Rare reunion for race commentators at Palmerston North next week

George Simon will be in Palmerston North next week. Photo / Dean Purcell.

One of New Zealand's favourite racing commentators will get a rare chance to catch up with his cohorts in Palmerston North next week.

George Simon, who is based in Cambridge and calls thoroughbred race meetings, will be joined by New Zealand's leading race commentators for the afternoon in what is a coup for the Palmerston North Greyhound Racing Club.

Simon said he was really looking forward to the meeting, as the nature of the job meant commentators were posted in different parts of the country and rarely got together in the one spot.

"It's a great opportunity for the boys to get together and create havoc," he said.

"It's a funny sort of job because you talk to each other every week but rarely get an opportunity to get together face to face. It should be good fun.

"We all seem to focus on our own areas and for a number of us calling greyhounds is something a bit different."

Simon would be joined by fellow commentators Aaron White, George Simon, Tony Lee, Mark Rosanowski, Darryl Robinson, Mark McNamara, Matt Cross, Trevor Wilkes, Andy McCook, Jason Teaz and Dave McDonald.

A real coup was gaining the services of visiting Australian greyhound caller James Van de Maat from Victoria. The only scratching was popular North Island greyhound commentator Peter Early.

Simon described himself as more of a stayer than a sprinter. His favourite race to call was the Great Northern Steeplechase that often went for eight minutes.

He had been known to tell stories in the middle of a commentary if heavy rain or fog obscured his view. But there was no chance for such frivolity during the running of a greyhound race, which is over in mere seconds.

"I've only had a couple of goes at it. I live only 10 minutes from the Cambridge raceway and I got a call one day to say there was an issue and could I come and call 12 races," he said.

"I got through it ... I knew nothing about them and I remember saying to Brendan Popplewell don't cross to me for informed comments whatever you do.

"I enjoyed it. It was different. It went against everything I have taught myself, which is to slow down.

"I got into the swing of it after a few races."

Simon said he was mindful of mentioning every dog at least once during the call which is over so quickly he could almost do it on one breath.

PNGRC president Paul Freeman said the last time an initiative like this was held was at least 15 years ago and he was pleased to have such a strong field assembled.

He hoped the promotion would lead to a large crowd in attendance and said commentators would be available for informal chats with racegoers throughout the afternoon.

"It is a chance for people to meet them and put a face to the voice," he said.