Recognised as one of the world’s most eminent race callers, Matt Hill broadcast the Hanging Rock races for the first time on New Year’s Day.
The multi-talented broadcaster and commentator was pleased to come to Hanging Rock, and acknowledged the drawcard qualities of the iconic location for country-style racing.
“We are really pleased to be able to welcome such a personality and gifted broadcaster to this venue,” Kyneton & Hanging Rock Racing Club president Gary O’Meara said.
They gazed out of the elevated broadcasting box together as Hill prepared to call a race as the very successful afternoon drew on.
Hill said he was really enjoying his visit and it was good to know he had finally ticked off Hanging Rock on his bucket list.
He said it was a venue which should again be very popular on Australia Day, January 26, when the 2026 Hanging Rock Cup will be the feature event.
O’Meara said the club was hopeful that Hill would eventually be able to find time to call a Kyneton Cup for the first time in the future.
Remarkable versatility
Hill’s versatility is remarkable; not only is he Racing Victoria’s top race caller after being in a similar role in Sydney, he is across various sports — broadcasting the Australian Open for Tennis Australia, broadcasting and commentating on AFL Football, bringing the Olympic Games to millions, and going overseas to broadcast from Royal Ascot.
Many may recall when Hill, as a teenager dedicated to make a name as a race caller, used to go to Kilmore and practice phantom calling at the races and trots.
He said his first official race call took place at Pooncarie racecourse, 115 kilometres north-west of Wentworth.
Now in his mid-40s, Hill is at a zenith in a career spanning over 30 years, and he made no secret he thoroughly enjoys what he does.
Hill’s visit brought back memories to many racegoers of the legendary Jack Styring OAM, a Macedon Ranges resident who made the Guinness World Record list for the longest career as a race caller. He called 38 successive Hanging Rock Cups. Styring died in 2022, aged 92.
