In 1947, a young sportswriter in Asbury Park, NJ made a decision to pursue a career in horse racing. Under the guidance of Monmouth Park Publicity Director Horace Wade, the young man was given his first announcing chance at Freehold Raceway.
In 1948, this young man ventured out to the state of Michigan to take a look at a new track being built on the corner of 10 Mile and Dequindre Rd just North of Detroit. The track was Hazel Park Raceway. The man was Jack Riggs. The rest was history.
Jack served as Asst. Publicity Director at Hazel Park Raceway in 1949, and in 1957, was named Track Announcer. A position he held until 2003, when he retired at the age of 73.
Jack also announced at Monmouth, Gulfstream, Detroit Race Course, Northville, and many others, including dog racing at Hollywood Greyhound in Florida.
Jack was the consummate professional, and it showed in his calls. He viewed himself as a reporter in the announcer’s booth. His style was straightforward and his calls were to the point.
Jack Riggs was the Track Announcer at Hazel Park Raceway for 46 years. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, his children, Debra & Jack, and grandchildren and the many fans that he made along the way.
A memorial service will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 508 Riviera St., Venice, Fla. at 11 a.m. March 27. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association Grant Fund (Jack was a proud honorary lifetime member of the DSBA), P.O. Box 1222, Warren, Mich. 48090 or the American Heart Association.
Click the play button below for an audio interview with Jack Riggs from April 2005.
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In 1947, a young sportswriter in Asbury Park, NJ made a decision to pursue a career in horse racing. Under the guidance of Monmouth Park Publicity Director Horace Wade, the young man was given his first announcing chance at Freehold Raceway.
