by Ayers Ratliff, for Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — Northfield Park has announced the addition of Michael Carter to its management staff.

Carter begins full-time employment on Monday (Dec. 28) and will fulfill a variety of key roles throughout the facility. Besides his primary duties of Assistant Director of Mutuels, the versatile 27-year-old will work closely with the marketing, promotions and communications departments and as the back-up announcer to veteran Ayers Ratliff, for whom he has filled in occasionally since February 2014.

“We are fortunate to bring someone like Michael on board,” said Brent Reitz, Northfield Park’s vice President and General Manager. “His knowledge, work ethic, enthusiasm and youthful outlook will help Northfield grow for years to come.”

Carter became interested in racing when he was very young, attending the races with his father. Inspired by The Meadowlands’ Sam McKee and Woodbine’s Ken Middleton, he soon developed a special focus on race calling.

In 2012 he began working at the Shenandoah County Fair in Virginia as the assistant race secretary and announcer. Since then he has filled in as the announcer at Colonial Downs, Fort Erie, Hazel Park, Northfield Park and Rosecroft Raceway.

In 2013 Carter landed the announcer’s job at Buffalo Raceway. In addition to calling the action on the track, he fulfilled numerous duties in the mutuel office and assisted the simulcast department.

“I am excited to be joining Northfield Park,” offered Carter. “It is a tremendous opportunity to work with a talented team that aggressively promotes harness racing in Ohio and across North America.”