Frank Mirahmadi has been named the new announcer at Santa Anita, effective with the track's opening day Dec. 26. Mirahmadi, who has been announcing at tracks across the country for the last 22 years, was the track announcer at Monmouth Park for the last four seasons and is currently calling the races at Aqueduct. He has also called the races at Hialeah Park, Oaklawn Park, Golden Gate Fields and Louisiana Downs, as well as serving brief stints at Santa Anita in 2014 and 2016.
“We're very excited to be able to hand Frank the microphone here on opening day,” said Tim Ritvo, COO for The Stronach Group. “In addition to being an outstanding communicator, to know Frank is to love him. He's a very engaging, funny guy who brings a unique perspective to his job. First and foremost, he's a fan and I really think that's important. He knows what our players want and he knows how to engage not only them, but newcomers as well. He's well known and respected by our horsemen and we're looking forward to having him do a number of promotional things in addition to calling races. I know he'll be here on-track well in advance of opening day to get reacquainted with everyone and we can't wait for the bell to ring on Dec. 26.”
Mirahmadi replaces Michael Wrona, who two years ago beat out fellow finalist Mirahmadi to earn the Santa Anita job. Wrona announced he had been let go by the track in a tweet Saturday evening.
“Change is never easy and we want to acknowledge Michael's contributions to Santa Anita over the past couple of years,” said Ritvo. “We appreciate his hard work and dedication and we wish him well in his next assignment.”
A Los Angeles native, the 51-year-old Mirahmadi called his first two races Dec. 24, 1992 when invited as a celebrity impersonator at Hollywood Park.
“Santa Anita Park has been my favorite racetrack since I started attending horse races as a kid in the 70s,” said Mirahmadi. “I have vivid recollections of where I sat watching races featuring superstars such as Spectacular Bid, John Henry, Precisionist, Winning Colors, and so many others. There is no higher honor than to be named the voice of what I like to call The Great est Race Place. I am so thankful for this incredible opportunity and look forward to returning home.”
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