by Barry Brown, Harrah’s Chester Casino & Racetrack

Chester PA — Harrah’s Chester Casino & Racetrack has announced that James Witherite-Rieg will be its track announcer and Shannon DiAntonio will serve as the on-air racing analyst during the track’s upcoming 2007 season. Harrah’s Chester’s 95-day meeting will commence Monday, July 9.

Witherite-Rieg, a 21-year-old native of Brookville, Pennsylvania, is believed to be the youngest announcer working at a major racetrack in North America. Despite his youth, Witherite-Rieg has announced at numerous venues in the United States and Canada, and spent last summer calling races on the Michigan fair circuit. He served as a substitute announcer at Harrah’s Chester during the latter part of the 2006 season.

A senior at Duquesne University, Witherite-Rieg is an accomplished musician, composer, and arranger who has produced two recording compilations of jazz instrumentals.

DiAntonio, a graduate of the University of South Florida, will provide on-air handicapping analysis, selections, and commentary, in addition to leading live handicapping seminars. A lifelong harness racing fan who has been involved in the industry as a horse owner in the New England and the Mid-Atlantic region, DiAntonio will bring her knowledge, enthusiasm, and great communication skills to Harrah’s Chester fans — both on- and off-track — throughout the meet.

“Both James and Shannon are talented, engaging individuals who love racing and can explain it well,” said Mike Tanner, Harrah’s Chester’s Director of Racing Operations. “We’re excited to have them onboard with us and look forward to presenting our guests with a world-class racing experience.”