators have been harshly criticized. During a career spanning over 27 years and having read out over 10,000 races, I have received appreciation from knowledgeable race goers. Quite a few people have said that my commentary gave them immense pleasure and this sort of appreciation is what gives satisfaction in this career which is not rewarding to say the least. Praise and healthy criticism is what motivates a commentator to constantly strive to improve and contribute immensely to the listening pleasure of race goers. The commentators have learnt to take criticism in their stride as comments are purely individual opinions. But criticism should be healthy and it should be made by those who have an understanding of the job. I would like to enlighten the readers about race commentary and the commentators so that reactions would be more constructive.

During the last three decades I have interacted with some of the greatest names in race commentary. Bill Collins, Brian Martin, Jim McGrath, Peter O’Sullivan are to names to reckon with and I have had the pleasure of having benefited by their observations and vast experience. They have done an assessment of my commentary. Even the legendary Richie Benaud, David Gower, Bob Willis and other cricket commentators had appreciated us during their visit to BTC. So, we know exactly where Indian commentators stand.

Many may not be aware that most of the Racing Commentators in USA, South Africa and even England were of appalling standards until Jim McGrath, an Australian made an advent to England. Barring Peter O’Sullivan & Michael O'Hare, who were legends in their own right, it was the Australians who made a profound mark. At Australian race tracks, you will find commentators with extraordinary talent. Most of the names in USA and England are over-rated. This was endorsed by no less than by Benaud himself in a visit to BTC.

Now coming to the mistakes, we commentators are also human beings and make our share of mistakes. Commentating on horse racing is the toughest amongst all commentaries related to sports. Even the legendary Peter O’Sullivan has confessed that his 1984 Derby call on BBC was the worst in his glittering career spanning over 50 years.

Coming to the Indian commentators, V.G.Ramachandran Cyrus Madan, Deepak, Ram Gupta are all brilliant. Dr. Sood, an FRCS Doctor, who held sway for a very long time with his own inimitable style in Western India, made one mistake in the Derby after an outstanding career and he was promptly crucified. It is a high pressure and thankless job. Ivor Fernandes perhaps was one of the finest race callers of this era. He could have walked into BBC if only he had wished to make a name for himself internationally.

Ali Khusru Jung and Suhail Ahmed are pretty good though the former has given up the job of commentating at Hyderabad after he became a Steward. Manohar, Vincent and Shivaprasad are quite capable and can only improve. It is a learning curve and like any other profession, they get better with exposure and time. You can’t summarily dismiss all Indian commentators as being bad. We still haven’t got over our colonial hang-up. Each one has his own distinctive style. The point I am driving home is the appalling conditions in which we work with obsolete audio systems at almost all the race tracks, leave alone the monetary compensation. Most of us are doing it for the sheer love of the sport, without substantial monetary benefits. It is not easy as it sounds. I would love to share the commentary box with any one of you who is willing to share a day with us and perhaps have a tête-à-tête, which would be an enlightening experience. You can see for yourself the hardship and if you have the zeal, we would share the mike, as well.