Chris Kotulak, Louisiana Downs's announcer since 1994, will take up the mike at Hollywood Park when its spring-summer meeting commences on April 28.

Kotulak, a native of Nebraska, started his racecalling career at Fonner Park in 1986. He moved to Louisiana Downs in 1996, where he was also host of the track's nightly replay show and weekly race report. Kotulak also assisted Santa Anita Park and ABC-TV in the making of a documentary about Racing Hall of Fame jockey Bill Shoemaker's final mount in 1990 called "The Legend's Last Ride."

"Leaving Nebraska for Louisiana Downs was like leaving home for the big leagues," Kotulak said. "Leaving Louisiana Downs for Hollywood Park is like going to a championship team. I'm ecstatic."