Mike Battaglia, who has served as Churchill Downs' morning line oddsmaker for more than five decades, will retire from the role ahead of the 44-day Spring Meet, ending a remarkable 51-year run.
Battaglia had been responsible for setting the morning line odds at Churchill Downs since 1974, a role that made him one of the most recognizable figures in American horse racing. He also served as the track's announcer from 1977-97 and later as simulcast host from 1997-2007.
"I'm very appreciative of everyone at Churchill Downs for the opportunity over the years," Battaglia said. "It's been a great run, but I felt like it was the right time to step away and let someone else take it forward."
Battaglia correctly identified the Kentucky Derby favorite 39 times in 51 runnings, a 76.5% success rate.
Nick Tammaro will succeed Battaglia as Churchill Downs' morning line oddsmaker.
A native of Houston, Texas, Tammaro has spent nearly two decades in the racing industry as a public handicapper, oddsmaker, track announcer and, more recently, in player development. The horse racing enthusiast currently serves in a variety of roles including an expert handicapper at TwinSpires; track announcer and Player Development Manager at Sam Houston Race Park; and the morning line oddsmaker at Keeneland.
"It's an honor to take over for Mike," Tammaro said. "He's a legend in our industry and someone I've looked up to for a long time. I just hope to do his line justice."
Tammaro said he is eager to take on the responsibility of setting the morning line for the sport's biggest race.
"I'm really looking forward to setting the line for this year's Kentucky Derby," Tammaro said. "It's an extremely competitive group of 3-year-olds and, at this stage, Renegade looks to have a slight edge in the public perception over Commandment. I think a big performance would have to happen Saturday for that to change, but as you know in this game, anything can happen."
Churchill Downs will honor Battaglia during the racing program on Sunday, April 26.
This press release has not been edited by BloodHorse. If there are any questions please contact the organization that produced the release.
