Get ready for a thrilling story about a familiar voice that's making waves in the world of horse racing! The return of Evan Loucks, a beloved race caller, has brought excitement to Canada's biggest stage.
In a recent turn of events, Woodbine Mohawk Park fans were treated to the familiar tones of Evan Loucks, a name that might not be famous but is certainly well-known to those in the racing world. With the legendary Ken Middleton on a temporary leave and Chad Rozema needing a break, Loucks stepped in to fill the void, and what a delightful surprise it was!
Imagine Loucks, nestled in the snowy countryside near Peterborough, considering a snowmobile ride when he received the call for an interview. "We're snowed in!" he exclaimed. "But when the races are on, I'm there, calling the action."
Loucks has been a regular substitute at Mohawk, covering the four race nights from January 9th to 12th, and his experience goes back even further. When Middleton suffered an injury in 2023, Loucks was one of the first to step up, and his connection with the industry runs deep.
"I recall John MacMillan filling in, but then he got the news about his cancer diagnosis. It's a tough business," Loucks shared. His own journey began with a simple coffee invitation from Fred Brethour, leading to a conversation about Middleton's absence and Mohawk's need for backup. Loucks, with his humble nature, agreed to help, and the rest, as they say, is history.
But here's where it gets controversial... Loucks isn't trying to replace anyone. He's just there to lend a hand when needed, and his approach has won him praise. "I'm not looking for a full-time gig, but it's a thrill to call at Mohawk," he said. A true professional, Loucks has become a trusted member of the rotating roster of understudies.
And this is the part most people miss... Loucks' journey began with a simple invitation to call penalties for his brother's hockey team. Little did he know that this would lead to a parallel career on the mic! Growing up on a dairy farm, Loucks had a unique perspective, and his transition to calling horse races was a natural evolution.
"I barely knew one end of a horse from the other when I started," Loucks joked. But his dedication and passion for the sport shone through. He began by timing races at Quinte Raceway in 1984, and soon he was calling qualifiers and races, learning from the best, like Grant Wade, the announcer at Kawartha Downs.
One memorable night in 1985, Loucks called his first race at Quinte, and the rest, as they say, is history. His journey took him to various tracks, including Elmira Raceway and Barrie Raceway, and even the now-discontinued races at Norwood and Markham fairs. Loucks' talent and dedication were recognized, and he became the full-time race caller at the Fraserville, ON track.
But Loucks' story doesn't end there. He continues to fill in at various tracks, always ready to lend a hand. His experience and expertise have made him a valuable asset, and his friendly demeanor has won him fans across the industry.
Even a challenging night at the races, like the "atomic snow" scenario at Mohawk, couldn't dampen Loucks' spirit. "It was tough, but I managed to fumble my way through," he said with a laugh. Loucks' positive attitude and love for the sport shine through, making him a true ambassador for horse racing.
So, what do you think? Is Loucks' return a welcome addition to the racing world? Do you have any memories or stories to share about your favorite race callers? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Let's celebrate the passion and dedication of these unsung heroes of the sport.
