Oaklawn Park announced Sept. 22 that Matt Dinerman has been hired as the track announcer for the upcoming Thoroughbred racing season, which begins Dec. 8.
Dinerman, 31, comes to the Hot Springs, Ark. track following a six-year stint as the track announcer at Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley, Calif. Golden Gate is closing in mid-2024.
He has also served as track announcer at the Sonoma County Fair meet in Santa Rosa, Calif., for the past two years.
“I’m honored to be selected for such a prestigious role, following in the footsteps of some very talented announcers,” said Dinerman. “Oaklawn has tremendous racing with great field sizes, outstanding connections, top-quality horses, and great purses. I look forward to my interaction with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable fan base and being part of the Oaklawn family.”
A native of San Diego and graduate of Chapman University, Dinerman grew up attending races at Del Mar near his home. While in high school, he worked as a stablehand for trainer John Sadler and later served as part of the Del Mar’s publicity department. In 2015, he was hired as the track announcer at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Wash., becoming one of the sport’s youngest announcers.
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Among his career highlights, Dinerman points to his calling of the 2021 El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields, which was won by that year’s eventual Preakness Stakes (G1) winner, Rombauer .
“We are excited to welcome Matt Dinerman to our racing team at Oaklawn,” said Wayne Smith, general manager of Oaklawn. “He brings a passion and high-energy style to the announcer’s booth that builds anticipation at each turn and reaches an exciting climax down the stretch and across the finish line. Oaklawn fans will be entertained and informed by Matt’s style.”
Dinerman has also worked in racing media, having served as a television racing analyst, and as a blogger by posting race analysis, making selections, and offering wagering strategies.
Jim Byers called the final months of the 2022-23 season after former announcer Vic Stauffer and Oaklawn Park parted company in early March. Byers is the regular announcer for Lone Star Park.
Oaklawn officials indicated in the spring that a search for a full-time announcer would begin after the end of the meet. The position garnered interest from some of the top announcers in the sport.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
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