Des Hoysted (1923 – 25 March 2010) was an Australian radio broadcaster and horse racing identity. He was a racecaller for 51 years in what is widely regarded as the golden era of the Australian turf.[1]

Hoysted called his first race on Boxing Day in 1948 at Wodonga, Victoria,[2] and then joined the ABC in Melbourne as an understudy to Joe Brown. He moved to 2GB in 1952, but made his mark in 1959 when he joined 2UE.[3] He called 20 Melbourne Cups for 2UE and only finished there when the radio station ceased broadcasting the races in 1983.[4]

For many years, Hoysted continued to work around Sydney racetracks, mainly as a broadcast advisor, bon vivant, and tent tipper.[5] He unofficially retired from the track in 2001.[6]

He died at the age of 87, on 25 March 2010 in a Sydney nursing home, survived by his wife, Pat, and children Raymond and Joanne.

References

edit
  1. ^ Herald Sun Archived 10 September 2012 at archive.today
  2. ^ The Wodonga Hoysted family. Bride Hoysted. 1994. ISBN 9780646185873.
  3. ^ "Horse Racing | Racing News | Sports News".
  4. ^ "Hoysted remembered for contributions to calling". 26 March 2010.
  5. ^ "Des Hoysted dead at 86".
  6. ^ "Stallion Barn Yarns: Pierro".