Racing industry rocked as top race caller Colin McNiff made redundant
Top race caller and former journalist Colin McNiff has called his last race after being made redundant. Read the reactions to his shock departure.
Tasmania
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Popular racing identity Colin McNiff – who this year called his 35th Hobart Cup – has been made redundant.
The racing industry is in shock at his departure with one leading trainer describing his sacking as “terrible”.
The former TV sports journalist was told on Tuesday morning he was being let go.
He called his last races – a greyhound racing meeting on Tuesday afternoon.
Mr McNiff declined to comment in detail on his sudden departure but said: “I’m disappointed to end my career in this manner”.
His departure is part of a big shake-up of race callers nationally which Sky Racing says is to “create a simpler and more efficient broadcasting model, which forms part of a broader modernisation of the network”.
“Sky Racing would like to acknowledge Colin’s significant service and contribution, not only to the network, but to the Tasmanian racing industry over many decades,” a spokesman said.
Doyen of race calling Greg Miles said Mr McNiff was a “legend” who was “very humble.”
“It is appalling how Colin has been treated,” he said.
“He didn’t get to say goodbye to his loyal listeners and after a lifetime of service he has been treated very shabbily.”
Tasracing CEO Andrew Jenkins confirmed the redundancy in an email to the industry on Thursday morning.
“Operational details regarding a calling roster are yet to be advised,” he said.
“We will keep industry updated in that regard and also in relation to a fitting ‘Thank you’ for Col.”
Tasmanian Racing Club CEO Brendan Blomeley said Mr McNiff was highly regarded and “one of the finest race callers in the country”.
“This is an extremely disappointing decision, and Colin will be missed by many.
“He has, in his trademark pleasant, confident, and reliable manner entertained many thousands by his race calling – most notably the last 35 Hobart Cups.”
Mr Blomeley said to honour his significant contribution Mr McNiff had this year been made a TRC life member.
Leading North West thoroughbred trainer, Glenn Stevenson, is angry and upset that Mr McNiff has been made redundant.
“I’m shocked, it is terrible, I couldn’t believe it,” he said.
“He has such passion for the industry and his work, he was the voice for Tassie nationally.
“He should be able to leave on his own terms and no respect has been shown to him.
“Times are tough and racing is struggling in Tasmania and this is just another blow for the industry as it slowly slips further down the slide.”
Jockey and trainer Siggy Carr said Mr McNiff had been a “sensation in Tasmanian racing”.
“Nearly all of my favourite racing memories have him in them — calling my favourite winners across the line.
“He’s always been in my corner, supporting me, and even played a special part in my training journey by having a share in a very special little mare, Miss Tanzanite (aka Miss T).
“Hearing him call her home for a win is a memory I’ll always hold close.”
Another racing industry source said he would be irreplaceable.
“Everyone has an expiry date but to be told 12 hours before you go is pretty average,” he said.
Sky Racing said Duncan Dornauf and Matthew Robertson would replace Mr McNiff.
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