Fourteen-year-old aspiring race caller Dayne Barry is back in the commentators box this Saturday where he will call a horse race at the Wycheproof Cup.
Dayne cut his teeth in the callers box at the age of 12 under the mentoring eye of seasoned commentator Rick McIntosh. He called his first race in 2014 and since then has experienced a whirlwind of publicity, particularly during the national racing season.
“I’ve had great support from Wycheproof,” he said.
“This is the third time I’ve called there and I really want to thank them for giving me the opportunity again.”
Dayne has some impressive racing connections with his uncle being 2015 Melbourne Cup winning trainer Darren Weir.
He spent many hours as a younger boy honing his race calling skills in the backyard and shower, much to his family’s chagrin.
He has a busy lead-up to The Melbourne Cup next Tuesday with interviews scheduled with media outlets across the state.
The dream of being a professional race caller is still alive and well.
When given the opportunity to learn from Rick McIntosh, Dayne embraced the chance.
“Rick has been really good to me,” Dayne said.
“I sit below the commentators box at most local meetings so while he’s calling the actual race I’m recording my own mock calls and listen back to it to try to improve.”
To read more of this story, grab a copy of Friday’s Guardian (October 28th).
