Behind the scenes with legendary Warrnambool race caller video

Racing.com

Warrnambool racecaller Richard McIntosh delivers another one of his famous Grand Annual calls.

You always hear the voice but you don't often see the actions.

But an Australian race caller, who has built a celebrity-like status in the racing world for his passionate and enthusiastic style, has offered a rare behind the scenes look into his office.

Richard McIntosh's unique approach has built him a cult following and made him one of the star attractions at the annual Warrnambool jumping carnival in Victoria.

New Zealand owned jumper Zed Em finished second in the Grand Annual behind Gold Medals at Warrnambool on Thursday.
GETTY IMAGES

New Zealand owned jumper Zed Em finished second in the Grand Annual behind Gold Medals at Warrnambool on Thursday.

The ability to think on your feet is a key part of the occupation, but McIntosh's humorous one-liners go well above and beyond the call of duty.

The Grand Annual Steeplechase, a race that generally takes just under seven minutes to run, is where McIntosh really comes into his own.

Thursday's 2018 edition of the race at Warrnambool, aka The Bool, was another McIntosh classic.

McIntosh, who was seemingly oblivious to several people recording him in his commentary box, shouted his way through the gruelling contest, with just the odd pause for air.

When the field ran down the straight with a lap to run, in front of around 18,000 punters, McIntosh let loose with his now famous catch cry.

"Seriously, how bloody good is The Bool?"

The Grand Annual was won by local hope Gold Medals - trained at Warrnambool by Symon Wilde.

Despite the gruelling 5.5km journey and 33 jumps, Gold Medals beat home race favourite Zed Em by just a short head.

McIntosh was confident Gold Medals would prevail in the photo finish, but warned punters not to "pull the grandstand down if I'm wrong".

When McIntosh announced that Gold Medals had won the tight finish, he predicted a big night for the locals.

"There won't be enough beer in Warrnambool tonight."

Zed Em is a former Kiwi who remains in New Zealand ownership.

McIntosh's only blemish during the call was when he missed Now And Zen falling at the back of the field, but, when he realised his mistake, he covered it as only he could.

"I'm sorry for Now And Zen backers, there's a reason why I haven't called him, I'll tell you about it later."

Mannertone, a popular jumper who has been a regular racer at Warrnambool for many years, got a special mention from McIntosh during the call.

"He's been in everything around Warrnambool except the Melbourne to Warrnambool bike race and if he could ride a bike I reckon he'd go alright in that too."