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A John Tapp Race Calling Scholarship recipient who called Stradbroke Handicaps when he was practicing to be a broadcaster is Sky Racing’s new principal Queensland thoroughbred race caller.

Josh Fleming, 30, will replace long-time Queensland race caller Alan Thomas who has announced his retirement from race calling and will step down on Boxing Day.

Hailing from Barcaldine in country Queensland, Josh was the second recipient of the John Tapp Race Calling Scholarship in 2003.

“It’s a dream come true to be given this role,” Fleming said.

“I’m a Queensland boy and can’t wait to start in late December. I called Stradbrokes when I was practising to be a race caller. This is incredible.

“Alan Thomas has not only been a mentor but a close friend. To replace him as Sky’s number one Queensland caller is very special.”

Fleming is well credentialed to step up to the chief Queensland race caller role, having called group and metropolitan racing in Sydney. He is also adept at calling harness and greyhound racing.