It wasn’t exactly a convening of the UN General Assembly, however, Yonkers Raceway did its part for international relations Monday night, welcoming preeminent Australian track announcer Fred Hastings and his family.

Mr. Hastings is Sydney Metropolitan’s chief harness caller, including at the country’s premier venue, Menangle. He is the voice of Australasia's signature races, the Miracle Mile and Inter Dominion Championships, as well as the recent World Driving Championship.

He and his family--wife Cheryl, daughters Megan and Lizzie--visited Yonkers, then Mr. Hastings was immediately put to work. After a race presentation, he filled in for Yonkers’ own John Hernan, announcing races seven, eight and nine, as they were included in the nine races that were simulcast Down Under.

“It was a pipe dream of mine to do this,” he said. “I’ve been watching Yonkers’ races for quite some time back home, and I know the history of the track, so to get to announce here was such a treat.”

Reviews of Mr. Hastings’ performance were so good, that not only does he have an open invite to return, Hernan was summarily suspended for four games by the National Football League.

(Yonkers Raceway)