The future of racecalling Rehn Nagel.
The name Rehn Nagel probably doesn’t ring a bell. The same can be said for Ricky Ponting, Matt Giteau, James Hird, or even Benji Marshall when they were just ten years of age.
But Nagel is a little different to these elite athletes. You see, confidence in front of an audience is not the norm at that age, but Nagel seems to excel.
The art of racecalling is not easy to become accustomed to, but in 18 months of calling the trials at Port Pirie and Mini Trots, this kid seems to have found the knack.
And, there is little wonder that Nagel has taken to racecalling with his grandfather, John Tee, being an experienced broadcaster of harness and greyhound racing for Radio 5AA and 5DN in years gone by.
Tee worked alongside of some fine broadcasters in his time including Bruce McAvaney, Ron Papps and Ray Fewings and has no doubt his grandson has got what it takes.
“We were at the races one day when I was calling and he turned to me and said I reckon I could do that pop,” he said.
“I told him he could call one that night, up he went and never looked back.”
Nagel’s mother Fiona sent his first ever call to the Today Show which went to air on Tuesday and the feedback has been enormous.
“He absolutely loves calling and harness racing in general,” she said.
“There isn’t a moment he isn’t talking about the trots and his favourite TV program is In The Gig, he never misses it.”
Rehn, named after former Adelaide Crow star Sean Rehn, is probably a bit too young for the Ray Conroy Encouragement Award but he will receive an honourable mention for his nomination.
For more on Rehn and his racecalls become a friend of HRNSW on Facebook and look at some of the latest posts.
If you think you have some ability in the racecalling stakes, send your demos off to;
Ray Conroy Encouragement Award
PO Box 1034
Bankstown NSW 1885
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 31 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
Name: Dale Walker
Position: Marketing Manager
Phone: (02) 9722 6600
Email: dwalker@hrnsw.com.au
