Sky Racing announce major shake-up to race calling and media ranks

Tabcorp-owned Sky Racing has announced major changes to its broadcasting and media ranks.

Race caller Josh Fleming will leave Sky Racing as part of sweeping changes. Pic Darren England.

Sky Racing has parted ways with some of its most established race callers and senior media personalities as part of sweeping changes announced at the organisation on Wednesday.

In a move aimed to deliver further efficiencies at the Tabcorp-owned media arm, long-serving Queensland caller Josh Fleming, senior NSW greyhound caller Matt Jackson and much travelled SA broadcaster Brett Davis will all leave the business.

In a further shake-up, respected Tasmanian race caller Colin McNiff, who in February called his 35th consecutive Hobart Cup, will also depart following a long and decorated career.

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As well as the major changes to the race-calling ranks, leading media identity Gerard Daffy will also call time on his long association with Tabcorp, as will Nicole Thomas who in recent years has been integral to the brand’s media division.

The raft of changes will see David Fowler become the number one Queensland thoroughbred caller while Tim Edwards will assume that mantle in South Australia.

The departure of McNiff sees Duncan Dornauf and Matthew Robertson share the prime role in Tasmania.

A Sky Racing spokesperson said on Wednesday that the changes reflected “a simpler and more efficient broadcasting model” which “forms part of a broader modernisation of the network”.

Gerard Daffy is parting ways with Tabcorp. Picture: Darren England

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“Sky congratulates David Fowler and Tim Edwards on their elevations and we look forward to them being the voices of the Queensland and South Australian Carnivals across all of our networks,” the spokesperson said.

“Sky Racing acknowledges the significant contribution and service that our departing on air talent have made, not only to the network, but their local racing industries.”

It’s understood senior racing figures were on Wednesday afternoon being briefed of the changes to Sky Racing’s broadcasting model, which are built around viewer and industry feedback.

While each exit came with its own shock, the departure of Fleming – who received the second John Tapp Race Calling Scholarship way back in 2003 – has been described by insiders as the most surprising.

Colin McNiff will depart Sky Racing following a decorated career Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Fleming has been a versatile and respected figure with Sky Racing for more than two decades and is said to have been shocked by the decision.

While the succession plan across the thoroughbred calling ranks has been revealed, it’s not yet known who will fill the void as lead NSW greyhound caller following the departure of Matt Jackson.

The outgoing Jackson took the reins following the departure of Tim Newbold who took over from the legendary Paul Ambrosoli.

Originally published as Sky Racing announce major shake-up to race calling and media ranks