Aussie racecaller to be the voice of Dubai racing

Pat Comerford behind the binoculars. Picture: Supplied

Young Australian Pat Comerford is pinching himself after being appointed the Emirates Racing Authority racecaller for the upcoming season.

Comerford, 28, will become the voice of racing in the UAE after cutting his teeth at the Alice Springs Turf Club just six years ago.

"It was quite surreal when I found out, similar to when I got the news about Singapore a couple of years back," Comerford told Punters.

"You feel like you've earned it but there is always that part of you that sits there and reflects on how big of an opportunity it is."

Comerford has enjoyed a wild ride in his calling career to date, clocking up more frequent flyer points than many would in a lifetime.

The Melbourne-born broadcaster has gone from Alice Springs, to New Zealand, to Singapore and now Dubai beckons.

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— Aushorse (@Aushorse_TBA) July 23, 2023

"I didn't come from a racecalling background or even racing background for that matter, and just kind of fell into the job at the local turf club as a radio presenter in Alice Springs," Comerford said of his rapid ascension.

"Every step forward has been crazy and you wonder how long this rollercoaster ride is going to go for."

Comerford, who grew up around Essendon, said Dubai's pulling power – attracting some of the best horses and stables in the world – is what excites him most about the role.

"The international appeal of the place and all the stars who will make their way to Dubai has me really excited," Comerford said.

"It really is at the centre of world racing and to be a part of that will be incredible."

However, there is one aspect of his new gig that has him feeling a touch anxious.

"What scares me is obviously the Arabic pronunciations and triple-barrelled names I'll be dealt on a weekly basis when calling the Arabians," he said.

"It's something I'm sure I'll get used to but any English presenter or commentator going there is going to find it daunting at first."

Comerford will call his final Group 1 race in Singapore, the QEII Cup, on October 14 before heading to Dubai via Melbourne on the 21st.

"The ERA season gets underway on the 28th, so I have enough time to get settled and sorted," Comerford said.

"The club put you up for the season you are there, six months, which is great."

As well as calling at the spectacular Meydan racecourse, home of the Dubai World Cup, Comerford will also be behind the binoculars at Jebel Ali, Ali Ain, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

Comerford follows in the footsteps of fellow Australian Craig Evans, who also ended up as the head caller in the UAE via a stint in Singapore.

"It's a huge opportunity," Comerford said.

"I was just in the right place at the right time in Alice Springs. I fell into the role there with no experience, was given a one-month trial and the rest is history.

"Apologies to anyone listening in those early days – it was nails on the chalkboard stuff!

"I certainly don't regret it though and it's back to the dirt we go."