Joe Hernandez was the voice of Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, from the time the track opened on Christmas Day 1934 until he fainted at the microphone on January 27, 1972.
It was reported 28 February 2016 on the TVG horseracing channel that Hernandez had been kicked by a horse earlier and died while calling a race at Santa Anita Park.
echoed over a number of notable races including Seabiscuit’s win in the 1940 Santa Anita Handicap and Johnny Longden’s last ride in 1966.
Hernandez was not only a race caller; he was a highly respected sportswriter, handicapper, jockey and buyers agent, radio and television producer, music composer, actor, athlete, and philanthropist.
Santa Anita track officials decided to place the piece here so Hernandez could be close to his fans, and they to him.