Harness: James Witherite joins Hoof Beats as assistant editor

Current Hoof Beats contributor and ustrotting.com newsroom editor James Witherite has been named assistant editor of the magazine. He will join the Hoof Beats staff starting on April 1.

"We already have an excellent, existing relationship with James and know that his skills, knowledge and contacts will be a great addition to the Hoof Beats team," said USTA Director of Marketing and Communications Dan Leary. "I actually met him before I started working for the USTA when he was calling races at Harrah's in Chester, Pa., and have been impressed with all that he has accomplished in harness racing since then."

Witherite, who has 20 years of experience in many aspects of media and 15 years in a variety of roles in harness racing, has been working as a newsroom editor for the U.S. Trotting Association's website for more than three years and has written features and commentary for Hoof Beats during that time.

"I'm thrilled to be joining the USTA and Hoof Beats in a more substantial role," said Witherite. "After starting in print media about 20 years ago and expanding into broadcast and digital media in the time since, I'm looking forward to returning to print media in my new post alongside Kathy Parker and the entire Hoof Beats crew. As always, I'm grateful for the trust that industry participants have given me to amplify their voices and share their stories."

Among his extensive list of accomplishments in harness racing, during his time calling races at Harrah's from 2007-2013, Witherite also served as assistant track announcer at Rosecroft Raceway and Beulah Park.

Witherite went on to become the track announcer at Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs from 2014-2016, where he also served as on-air talent for simulcasts, wrote press releases, did handicapping for the program, and incorporated Twitter into the tracks' social media. From there, he spent a couple of years at The Meadowlands as oddsmaker where he not only did the morning line but also analysis for the program and website, as well as writing press releases.

Most recently, Witherite served as chart caller and program editor back at Harrah's Philadelphia.

In addition to his freelance work for the USTA newsroom and Hoof Beats, he has been a copy editor for and contributor to Standardbred Canada's website and has written for the Midwest Harness Report.

-release (USTA Communications)