Media release
24 November 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Darren Tyquin Takes on New Race Calling Opportunity
The New Zealand Racing Board announced today the appointment of Darren Tyquin to replace veteran race caller Reon Murtha
who is stepping down after 47 years.
“Our search took us throughout New Zealand and across the Tasman. So we’re delighted that Darren has agreed to grasp
this opportunity,” says New Zealand Racing Board Head of Broadcasting Glen Broomhall.
“He has proved himself in radio and television across all three Codes.”
Darren’s impressive track record covers a race calling career that stretches back to 1982 when he began work with
Australia’s leading race broadcaster, Victorian radio station, 3UZ.
“My first role was reading dividends and opening markets to air for greyhound broadcasts,” he recalls.
He soon began calling mid-week harness racing and assisted John Russell, 3UZ’s chief racecaller with dividends and
opening markets for Saturday thoroughbred racing.
Mid-1983 Darren was promoted to Number 3 caller behind John Russell and Peter Donegan.
“This was a great opportunity, as I had the chance to call mid-week and weekend provincial thoroughbred racing, take
part on racing radio shows and assist John Russell and Peter Donegan at all major race meetings.”
It was during this time that Darren was awarded the prestigious Pater award for the “Best New Talent in Radio”.
When 3ZU decided to abandon its racing coverage, Darren moved to Hobart Tasmania to take up the role of Chief racecaller
for TVT6. During his two years there, he called all thoroughbred, harness and greyhound races for local television,
conducted racing interviews, hosted the Sunday Racing Review and covered local sport for the 6pm News.
Darren returned to Victoria in 1987 and until 1995 continued greyhound race calling duties.
He continued his involvement in broadcasting for the next five years before he and his wife moved to New Zealand in
1999. He was appointed racecaller for all TRAC race meetings and over the seven years he has been here, Darren has
called for not only TRAC but also for several other Northern clubs. He has been involved with Trackside previews,
interviews and birdcage reports and since May of last year has been heavily involved with Radio Trackside as an on-air
host.
“This has been a wonderful opportunity to present the public with the latest information as it happens. It was also my
great privilege to be involved in Radio Trackside’s Live broadcast from Flemington last year and Melbourne Cup Day,”
Darren says.
Glen Broomhall says, “While no-one would suggest that anyone could ever ‘replace’ Reon, we are confident that Darren
will do a great job and soon have his own loyal followers.”
ENDS