John Boger, the veteran track announcer at Penn National Raceway\u2019s 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 \u201cRacing Alive\u201d with Fred Lipkin, one of the nation\u2019s pioneering simulcast handicap programs broadcast directly from a racetrack.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on his career, Boger stated, \u201cThis has been a very rewarding journey. I\u2019ve had the privilege of announcing many renowned winners, including Time to Bid (50 wins), Winman (48 wins), Sawmill Run (40 wins), and Ben\u2019s Cat (32 wins), along with future Breeders\u2019 Cup champions like Dajos, Caravelle, and Bobby\u2019s Kitten.\u201d<\/p>\n
Boger also expressed his heartfelt appreciation: \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tony Flabbeele, executive vice president and general manager of Hollywood Casino, added, \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n