Fogelsonger among four to audition for Maryland job

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Laurel, MD (Sports Network) - Former jockey Ryan Fogelsonger will be one of four candidates who will audition next week as Pimlico and Laurel Park's on- air television host. They will be vying to replace handicapper and racing analyst Frank Carulli.

Carulli will be leaving Maryland for Las Vegas at the end of Pimlico's spring meet. He has held the position as track handicapper and racing analyst since 2002.

"We are sorry to see Frank leave," said Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas. "He is an extremely hard worker who takes pride in his work, especially establishing the morning line where he is one of the best in the business. He gave us a year's notice that he was leaving which has given us the chance to look long and hard for a replacement. We thought this format would be the best way to determine the winner."

The 31-year-old Fogelsonger will audition on Wednesday, March 20 followed in successive days by Dylan Smith, Jackie Savoye and Gabby Gaudet. Fogelsonger won the 2002 Eclipse Award as top apprentice jockey. .

The 24-year-old Smith is from suburban Washington D.C. who worked for trainer Richard Small.

Savoye, 25, is currently an assistant trainer for Dale Capuano and Gaudet is the daughter of longtime trainers Eddie and Linda Gaudet and will graduate this spring from Towson University with a degree in mass communication and graphic design.

"It will be an interesting contest," added Chuckas. "Ryan was a good interview when he was riding but can he transition that to the set? Jackie and Gabby seem to be naturals in front of the camera, while Dylan is an astute handicapper. With their backgrounds, all four can provide unique perspectives while trying to pick winners. We want to see who steps up and takes the position."

Keith Feustle, the oddsmaker at Colonial Downs since 2003, will assume that position from Carulli starting in September at Laurel Park. Since 2011, Feustle co-hosts the "Today At The Races" pre-race show on the Maryland simulcast signal with track announcer Dave Rodman and is an Equibase chart caller.