by Amy Silver, publicity director, Meadowlands Racetrack

Lisa Photo

Tim Tetrick – the announcer.

East Rutherford, NJ — Harness racing’s leading driver Tim Tetrick stepped out of the sulky and into the announcer’s booth to call the first race on Thursday, July 14 at Meadowlands Racetrack.

The 29-year-old reinsman faced the challenge of a nine-horse field. The race was won by Oasis Dream (No. 4) in a time of 1:57.3.

“I called a few races at some small fairs,” said Tetrick, who had long dreamt of getting on the mike at the sport’s leading track. “My dad used to announce all the time and when he would have a horse to drive, I would announce that race.

“I don’t know how [Meadowlands announcer] Sam McKee does it,” he added after the race. “This is hard!”

Tetrick leads all drivers in North America for the fifth straight year with 407 wins and $6.7 million in earnings through July 14, 2011.

Click here to watch Tetrick’s call: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCRmmGFhECY