Two of Australia’s esteemed racecallers have paid tribute to former racing broadcaster Hilton Donaldson, who died on Sunday aged 60.
Terry McAuliffe was parked alongside Donaldson in the caller’s box in South Australia for a large period, and said there was one particular race-call that he would remember him for.
“Worked with Hilts for well over a decade, back in the day where we had two callers,” McAuliffe said.
“We were working for rival networks, but we were great mates – similar age, both barracked for Carlton, both enjoyed a beer together.
“We grew up with a lot of similarities.
“We were just good mates, so it’s extremely sad.”
McAuliffe added: “The one call that always sticks out in my mind is his Christian Cullen call in the Miracle Mile, it was an amazing call, as good as anyone could’ve delivered.
“He called the gallops for Sky in Sydney, and became No.1 in SA for them, but called the other two codes brilliantly as well. He loved his greyhounds.
“You don’t see it that often with a lot of callers these days – my advice to young guys these days is to be as all-rounded as you can, and by that I mean learn to do all three codes.
“He was an absolute star at it.”
Sydney’s long-time No.1 racecaller Darren Flindell also paid tribute to Donaldson, noting his loyalty when Flindell had returned to Australia from Hong Kong.
“He was a brilliant unique race caller that was very popular and on a personal note, a very good mate and a loyal friend, as loyal as Lassie,” Flindell said.
“He was that type of guy. If you were on Hilton’s team, he’d be extremely loyal to you. I always appreciated his support.
“When I returned to Sydney I was under siege and he was regularly calling me to offer support.
“Deep down he was a really good man.”
Donaldson is survived by two sons, Ethan and Zane.