LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) 鈥� Mike Battaglia, who set the morning-line odds for every since 1974, is retiring ahead of next month’s 152nd edition.
Battaglia correctly identified the Kentucky Derby favorite 39 times in 51 runnings for a success rate of 76.5%.
He also served as Churchill Downs’ announcer from 1977-97 and later as simulcast host from 1997-2007.
“I鈥檓 very appreciative of everyone at Churchill Downs for the opportunity over the years,鈥� Battaglia said Friday in a release from the track. 鈥滻t鈥檚 been a great run, but I felt like it was the right time to step away and let someone else take it forward.”
The track has named Nick Tammaro to succeed Battaglia. Tammaro currently works in a variety of industry roles: morning-line oddsmaker at Keeneland, track announcer at Sam Houston racetrack, and handicapper at TwinSpires.
鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor to take over for Mike,鈥� Tammaro said. 鈥淗e鈥檚 a legend in our industry and someone I鈥檝e looked up to for a long time. I just hope to do his line justice.鈥�
___
AP horse racing:
Copyright © 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
