Fred "Cappy" Capossela

Fred "Cappy" Capossela was born in Brooklyn in 1902. He began his career in thoroughbred racing as a writer for the New York Evening Post in 1926. He also covered the sport for the Brooklyn Eagle. Capossela called his first race at Tropical Park in 1934, where he filled in for the regular announcer for two weeks.

In 1940, Capossela became assistant track announcer for New York's four thoroughbred race tracks, Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, Saratoga Race Course, and Jamaica Race Course. Three years later, he was promoted to lead announcer. He also called races at Florida's Hialeah Park Race Track.

From 1950 to 1960, Capossela was the "Voice of the Triple Crown" on CBS Radio and Television and called televised races on WNEW-TV's Schaefer Circle of Sports. He was known for his high-pitched nasal voice, distinctive style of saying, "It is now post time," and accurate calls.

Capossela retired in 1971. After his retirement, he regularly attended weekend races at Hialeah and later at tracks in Southern California. Capossela died on April 3, 1991, at his home in Upland, California, following a stroke.

In 1993, the Swift Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack was renamed the Fred "Cappy" Capossela Stakes in his honor.

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Apr 6 2024, 1:02:51 UTC