DO NOT be surprised if one of the race calls at the Burrumbeet Cup on New Year’s Day sounds a lot more high-pitched than normal.
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After all, 13-year-old Dayne Barry, nephew of renowned Ballarat horse trainer Darren Weir, will be behind the microphone.
Shooting to fame after making his debut as a race caller at Mount Wycheproof last month, Barry will be back in action for another go at the Burrumbeet Cup.
While he was just 12 years of age on debut at Wycheproof, Barry will be back in the tower with added maturity after a birthday.
His present: new binoculars, of course.
The Swan Hill teen said he was looking forward to giving it another go.
“I’m excited about going to Burrumbeet,” he said.
“I had fun at Mount Wycheproof. It was a good experience.
“Before the race I was very nervous, but when the race starts you just block everything out.”
Barry won’t have to battle to win over the Burrumbeet locals, given Weir is a major supporter of the Burrumbeet Park and Windermere Racing Club.
Club manager Paul Brumby said Weir was a great friend to the club.
“Darren is a tremendous supporter of our jump-outs and of our club,” he said.
“It’s nothing for Darren to trial 50 horses at our jump-outs. We’re looking forward to having his nephew call a race for us.”
Barry, who called the first race on the card on Mount Wycheproof’s cup day, would likely do the same at Burrumbeet.
“It’s obviously very nerve-wracking for a young fella,” Brumby said.
“As it happens, we’ve got Rick McIntosh as our main caller for the day.
“That’ll be a big help for Dayne.”
The New Year’s Day meet will be the 125th running of the Burrumbeet Cup.
patrick.nolan@fairfaxmedia.com.au
