Washington, PA – Michael Carter will take the reins as director of racing at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows pending customary regulatory approvals.
Carter, 37, brings nearly two decades of experience in harness racing to the Washington, PA facility. He comes to The Meadows from Northfield Park in Northfield, OH, where he has served in numerous capacities related to operations, including the race office and mutuel department. Carter has also worked with the United States Trotting Association’s communications department and he plays a key role with the organization’s Strategic Wagering program.
“We are glad to have Michael leading our racing team and look forward to him making many positive contributions to our program going forward,” said Matthew Heiskell, vice president and general manager of Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.
“I am looking forward to working at The Meadows,” said Carter. “Their team is full of talent, and I am excited to continue to grow the racing product at the storied facility.”
A native of Virginia, Carter got his start in the sport working as an announcer at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds. He landed the announcing job at Buffalo Raceway in 2013, before moving on to Northfield two years later.
“I want to personally thank the entire team at Northfield Park for their support over the last decade,” said Carter. “I learned many things from the entire management team during my time there.”
During his time at Northfield, Carter also branched out and worked with several other racetracks, including Yonkers Raceway and The Meadowlands, as an on-air personality covering major events. He was also half of the groundbreaking “Post Time with Mike & Mike” podcast, along with fellow announcer Mike Bozich.
“Michael’s varied and diverse working experiences thus far in harness racing will definitely be an asset coming into this new position and we think horsemen and racing fans will quickly see his energy and enthusiasm for the sport and business,” said Christopher McErlean, vice president of racing for PENN Entertainment, parent company of The Meadows.
Carter has also served for several years as a board member for Pacing For The Cure, a harness racing-led initiative to help those fighting multiple sclerosis. He is also current president of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) and won that organization’s “Breakthrough Award” in 2017.