It’s likely that you might not be familiar with the name “First Call,” but you’re very likely to be familiar with the tune it signifies. When attending horse races, the sound of “First Call” fills the air before the announcer exclaims, “And they’re OFF!”
Each bugler puts their own unique spin on playing “First Call,” resulting in variations in rhythm and cadence depending on the location. However, the melody remains unmistakable to experienced individuals who have placed bets on horse racing in Virginia.
However, the meaning of the tune and its origin remain unknown.
The origins of “First Call” and connection to horse racing
The U.S. military has a rich history with the widely recognized tune called “First Call”. This melody has been utilized by different branches of the armed forces, including the Navy. The significance of this tune heavily depends on the situation it is played in. In certain military settings, “First Call” is used to summon trumpeters who then perform the reveille, indicating that it is time for personnel to wake up, usually ten minutes later. Additionally, it can be employed as a signal for troops to gather and form a specific assembly.
At 7:55, the Navy announces the commencement of “First Call,” a few moments before the raising of the “Morning Colors” (representing the flag). Similarly, five minutes before the evening flag-lowering ceremony (known as Evening Colors), the Navy announces “First Call” once again. These phrases serve as formal expressions for the act of hoisting or lowering the flag. The tradition of Morning Colors dates back to 1797 in the Navy’s history, although the origin of “First Call” in this tradition remains uncertain.
In the 1860s, horse racing embraced the term “First Call” as the customary announcement for horses to make their way to the starting post. This tune, played at race tracks, signals the commencement of the parade and prepares the horses and jockeys for the imminent race.
In the present day, certain buglers have taken to appending a unique touch. During certain races, the bugle player will play the chorus of a well-known song following the customary “First Call” melody. This musical adaptation has evolved into a cherished tradition and a delightful means to captivate horse racing spectators during intervals.
Virginia horse racing and Kentucky Derby
With the Kentucky Derby just around the corner on May 6th, horse race betting enthusiasts, especially in Virginia and other markets, have a lot to look forward to. Virginia offers a variety of exciting events to enjoy, along with two prominent platforms, DK Horse and TVG, where you can place your bets on the race. So, let’s make the most of this opportunity and indulge in the anticipation of the upcoming Kentucky Derby festivities.
Recently, there has been a considerable amount of horse race betting news that Virginia has been able to relish.
- Virginia now offers Historical Horse Racing to its residents.
- A Guide to Placing Online Bets on the Kentucky Derby in Virginia
The excitement doesn’t stop at the Derby! Virginia horse race betting apps offer the opportunity to bet on a diverse range of races happening globally. Join now, receive a bonus, and indulge in horse race betting in Virginia, both before and after the Kentucky Derby.
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