Mike Battaglia is retiring after an iconic 51-year career as the morning-line oddsmaker at Churchill Downs, a role he began in 1974. Over the decades, Battaglia became a legendary figure in American horse racing, also serving as the track announcer from 1977 to 1997 and simulcast host until 2007. Notably, he accurately identified the Kentucky Derby favorite 39 times out of 51, boasting a 76.5% success rate. Battaglia expressed gratitude for his long tenure and felt it was the right time to step aside before the Spring Meet opening on April 25.

His successor, Nick Tammaro, brings 20 years of horse racing experience, including roles as a public handicapper, oddsmaker, and announcer. Currently working at TwinSpires and Sam Houston Race Park, Tammaro is also the morning-line oddsmaker at Keeneland. He acknowledged Battaglia’s legendary status and is eager to uphold the tradition, looking forward to setting the line for this year’s Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs plans to honor Battaglia during the racing program on April 26.