This week’s guest on Behind The Roar is Darren Flindell, a diehard Wests Tigers fan who also happens to be the ‘voice of racing’ in Sydney.
Yes, something a little different on this week’s edition of Behind The Roar.
Episode 28 will be available from 4pm Wednesday on Apple, Spotify and YouTube.
Whether you’re into horse racing or not, there’s a good chance you’ll find Darren Flindell’s journey a captivating one. It’s a story about an ardent Tigers’ fan who as a kid dreamed of becoming Sydney’s No.1 race caller.
After a bucket load of knock backs and plenty of persistence, Flindell eventually made it to the top of his game.
He has become the ‘voice of racing’ in Sydney, calling some of the most famous racing moments this century, including that magical run of 33 consecutive victories by Australia’s ‘wonder mare’, Winx.
There’s a bit of racing chat but much more than that.
We talk about Darren’s journey, his epic race commentary moments, his favourite moments as a Wests Tigers fan, his family links to Balmain, and a whole lot more.
Like Josh Feledy and Kit Laulilii, who will both make their NRL debut for Wests Tigers on Friday, Flindell knew from a young age what he wanted to be.
He lived with his grandparents from the age of 10, and says they understood where he wanted to go in life.
“I think they realised there was a purpose there in what I was trying to achieve from a young age,” he said.
They knew I was obsessed about either becoming a sports or racing broadcaster, and they gave me a lot of leeway being the only grandson.
Darren Flindell
The ability to call horse racing is a unique gift, reserved for very few.
As Flindell explains, it comes with plenty of pressure, particularly when the whole nation is wanting one amazing horse to just keep on winning.
“With Winx quite often the anxiety could build up days in advance of her races,” he said.
“And when the race is over, you'd find this great sense of relief.
“I kept thinking to myself, if ever you're going to muck up a race call, I can't muck one of hers up.
“Particularly with her last start and 33rd straight win, I made sure that last one was pretty much word perfect, not wanting any fumbles or have it come out the wrong way.”
Flindell tells of his love for Leichhardt Oval and what it means to be a Wests Tigers fan, through the good times and the bad.
He fondly recalls this year’s match against the Cowboys when sadly he went home hungry.
“I really wanted to get a hot dog that night, but the Tigers wouldn't stop scoring tries,’ said Flindell.
I thought, well, I'm not going to eat until there's a break in play.
Darren Flindell
We also discuss the impact Peter V'landys has had on racing and rugby league, in his role as CEO of Racing NSW and Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission.
V'landys was the architect behind Sydney’s showpiece event the Everest, the world’s richest race on turf, and led the NRL through the Covid-19 pandemic, while other sports shut down.
“He decided we needed a brand-new race, something to put the spotlight on Sydney in the spring and attract the new audience, the younger generation. Well, with the Everest, that's certainly mission accomplished,” said Flindell.
“He's a man of action, as simple as that.
“If he wants something done, he'll get it done.”
All that and more on this week’s Behind The Roar.
