Racing: Earley ready to call 40th Silver Collar

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It was 42 years ago when greyhound commentator Peter Earley first walked on to the Kumeu greyhound track - two years later he became the Auckland Greyhound Club's race caller.

This Sunday at the Manukau Stadium, Earley will call his 40th edition of what he labels as the "greatest race of them all", the prestigious Duke Of Edinburgh Silver Collar.

"I was introduced to Brian Hunt, who was the club's commentator back then. He allowed me to call the dogs on to the track and then he would call the race. One day, after calling the dogs on to the track, Brian was nowhere to be seen. It turned out he had decided that I was ready to call a race and he was hiding down the back. I called it and it all started from there," recalled Earley.

"Back in those days it was all sweepstake racing before we moved on to equalisator racing, then through to tote meetings.

"When Radio Pacific decided to introduce race broadcasting Jim Smith and Paddy O'Donnell used greyhound racing to prove the station could become a creditable race broadcaster.

"I remember those early days as being like a missionary in pioneering race commentaries. It took a while for greyhound racing to gain acceptance, so I guess it's pleasing to see where the code now sits today.

"I was running an auctioneering business back then, but as the station's coverage expanded I started selling radio advertising and it all evolved into a fulltime role from there," said Earley.

His race commentaries are always colourful, which includes the occasional controversial one-liner, a feature that he has carried into his radio shifts these days on Radio Trackside. "If I've got an opinion, I'll express it," he said. "Over the years, I have become conversant with all three codes. I thoroughly enjoy the role and have made many lifetime friends through it."

So what is it about the Duke Of Edinburgh Silver Collar that makes this race so special for one P W Earley?

"The Silver Collar is the biggie, always exciting - you're always on edge waiting for things to happen at the finish.

"It always changes dramatically over those final few metres.

"It has been proven over the years that any stayer can win the great race - that's why the Silver Collar is always a great spectacle and that is why it is the race I always look forward to calling every year."

And who does Peter Earley reckon he will be calling home through his binoculars in Sunday's $75,000, 779m energy-sapping, endurance test.

"I'm narrowly giving the nod to Swift Fantasy - she has been there and done that before. You have to respect what Thrilling Brat has achieved and I thought that if Opawa Eye can find the early race lead, then she can set them up in front."