Tom Wood
Race Images Palmerston North
Talented young Kiwi race caller Tom Wood has made a fleeting visit to Singapore to audition for a vacant commentator's role with the Singapore Turf Club.
The 26-year-old called race two on Friday evening at Kranji, showcasing his accuracy and vocal talent in a race won by New Zealand-bred galloper Dicaprio for Kiwi trainer Laurie Laxon.
"It was an experience of a lifetime and it was a great opportunity to be given by the Singapore Turf Club," Wood said.
"I wasn't able to use my own binoculars, which I am very, very used to. They have a permanent setup there, so that was a bit of a challenge, but in terms of the calling environment, the commentator's box there was second to none. "
Wood, the son of successful Cambridge-based trainer Chris, was interviewed by a four-member panel which included one of the current callers - Matt Jones – who will be staying on.
"The vibe was positive, but I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch," Wood said.
"There are a lot of Kiwis over there which made me feel at ease. Stephen Gray helped me out a lot. He took me around at trackwork and introduced me to a few people.
"If I were to be successful, it would be a three-year contract and there is a mix of calling the races and presenting, plus presenting and producing a couple of shows throughout the week and interviews at trackwork."
Despite his relative youth, Wood has already spent eight years commentating on races for the New Zealand Racing board, the last three domiciled in the central districts.
"I've had great support from my current employer the New Zealand Racing Board and it is an opportunity that you only get one crack at," Wood said. – NZ Racing Desk
The 26-year-old called race two on Friday evening at Kranji, showcasing his accuracy and vocal talent in a race won by New Zealand-bred galloper Dicaprio for Kiwi trainer Laurie Laxon.
"It was an experience of a lifetime and it was a great opportunity to be given by the Singapore Turf Club," Wood said.
"I wasn't able to use my own binoculars, which I am very, very used to. They have a permanent setup there, so that was a bit of a challenge, but in terms of the calling environment, the commentator's box there was second to none. "
Wood, the son of successful Cambridge-based trainer Chris, was interviewed by a four-member panel which included one of the current callers - Matt Jones – who will be staying on.
"The vibe was positive, but I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch," Wood said.
"There are a lot of Kiwis over there which made me feel at ease. Stephen Gray helped me out a lot. He took me around at trackwork and introduced me to a few people.
"If I were to be successful, it would be a three-year contract and there is a mix of calling the races and presenting, plus presenting and producing a couple of shows throughout the week and interviews at trackwork."
Despite his relative youth, Wood has already spent eight years commentating on races for the New Zealand Racing board, the last three domiciled in the central districts.
"I've had great support from my current employer the New Zealand Racing Board and it is an opportunity that you only get one crack at," Wood said. – NZ Racing Desk
