Luck is on Rob's side

By Jordan Gerrans

Long-time racing identity Rob Luck is the accidental caller. 

Now based at the Gold Coast after decades in the Central West, the respected Luck will reach a career pinnacle behind the binoculars on Saturday afternoon when he calls at a city meeting during the prestigious Queensland carnival. 

For a broadcaster to reach these lofty heights in the industry, it is usually something they have dreamed of doing from a young age.

Luck, on the other hand, fell into the caller’s booth a couple of decades ago by chance and has quickly risen through the ranks since. 

He was on the Longreach Jockey Club committee at the time and would often interview participants in the mounting yard following races and generally add to the atmosphere of a race meeting. 

“We didn’t have a caller for the upcoming meeting,” he recalls.

“I was told that I liked to talk so I would be able to call the races.

“I thought it would be interesting as I had never called a race in my life. I found a pair of binoculars and I survived the day.

“It instilled a bit of desire in me that it wasn’t a bad thing to do, to learn to call races. That inspired me to get involved more so.”

After being thrown in the deep end on debut, Luck eventually started calling every now and again to give regular broadcasters Larry "Bingo" Smith and John Dolnger in the Central West a chop out.

That progressed to being the full-time caller at the Longreach club down the line while also taking on several clubs around the Central West district such as Barcaldine, Blackall, Tambo, Muttaburra, Alpha, Aramac, Bedourie, Betoota and Augathella, among others.

As a mostly self-taught caller, Luck’s ascension to plying his trade at Eagle Farm this Saturday was anything but a natural process.

But, he says he has a competitive desire to do well at everything he puts his mind towards in a professional setting.

While Luck mainly taught himself to call races in the early stages, he has been mentored by several high-profile people within the sport. 

Former Gold Coast broadcaster Steve Hawkins was one who provided guidance, as did Josh Fleming and Brett Moody. 

Retired Roma trainer Craig Smith – who also dabbled in calling – was another who aided Luck, as did former RadioTAB Program Director Tony Clements.

Luck says his wife Leanne has always been a critic of his work while the veteran bookmakers in the Central West were also quick to add their thoughts on how he was performing during a meeting.

Luck feels like he is representing the entire bush racing community when he calls in the big smoke on Saturday afternoon.

“For this weekend coming up, I think it is on behalf of the opportunities I have been given from the small clubs,” he said.

“I am representing those clubs that I have called for in that time. They gave me the chance over the years and I have loved doing it. They have continued to support me.

“To represent the country area, it is a fantastic feeling for me and I am looking forward to doing it.”

After around eight years as the main caller in the Central West, Luck stepped down from the role a few years ago as Andrew Watts has taken over the mantle.

He was inducted as a Life Member of the Central West-based club in 2021.

The long-time racing administrator and broadcaster has relocated to the Gold Coast where he has remained in close contact with the industry. 

Luck co-hosts regional racing program Bush Beat with Clements on RadioTAB every Tuesday.

He still is in the car every now and again, jumping off the 'interchange bench' to fill in at tracks where they need a caller. 

He has been in action at Charleville, Cunnamulla and Tambo in recent times.

While Luck did not grow up aiming to call Group 1 races or the Melbourne Cup, he has always been a passionate racing person.

The famous Queensland galloper Eye Liner was what first introduced Luck to the industry all those decades ago.

“I got hooked on racing in that regard, not so much the punting, but the thoroughbred animal being involved," he said. 

He recalls listening to great Vince Curry, Wayne Wilson and John Tapp, among others, dating all the way back to 1965.

He will emulate their feats on the big stage this Saturday. 

“The desire to keep improving and learn was there,” he said.

“I just tried to keep getting better. It is something I really enjoyed as it is the best view in the house.

“You get to see the horses from a distance and really enjoy the atmosphere of the calling.”

Luck made his way to Eagle Farm earlier this month to familiarize himself with the caller's area so he can be best prepared for the occasion this week. 

“I thought the opportunity had passed me when I was calling regularly back in 2019,” he said of calling at a metropolitan meeting.

“I never got the call up back then and that didn’t worry me because there were so many great callers getting their chance.

“When I was offered the opportunity, it took me about 45 minutes to think about it because I wondered if I was a little bit too old for this.

“But, it is the ultimate for a country race caller – it is such an honour to do what I am doing this Saturday. I am pleased I have the opportunity now.”

The 70-year-old says he is passionate about finding the next generation of young callers in the Sunshine State and is keen to see more youth in the broadcast booth.