Ladbrokes Friday Night Lights

4 How did your commentating career start? I’ve commentated AFL football in the past, and in 2016 I saw a tweet from Alastair Dwyer looking for a Mandarin speaking commentator, I answered the call and the rest is as they say…History! Tell us what’s involved in calling a horse race? Unlike a football match where there’s a lot of time to call the action and analyse what’s going on, race calling is very unique, the action starts and finishes in minutes or shorter, your eyes have to be wide open and focus on the action. At the very same time, your mind has to be sharp and quick enough to process what you’re seeing and get it out into the microphone. When does your preparation start? Mentally I’m preparing for the race the moment I am commissioned to call, soon as I know which race and the runners then it switches to getting to know them as well as possible. Some phantom calls on possible finishes also help. What do you love most about Lunar New Year at The Valley? It is just a great combination of racing, colours, food and celebrations. I love the fact that the Valley put on this special night for the community and every year it gets bigger and better! How do you celebrate the Lunar New Year? My family is very traditional, we start by having a family dinner at my parents’ house on New Year’s eve. Then it goes on to a big party at my house with all my friends who are a big mix bag of all ethnicities. We always have a great time together! Your favourite racehorse? I can’t go past Makybe Diva, what she has done is truly amazing. Jamie Pi will be broadcasting the Alinta Energy Lunar New Year Cup this evening live on-course in Mandarin this evening for his fifth year. GETTING TO KNOW MANDARIN RACECALLER JAMIE PI