Oaklawn Park announcer steps down

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Hot Springs, AR (Sports Network) - Oaklawn Park's longtime track announcer Terry Wallace has announced his retirement. Wallace recently completed his 37th year as the track's announcer.

"After serious consideration in recent weeks, the time has come to end my run as Oaklawn's track announcer," Wallace said. "It is time for a new person to have the same opportunities I've been given here. While I still have good health, I can continue to be a member of the Oaklawn family in other roles. I'm very thankful for Charles Cella, my fellow employees and the people of my adopted home of Arkansas for the respect and love I've been shown through all my terrific years as the Voice of Oaklawn."

Wallace went into the record books on March 25, 2010 when he announced his 20,000th consecutive race at Oaklawn and extended the streak to 20,191 on January 28, 2011.

"Racing is incredibly popular in Arkansas and for multiple generations the sound of horse racing and Oaklawn has been Terry Wallace," said Cella, Oaklawn President. "His identifiable enthusiasm helped make Oaklawn so popular to millions of fans across America."

A search for Wallace's replacement will be conducted with the new announcer ready to go when the track begins its 2012 season on Friday, January 12.