Outgoing track announcer Robert Geller received the highest honor in Washington racing Sunday on his final day at Emerald Downs.
In a special ceremony after the day’s 10th race—“The Robert Geller Purse”—the only track announcer in Emerald Downs’ history was inducted into the Washington Racing Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement category, becoming only the eighth member to be so honored.
Emerald Downs Founder Ron Crockett made the announcement in the winner’s circle, presenting Geller with a Hall of Fame plaque and citing Geller’s achievements and 20-season legacy at the track.
“That’s too much, just exceptional,” an emotional Geller said. “It’s been an amazing run here at Emerald Downs. To be honored like this is unbelievable.
Sunday marked Geller’s final day at Emerald Downs—after some 16,000 races and 667 stakes races—and he leaves one of the most beloved and respected figures in track history. Geller, 55, begins new duties Friday as announcer at Woodbine in Toronto, with 22-year-old Matt Dinerman taking over at Emerald Downs.
Hired by Emerald Downs Founder Ron Crockett in 1996, Geller has been the only announcer in the track’s 20-season history, his accurate and descriptive calls synonymous with fans and horsemen throughout the region.
At a reception following Sunday’s races, Geller was presented a custom-designed crystal microphone emblematic as the voice of Emerald Downs.
Introduced in 2003, the Washington Racing Hall of Fame is co-sponsored by Emerald Downs and the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association (WTBOA). The inaugural class featured three inductees in each category, while subsequent classes have been limited to a single member in each category. The 2015 Hall of Fame banquet, featuring inductions of one trainer, jockey, male horse, female horse, and breeder, is Saturday, August 8.
Washington Racing Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement
Robert Geller (2015), Ralph Vacca (2013), Jack Hodge (2012), Karen & Mickey Taylor (2011), James Seabeck (2010), Pete Pedersen (2008), Ron Crockett (2004), Joe Gottstein (2003).
