Tah Dah!--Late Announcer's Name Added to Stakes

River Downs has added the name of Kevin Goemmer, the former announcer at the Ohio racetrack, to a stakes named for one of his favorite racehorses. Goemmer, who most recently worked for Charlson Broadcast Technologies, died earlier this year at the age of 48.

The $40,000 Tah Dah Stakes, set for Aug. 1, has been renamed the Kevin Goemmer Tah Dah Stakes. Goemmer's wife, Debbie, and sons Jason and Justin will be on hand to present the trophy.

"Kevin was involved in all aspect of racing throughout his career--there was little he couldn't do," said his former assistant and friend John Engelhardt, who serves as director of publicity at River Downs. "His real passion was race-calling, though. He had a great voice and a love for the sport that added a lot to the texture of a race."

Engelhardt said Goemmer's calls involving the filly Tah Dah left a mark at River Downs. She won many races there, and just before the finish, Goemmer would say, "Tah Dah!"

"He was one of a kind and a fun person to be around," Engelhardt said. "He is truly missed by all of us, and the naming of this race couldn't be more appropriate."