Carter hired as director of racing at The Meadows
By John Sacco
For the Observer-Reporter
newsroom@observer-reporter.com
Michael Carter, a harness racing industry veteran, has been hired as the new director of racing at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.
Carter, 37, comes to the North Strabane Township track from Northfield Park, Northfield, Ohio, where he had served in several areas related to operations, including the race office and mutuel department. He has also worked with the United States Trotting Association’s communications department and played an integral role with the organization’s Strategic Wagering program.
The new director succeeds Scott Lishia, who in September became director of racing and sportsbook for Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course. He had been at The Meadows since 2021.
“I am looking forward to working at The Meadows,” Carter said in a press release. “Their team is full of talent, and I am excited to continue to grow the racing product at the storied facility.
The news of Carter’s hiring was met with excitement and favor from veteran horsemen, including owner, trainer and secretary of the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association Tim Twaddle and owner, trainer and treasurer of the MSOA.
“I don’t know him personally but I’ve heard a lot of good things about (Carter),” Twaddle said. “He has a strong background in harness racing.”
Twaddle said Carter’s knowledge and experience should help racing operations and relationships.
“It’s great day, a win-win,” Twaddle said. “To have someone with his background and being horseman-minded is crucial. Everybody has some opinions that the Casino management doesn’t want us and we’re here because we have to be, which is not true. You just need the right people in the right places. That helps keep the relationship fluid and friendly. It’s proven they do better with us. If (the casino) does better, we do better because that’s where our money comes from. We’re in this together.”
A native Virginian, Carter initially worked as an announcer at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds. He moved on to an announcing job at Buffalo Raceway in 2013, before moving to Northfield two years later.
During his time at Northfield, Carter worked with several other racetracks – including Yonkers Raceway and The Meadowlands – as an on-air personality covering major events.
“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.
Said Christopher McErlean, vice president of racing for PENN Entertainment, parent company of the Meadows: “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,”
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 and won that organization’s “Breakthrough Award” in 2017.