Racing: Top callers at the Park to farewell Alby Gain

Mark McNamara doesn't mind drawing the short straw as some of New Zealand's best commentators come together to farewell Alby Gain tonight.

Gain will retire from race calling after tonight's Alexandra Park meeting, bringing down the curtain on a 35-year career behind the racenight microphone.

Gain will still remain a presence in the racing media, with his regular shows on Trackside radio but tonight will be his last official night commentating.

Canterbury caller McNamara will join Central Districts colleague Tony Lee and northern commentator Aaron White sharing the commentating duties tonight, while greyhound man Peter Early and calling great Keith Haub will be among those attending the meeting.

Haub will make a rare appearance on Trackside, although he declined the opportunity to call a race.

"I might call a race overseas again some day, but I've retired in New Zealand," said Haub.

For the enthusiastic McNamara tonight will be his first chance to call at Alexandra Park, a track he has always loved since attending an Interdominion there.

"I'm really pumped about the chance to call there, especially to say thanks to Alby because he has been the voice of Alexandra Park as long as I have been watching racing there."

While the night will also double as a social occasion celebrating Gain's contribution to New Zealand racing, McNamara won't be getting too involved in that side of proceedings.

"I have to call the Grand National on Saturday which is my longest race of the season so I will be taking things a little quieter than the other guys might on Friday night."

Hence he has been talked into calling the final two races on the card, with Gain's final call to be race seven, the race before the Thank You Alby Gain Pace.

Tonight's meeting not only brings together a rare array of commentating talent but also another chance for readers to chase big bonus money.

Alexandra Park punters have taken aim at two huge Pick6s in the last fortnight and tonight's meeting sees $50,000 of bonus money in the quaddie on the last four races, assuring that pool will push over $100,000.