Tom Durkin to receive Eclipse Award of Merit

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) Track announcer Tom Durkin will receive the Eclipse Award of Merit for outstanding lifetime achievement in the thoroughbred industry.

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Daily Racing Form and the National Turf Writers And Broadcasters said Thursday that Durkin will be presented the award Jan. 17 during the Eclipse Awards dinner at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida.

The 64-year-old Durkin was the longtime voice of the New York Racing Association tracks, the Breeders' Cup and the Triple Crown. He retired Aug. 30 at Saratoga Race Course.