TOM HARRIS NEW ANNOUNCER AT SAM HOUSTON

November 3, 2009 - Sam Houston Race Park has tapped veteran announcer Tom Harris to serve as the new voice of the racetrack.  Harris, who currently serves as the voice of Retama Park, will join Sam Houston’s staff in time to open the 2009/2010 Thoroughbred meet which begins Friday, November 27.

Sam Houston aims to utilize Harris’ skills in broadcast journalism and expand the role of the announcer by making him a key spokesperson for racing and special events, utilizing him as a co-host for on-air broadcasts as well as radio programs and providing voiceover work for radio and television campaigns. In addition, Harris will provide morning line odds and a daily live racing tip sheet, conduct fan education seminars for simulcast and live racing events as well as have a regular presence online through Sam Houston’s social media outlets which include Twitter, Facebook, You Tube and other online industry blogs and chat rooms.

“Sam Houston Race Park is a natural fit for me, and I am thrilled to be part of the team,” commented Harris. “I am very familiar with the major players on the Texas racing circuit, and I look forward to expanding my voice and the park’s presence from live racing into new mediums in order to help engage the next generation of racing fans.”

Harris has an expansive background in broadcast television; producing and directing sports shows ranging from featured Thoroughbred races, Greyhound races and Auto races, along with writing and hosting two cable TV shows.

Having been in the racing industry for over 20 years, Harris has extensive history working with numerous Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse tracks nationwide.  Harris served as announcer for La Mesa Park in Raton, New Mexico; Rillito Park in Tucson, Arizona; Playfair Race Course in Spokane, Washington; Yakima Meadows in Yakima, Washington; Garden State Park in Cherry Hill, New Jersey; The Downs in Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Retama Park in San Antonio, Texas.  In addition to his experience as an announcer, Harris has also served as the Director of Marketing at Yakima Meadows and Playfair Race Course as well as Vice President & General Manager of Horsemen’s Atokad Downs in South Sioux City, Nebraska.