Turfway’s Tony Calo named Ellis Park announcer

Churchill Downs Inc. press release by Kevin Kerstein (Coady Media photo of Tony Calo)

LOUISVILLE, KY., (March, 25, 2024) – Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) announced today that Tony Calo has been named the new track announcer at Ellis Park Racing & Gaming. Calo, a veteran in the horse racing industry, will continue to serve as the announcer at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming along with being a handicapping analyst at Churchill Downs Racetrack (“Churchill Downs”).

Aside from his duties as an announcer, Calo will join Joe Kristufek, Kaitlin Free and, newly-promoted handicapping analyst, Kevin Kilroy on the Churchill Downs simulcast feed for the Spring, September and Fall Meets.

“I’m honored to become the new announcer at Ellis Park,” Calo said. “Thank you to everyone at Churchill Downs Incorporated for this opportunity. Kentucky has become one of the strongest year-round circuits in North America and I’m thrilled to be a part of the great teams at Churchill Downs, Ellis Park and Turfway Park.”

A native of Northern California, Calo began his announcing career in 1997 at Arapahoe Park. Since then, Calo served as the announcer at Bay Meadows, Golden Gate Fields and, most recently, Finger Lakes.

Kilroy, who served as a member of the media relations department for the past two seasons at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, joins the handicapping team at Churchill Downs where he will be an analyst covering the racing at Churchill Downs, Colonial Downs, Ellis Park, Fair Grounds and Turfway Park. Kilroy brings an extensive background to his new role being a former college professor, published author and holds a master’s in Creative Writing from Naropa University.

Calo and Kilroy will begin their new roles at the start of the Churchill Downs Spring Meet on Saturday, April 27.

CDI appreciates the years of dedication from handicapping analyst Scott Shapiro, who is moving on in his career to pursue other opportunities.