Larry Collmus Reflects on Calling Preakness at Laurel Park

Veteran horse racing announcer Larry Collmus prepares to call the Preakness Stakes from Laurel Park, marking a significant full-circle moment in his career. For the first time in the race's 151-year history, the event is being held at Laurel Park while the historic Pimlico Race Course undergoes major redevelopment. Collmus, who began his career as a teenager practicing calls in a small booth at Laurel, describes the experience as both a national assignment and a personal homecoming to Maryland, where his roots in the sport began. The atmosphere will differ significantly from traditional Preakness events, with attendance capped at under 5,000 spectators due to the venue change. Collmus notes the unique challenge of calling the race while seated in the old announcer’s booth, a departure from his usual standing position. He plans to acclimate to the setup by calling preliminary races during the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes. Despite the changes, Collmus emphasizes the importance of this transitional step for the future of Maryland racing, maintaining his meticulous preparation routine with flashcards and study of jockey assignments.