Colin McNiff does his homework to avoid mistakes as he prepares to call 35th Hobart Cup

He’s been described as ‘unflappable’ but Colin McNiff knows he must be well prepared ahead of the calling of his 35th Hobart Cup. Find out his secrets to success.

Tasmanian sporting identity Colin McNiff will call his 35th Hobart Cup at the 2025 race. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

As he gets ready to call his 35th Hobart Cup, Colin McNiff, knows he must be well prepared.

The popular and widely respected former TV sports journalist and presenter is admired for being calm under pressure.

“There’s no real comparison with TV presenting where just about everything is scripted or pre-recorded, race calling you get one chance so you have to make sure you prepare thoroughly,” Mr McNiff says.

Tasmanian sporting identity Colin McNiff will call his 35th Hobart Cup at the 2025 race. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“It’s as stressful as you make it, it all comes down to preparation and self-confidence, having self-belief is important and loving what you do, I don’t think anyone could call races if they weren’t passionate about the craft.

“Mistakes are part of the job, you get just one chance when calling, I’m my own biggest critic, I hate getting a name wrong but fortunately with experience you learn to cope with most things that can happen during a race.”

Mr McNiff fell in love with racing after his first visit to the track as a six-year-old in Melbourne.

“The horses are just so magnificent, I love all aspects and I love being involved with the Tasmanian industry. Everyone knows each other it’s a privilege to be a part of it,” he said.

He started learning to call races as a teenager practicing with a tape-recorder.

“I got my break when I moved to Launceston in 1980 to work for TNT 9 as a sports commentator/presenter with an opportunity to call races occasionally as a fill in.

“I called nine Hobart Cups for live TV coverage between 1986 and 1999 and then replaced Milton (Pettit) when he retired, this will be my 26th as on course broadcaster.”

Race caller Colin McNiff holding up a mini cup at Hobart Cup in 2001.

Mr Pettit, who died in 2023 and was awarded Legend status in the Tasmanian Racing Hall of Fame, called a record 41 Hobart Cups.

Mr McNiff said he had “no intention” of chasing Mr Pettit’s record and he while he still loves racing calling he thinks “another few years will see me out”.

His favourite Hobart Cup call was in 2015 when Gee Gees Blackflash won for the second time.

“He was a great horse, one of the best I’ve seen. As they hit the line I called him ‘a bloody old marvel’ and it seemed to resonate well.

“I always enjoy it more when a Tassie horse wins.”

Tasmanian Racing Club CEO Brendan Blomeley said Mr McNiff was synonymous with racing in Tasmania.

“A friend to many, he is widely respected throughout the Australian racing fraternity and in a career spanning over three and a half decades, his dulcet tones have called thousands of races, including 35 Hobart Cups,” he said.

“Colin’s extensive knowledge of all three codes, solid work ethic and ‘unflappability’ is why he is the master of the race call. It’s also why he’s a pretty accurate tipster.”

Mr Blomelely said the TRC “look forward to many more years of Colin calling the races”.

Originally published as Colin McNiff does his homework to avoid mistakes as he prepares to call 35th Hobart Cup