Imagine stepping into the spotlight on Canada’s biggest racing stage, not as a newcomer, but as a familiar voice returning to the mic. That’s exactly what Evan Loucks did, filling in as a race caller at Woodbine Mohawk Park during a time of unexpected transitions. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Loucks, a seasoned announcer with a laid-back charm, wasn’t just a temporary fix—he’s become a go-to backup, blending his love for the sport with a career that’s as much about fun as it is about precision.
By Melissa Keith
Listeners tuning in as recently as Monday, January 12, might have recognized Loucks’ voice, though he’s not quite a household name. With longtime announcer Ken Middleton on indefinite leave and current caller Chad Rozema needing a break, Loucks—a regular at Kawartha Downs—stepped in seamlessly. When reached for an interview on Thursday, January 15, Loucks was contemplating a snowmobile ride, a stark contrast to the high-energy world of race calling. ‘We’re snowed in today,’ he shared, painting a picture of his rural life in Norwood, just east of Peterborough. ‘If this were tomorrow night, I’m sure the races would’ve been called off.’
Loucks had already filled in at Mohawk for four race nights from January 9 to 12, a role he’s occasionally taken on before. ‘When Kenny [Middleton] got hurt in July 2023, John MacMillan stepped in briefly,’ Loucks recalled. ‘But shortly after, Kenny faced a cancer diagnosis.’ A retired Bell Canada technician, Loucks reconnected with Fred Brethour, a longtime acquaintance, over coffee. Their conversation led to Middleton’s absence and Mohawk’s urgent need for backup callers. ‘I’m not looking for a full-time gig, but calling races at Mohawk is a thrill,’ Loucks admitted. Brethour suggested he reach out to Woodbine’s senior manager of communications, Mark McKelvie, and Loucks did just that.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While Middleton briefly returned to the mic in early 2024, his health setbacks meant Loucks and others had to step in again. Chad Rozema, juggling race calling and simulcast hosting, often needed coverage during his time off. ‘I’m not trying to replace Chad,’ Loucks clarified, ‘but I’m here if they need a hand.’ This led to Loucks joining a rotating roster of understudies, including Sugar Doyle and Gary Guy, who filled in when needed.
‘They seemed happy with my work in December 2023,’ Loucks said. ‘I covered Thursdays and Saturdays from January to March 2024. When it ended, I told Randy Waples and Elissa Blowe, ‘It’s been a lot of fun.’ Little did he know, he’d be called back that summer, becoming a holiday backup announcer ever since. ‘They pay you for having fun,’ he quipped.
Now 61 and retired from his day job, Loucks’ journey to the mic began in the unlikeliest of places. Raised on a dairy farm in Campbellford, he started by announcing penalties at his brother’s hockey games. A friend’s suggestion led him to Quinte Raceway in 1984, where he began as a timer, earning just $20 a night. ‘I’d time qualifiers before the races,’ he recalled. Soon, he was calling qualifiers, learning the ropes of race calling. ‘I barely knew one end of a horse from the other,’ he joked, but years of immersion and mentorship from announcers like Grant Wade turned him into a pro.
And this is the part most people miss: Loucks’ first race call at Quinte in 1985 was a nerve-wracking affair. ‘My hand was shaking so bad with the binoculars, I couldn’t see,’ he admitted. But Wade’s confidence in him led to opportunities at Kawartha Downs, where he’d phone local radio stations to provide race rundowns. ‘Hearing myself on the radio while my hockey team was traveling was a big deal,’ he said.
By the late 1980s, Loucks was juggling multiple tracks, from Elmira Raceway to Barrie Raceway, all while working full-time at Bell Canada. He even called races at now-discontinued fairs in Norwood and Markham. His reliability made him a favorite at Kawartha Downs, where he became the full-time announcer in 2005 after a previous caller went AWOL. Yet, filling in at other tracks, like Rideau Carleton and Western Fair, remains his passion.
One night at Mohawk, however, tested even Loucks’ skills. On January 10, ‘atomic snow’ and fog made visibility nearly impossible. ‘I couldn’t even see the starting car,’ he recalled. The Gmax tracking system lost a horse mid-race, only to find it 100 yards from the finish line. ‘Oops!’ he laughed.
For Loucks, even a challenging night at the races beats a good night anywhere else. A former horse owner whose partnership ended with the Ontario Slots at Racetrack Program in 2013, he cherishes the connections he’s made in the industry. ‘We’re fortunate to be part of this,’ he said. ‘The people you meet along the way—that’s the best part.’
Thought-provoking question: In an industry where voices come and go, what makes a race caller truly unforgettable? Is it their ability to handle chaos, their connection to the sport, or something else entirely? Share your thoughts below!
