Episode 584: Michael Wrona - Queensland race caller who dared to dream in 1990 still going strong in USA racing.
About this episode
Michael Wrona shares his journey from Queensland race caller to a prominent voice in American horse racing.
I get regular enquiries about the current whereabouts and activities of Michael Wrona, the young Queensland race caller I got to introduce to American horse racing thirty six years ago.The now defunct Hollywood Park Race Club was anxious to try out the Australian style of race calling on the big on course crowds and simulcast viewers of the era. Michael and I were invited to cover a total of six race meetings in a ten day period during which time public reaction was to be closely monitored. Should the experiment prove successful, Michael was all but assured of an offer to become resident Hollywood Park broadcaster. Two weeks later 24 year old Michael Wrona had made the quantum leap from a fair way down the “pecking order” on 4BC Brisbane to become the voice of Californian racing on one of the world’s most iconic racetracks. The past 36 years have taken the Brisbane boy through many valleys and peaks- amazing highlights and devastating lows. He’s been tempted to call it quits and scurry home to Australia several times, but something has always prompted him to give it another shot. Today he and his American wife Kathy live in Orange County where he’s safely ensconced as track…
More episodes of John Tapp Racing
- Episode 589: John Sadler- Few Australian horsemen have had a more diverse career within the training sphere.
- Episode 588: Brett Dodson - Coffs Harbour trainer whose love of racing was sparked by radio and TV broadcasts and famous 1980’s magazines.
- Episode 587: Samantha McGuren - Hard working mother-of-two making a name for herself in the northern rivers training ranks.
- Episode 586: Bob Vance - Star NZ jockey of the 80’s and 90’s now training successfully in partnership with wife Jenny.
- Episode 585: Glynn Pretty - The South Australian jockey described by Bart Cummings in the 1960’s as the best horseman to ride for his stable.
- Episode 583: Brad Rawiller - A Doomben $10,000 win on a mount he didn’t see coming. He and Rothfire have a lot in common.
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