What type of details about dave johnson -lrb- announcer -rrb- can be gathered from the following bio? Bio: dave johnson is an american announcer and sportscaster , best known for his work in horse racing with abc and nbc sports and at various race tracks in new york and new jersey . his signature line -- '' and '' down '' the stretch they come ! '' -- is instantly recognizable throughout the sport , and often imitated by comedians , notably david letterman . from 1972 to 1977 , johnson was the public address announcer for the tracks of the new york racing association . in 1977 he moved to the new meadowlands racetrack in new jersey , calling both thoroughbred and harness racing . he maintained his meadowlands schedule into the early 21st century . though he 's no longer the regular voice at the big m , he continues to do special appearances in his role as senior track announcer . for abc , johnson called the kentucky derby from 1978 to 1980 and 1987 to 2000 , and the preakness stakes and belmont stakes from 1987 to 2000 . even though johnson 's triple crown tv spot went to tom durkin when the rights shifted from abc to nbc , he has continued to call the three spring classics for radio , on premiere radio networks and westwood one . johnson has also worked on horse racing telecasts for espn . in 2007 , johnson missed calling the kentucky derby at churchill downs for the first time since 1977 , when the rights shifted from westwood one to espn radio . he was replaced on the broadcast by churchill 's public-address announcer , luke kruytbosch . johnson has also done commercials , both on camera and voice-over , for mobil oil and various new york-area businesses . in 2005 , 2007 , 2008 , 2009 and 2010 , johnson made voice appearances on the '' late show with david letterman , '' on the day prior to the running of the kentucky derby , for a sound bite of his signature phrase '' ... and '' down '' the stretch they come ! '' johnson portrayed himself as the track announcer at belmont park in the film '' ruffian , '' about the famous match race in 1975 in which the filly ruffian broke down as she raced foolish pleasure .
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