Fred Capossela
Fred "Cappy" Capossela (1902–April 3, 1991) was an American thoroughbred race track announcer.
Early life and career
[edit]Capossela was born in Brooklyn in 1902.[1][2] He got his start in thoroughbred racing in 1926 as a writer for the New York Evening Post.[2] He also covered the sport for the Brooklyn Eagle.[1][3] In 1934, Capossela called his first race at Tropical Park, where he filled in for the regular announcer for two weeks.[4]
Announcing
[edit]In 1940, Capossela became assistant track announcer for New York's four thoroughbred race tracks, Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, Saratoga Race Course, and Jamaica Race Course.[2][3] Three years later he was promoted to lead announcer.[2] He also called races at Florida's Hialeah Park Race Track.[3] From 1950 to 1960, Capossela was the "Voice of the Triple Crown" on CBS Radio and Television.[2] He also called televised races on WNEW-TV's Schaefer Circle of Sports.[5]
Capossela was known for his high-pitched nasal voice, his distinctive style in saying "It is now post time", and his accurate calls.[3][6]
Late life and death
[edit]Capossela retired in 1971.[3] After his retirement, he regularly attended weekend races at Hialeah and later at tracks in Southern California. Capossela died on April 3, 1991, at his home in Upland, California, following a stroke.[1][6]
In 1993, the Swift Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack was renamed the Fred "Cappy" Capossela Stakes in his honor.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Moran, Paul (April 5, 1991). "Capossela Dies Of Stroke at 88". Newsday.
- ^ a b c d e "History of The Game: Fred Capossela". The New York Racing Association. March 8, 2014. Archived from the original on June 8, 2014. Retrieved June 8, 2014.
- ^ a b c d e "Fred Capossela; Race-Track Announcer, 88". The New York Times. April 5, 1991.
- ^ Byer, Andy (August 19, 1966). "Tension in Calling Races, Says Announcer". The Boston Globe.
- ^ Tuite, James (July 30, 1961). "They're Off!". The New York Times.
- ^ a b "Ex-Announcer Dies; Worked at Hialeah". Sun Sentinel. April 5, 1991.