Durkin not to call Triple Crown races on NBC

By: SPORTS NETWORK

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Veteran track announcer Tom Durkin has decided not to return to NBC Sports this year to call the Triple Crown races. Durkin is the primary announcer for Belmont Park, Saratoga and Aqueduct Racecourses.

"The experience I've had working with NBC Sports, over the last 27 years has been the most satisfying and rewarding of my professional life," Durkin said. "And so, it is with deep regret that I have made the decision not to renew my contract as NBC's Triple Crown announcer. It was an extremely difficult decision to make and one that came after almost a year of reflection. Because of the stress of the event I felt it was not in the interest of my best health. My biggest disappointment though, is not being able to work with my NBC colleagues, many of whom have become some of my dearest friends."

No announcement has been made on who will call the Triple Crown for the network.