John Boger, the veteran track announcer at Penn National Raceway’s Hollywood Casino, has revealed he will retire on February 5, 2026. Boger has been a fixture at the Grantville Oval in Pennsylvania for 45 years, serving as the lead announcer for evening races since 1985. Beyond calling races, he has managed the morning line odds, overseen race cards, and maintained control during races. During the 1980s and 1990s, he co-hosted “Racing Alive” with Fred Lipkin, one of the nation’s pioneering simulcast handicap programs broadcast directly from a racetrack.
Reflecting on his career, Boger stated, “This has been a very rewarding journey. I’ve had the privilege of announcing many renowned winners, including Time to Bid (50 wins), Winman (48 wins), Sawmill Run (40 wins), and Ben’s Cat (32 wins), along with future Breeders’ Cup champions like Dajos, Caravelle, and Bobby’s Kitten.”
Boger also expressed his heartfelt appreciation: “The horses are just part of the story. I want to sincerely thank the Penn State team for their ongoing support, and most importantly, extend my deepest gratitude to everyone in the horse racing community and the fans who make this sport so special.”
Tony Flabbeele, executive vice president and general manager of Hollywood Casino, added, “We salute John for his decades of dedication and memorable race calls. His distinctive voice and style have become synonymous with Pennsylvania horse racing for half a century, and his presence will be deeply missed.”
Penn State University has started the search for a new announcer, inviting interested applicants to apply at https://www.pennentertainment.com/careers. The track also plans to celebrate Boger’s achievements with a special event during the 2026 racing season.
This article was initially published by Paulick Report on February 3, 2026, and appeared in the News section. Click here to set Paulick Report as your preferred source.
Fan Take: John Boger’s retirement marks the end of an era for Pennsylvania horse racing fans who have grown up hearing his iconic voice. As the sport looks to the future, finding a worthy successor will be crucial in keeping the same level of passion and connection alive for racing enthusiasts.
