In Brief
- Colin McNiff to call his third Shane Yates Memorial Cup Final.
- Veteran broadcaster shares the memories of his great mate.
- Browsing About the sentimental pick amongst Colin's tips.
Veteran race caller Colin McNiff, with numerous highlights in his extensive broadcasting career, will take on the significant task of calling the rather special greyhound meeting in Launceston on Monday night.
McNiff is set to occupy the on-track broadcast box above the grandstand at the Ladbrokes Racing Centre, where he will call the ten-event program, highlighted by the annual Shane Yates Memorial Cup Final.
The event, named after his colleague and late friend Shane Yates, holds significant emotional value for Colin.
The two esteemed local broadcasters have been integral to the Tasmanian racing scene in all codes for more than forty years, sharing responsibilities under a unique job title that many have aspired to in the field.
Great mates Colin McNiff and the late Shane Yates during their early broadcasting years.
“Shane was a very close friend; we’ve had an inseparable bond since the early 2000s,” Colin mused.
“For many years, I worked in the south while he worked in the north. Shane was one of those remarkable individuals you encounter in life; he was an incredible friend, our bond was solid, and I miss him deeply.”
Colin, from Victoria, relocated to Tasmania in the eighties, to Launceston. He took on a role at TNT9 (now 7 Tasmania), replacing Shane as a sports commentator, which is where their paths initially intersected.
“Shane was an exceptional broadcaster, not just in racing but across all sports. Honestly, I believe Shane never fully grasped how skilled he was; it was second nature to him—such was his talent,” Colin remarked.
“Shane had a knack; if anything moved, he could call it, no matter what it was. His skill as a football commentator was unparalleled, and he could apply his talent to any sport – his talent knew no bounds.”
Colin has had the pleasure of commentating the first two editions of the Shane Yates Memorial Cup, first held in 2020, and he relishes hearing the aspirations of trainers and participants who aim to win the event.
“Just by observing the fields, one can discern the caliber of runners that have participated in this series over the years. The eagerness to win it is palpable, and Shane’s popularity within the sport was widespread.
“I believe the race will continue to expand in the coming years,” McNiff commented on the series’ reception.
Colin mentions that he would be delighted to see ‘Browsing About’ win the race, as part-owner Greg Fahey has maintained a close working relationship with Shane for many years, making it a potential emotional triumph.
Browsing About lines up from box 6, a strong contender vies for the $11,970 top prize in the Tasbred Classic.
Regardless of the outcome, Colin will take pride in calling the winner, continuing to use the earphones and binocular stand that once belonged to Shane, honouring the proud legacy of one of the broadcasting greats.
The Shane Yates Memorial Cup is race 7 on Monday night and is scheduled to jump at 21:29.