Tributes pour in for race caller
Australia’s race calling ranks are mourning the passing of long-time Melbourne broadcaster John Russell, aged 93.
Russell spent more than 50 years in racing and called 20 Melbourne Cups between 1977 and 1997, spending many years broadcasting on 3UZ (now RSN).
Russell started his career calling country football for Warrnambool radio station 3YB before moving to Melbourne to become the assistant to No.1 racecaller Bert Bryant at 3UZ.
He called his first Melbourne Cup after Bryant’s retirement in 1977 before leaving 3UZ in 1983 and calling for Sydney station 2UE.
Russell was one of the first callers on Sky Channel in 1987, where he called his final Melbourne Cup in 1997 before a degenerative eye disease ended his career in 2003.
The caller and his daughter Sue branched into racing travel, setting up Phar Lap Tours, taking groups to race meetings around the world.
Racing Victoria chief executive Andrew Jones paid tribute to Russell on behalf of the industry.
“The racecaller is central to people’s love of racing, fostering great emotions and lifelong memories. John Russell was a wonderful exponent of the craft and an integral part of the rich history of Victorian racing,” Jones said.
“He was renowned by racing fans for his exceptional judgement and by those who knew him personally as a loyal friend, giving mentor and personable human.
“JR, as he was known to many, dedicated his life to Victorian racing and our sport is greater for his exceptional contribution. His was a racing life well lived.”