Chelsea Durand Photo

NYRA to offer expanded Spanish-language programming

by Brian Bohl

The New York Racing Association, Inc. announced today an expansion of Spanish-language television content for both the duration of the winter meet and the upcoming spring meet at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Darwin Vizcaya will join Luis Grandison in offering analysis in Spanish before each race. The increased content can be accessed on NYRA.com's Raceday Live page and will also be available via the NYRA HD mobile application. 

"We are very excited to enhance our Spanish-language television feed with the addition of Darwin Vizcaya to provide pre- and post-race analysis," said Dan Silver, NYRA's senior director of television. "Darwin's advanced knowledge of racing and his high level of enthusiasm will perfectly complement Luis' terrific race calls. NYRA leads the way in Spanish-language coverage in North America and Darwin's addition bolsters our commitment to providing great race coverage in multiple languages."

Hired by NYRA  in 2014, Grandison remains the only full-time track announcer in the United States to provide live race calls in Spanish. 

"I think this is a very good initiative to bring to our Spanish speaking audience," Grandison said. "A lot of Spanish speakers who watched our races have told me they were waiting for this element, so I'm pleased that NYRA is bringing more analysis for Spanish speaking viewers with the addition of Darwin. We'll make a great team"

Vizcaya, who filled in for Grandison doing live race calls earlier in the Aqueduct meet, is a native of Venezuela who worked previously for horse-racing channel Guaro Hipico. The 32-year-old, who has covered horse racing, basketball and baseball, currently works for New York-based radio station Radio Xplosion 95.9 FM.

"This is a great opportunity," Vizcaya said. "For me it's been a goal to work in this industry and at NYRA a dream come true. I initially called races here at Aqueduct filling in for Luis when was on vacation and to be able to return with the opportunity to provide analysis for Spanish speakers and expand our game is remarkable."