Being relaxed, having fun – keys to good commentary – Gulfstream’s Aiello
Gulfstream Park’s track announcer Pete Aiello, who was making his second appearance at Caymanas Park on Easter Monday, April 1, says it’s always a joy to entertain horse racing fans locally and internationally.
Aiello made his debut commentating races at Caymanas Park on Saturday, November 11, 2023. During the 10 races on offer that day, Aiello, who has established himself as one of the world’s finest race callers, brought a high degree of accuracy, excitement, and clever phrases to his calls.
Aiello two classic catchphrases are “Easyyyyy Money” and “Who do you like from here?”.
“It was amazing. I mean, calling races here for the first was just wonderful and I couldn’t wait to come back, and so I was happy to be back this early,” Aiello told the Jamaica Observer’s
The Supreme Racing Guide.
“I thought, I would have to wait another year, but I didn’t have to wait, and so here I am. I am a lot more comfortable. I have done it before; I am familiar with the set-up.
“Brian Rickman, ‘Spuddy’ as we all know him and I were having a great time. It was a great day. I would rather do nothing else, really,” he added.
According to Aiello, the trick of race calling is to relax and have fun, since if you are comfortable, the listeners will be too.
“The secret is being comfortable; you have to be relaxed. Everybody who gets stressed out and makes mistakes is uptight. You have to be relaxed, put yourself together, and have a good time. At the end of the day, if you are having fun, then the listeners will be having fun,” he said.
When asked if he would return for the Mouttet Mile in December, Aiello said: “I don’t think I will be able to do it because we have our big season at Gulfstream in early December. If they push it back to November, I will surely be here. December is too late, but I will watch.”