Mike Battaglia (1978-1996)
Mike Battaglia
Mike Battaglia began his career under the Twin Spires in style, calling the thrilling finish of the 1978 between rivals Affirmed and Alydar. His span of Kentucky Derby calls also included many other memorable moments, including the triumphant run of Spectacular Bid in 1979, Bill Shoemaker's final Derby win aboard Ferdinand in 1986, and the Kentucky Derby victories of the only fillies to capture the race in the modern era, bringing both Genuine Risk in 1980 and Winning Colors in 1988 to the winner's circle. His final Kentucky Derby was the nose victory of Grindstone in 1996 for Overbrook Farm.
Listen...
- [asset|text=1981 Kentucky Derby, Pleasant Colony|aid=2886|format=link] (full call - 2:14)
- [asset|text=1984 Kentucky Derby, Swale|aid=2887|format=link] (full call - 2:08)
- [asset|text=1985 Kentucky Derby, Spend a Buck|aid=2888|format=link] (full call - 2:14)
- [asset|text=1986 Kentucky Derby, Ferdinand|aid=2889|format=link] (full call - 2:20)
- [asset|text=1995 Kentucky Derby, Thunder Gulch|aid=2890|format=link] (full call - 2:14)
