TAMPA, Fla. — There is just something about opening day at Tampa Bay Downs.
From the sound of the bugle, the horses snorting in the paddock, fans placing bets and the roar as the horses gallop towards the finish line. There is just something thrilling and joyous about it.
Guiding everyone through the excitement is a pleasant voice echoing over the field. Jason Beem is the new track announcer.
We are up in the booth with new track announcer Jason Beem. Richard Grunder, the previous announcer, retired after last season. Beem is settling in, he goes over the horses names extensively before each race. @BN9 @TampaBayDownsFL pic.twitter.com/r0sWwtL1Nh
— Erin Murray Bay News 9 (@emurray1) November 24, 2021
“The first race is just always very nerve racking," he admits with a smile. "Even when it was like halfway through I was like, 'Okay, I remember how to do this. I have done this like 10-thousand times.' And then the second race felt great.”
He found his rhythm without issue. He is taking up the announcer seat after Richard Gunder retired earlier this year.
“I know a lot of guys applied for it so I feel very, very fortunate that was the lucky one to get it. So it is not lost on me how fortunate I am to be here," said Beem.
Big shoes to fill, but Beem is making his own way. He knows the role he wants to bring to the track.
“I think mostly I just want to be a good member of the team. And someone who racing fans hear, and people who watch Tampa enjoy hearing from. I pride myself on my voice being pleasant to the ear, and I just want to be a good part of the product. I think the announcers job is to enhance not be the start so to speak," said Beem.
He will leave the spotlight to the winning jockeys.
With several big races on the calendar, this race season holds a lot of promise.