<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Sports commentary career </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Sports </Th> <Td> Thoroughbred horse racing </Td> </Tr> <P> 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 . </P> <P> 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 . </P>

Who said and down the stretch they come