Northfield: Ratliff to bring curtain down on announcing career

Ayers Ratliff, the longtime announcer at MGM Northfield Park, will bring the curtain down on his career at the Northeast Ohio facility on Friday (Dec. 30).

Ratliff was only the track's third full-time announcer behind Andy Cunningham and Greg Young.

Ayers Ratliff will call his final races at MGM Northfield Park on Dec. 30. Casalinova photo.

"The decision did not come easy, but after much thought and consideration, it is what is best for my family and me," said Ratliff. "I appreciate each and every person that has played a part in my announcing career. I will always love calling races, and I already look forward to this summer when I get back on the mic and announce at the county fairs."

Ratliff, who joined Northfield Park in 2007, began his first full-time journey into announcing at Scioto Downs in 2005. After leaving to call the races at Northfield Park, he was hired as the announcer at Thistledown in 2008. He called the races at both northeast Ohio tracks until 2014, when he switched to Northfield only.

Having called races at many tracks throughout the country, Ratliff's recognizable voice and style have made him one of North America's top-tiered announcers.

"Ayers will be missed by racing fans, fellow team members and horsemen, not only for his announcing ability, but as a friend to all who know him. He has truly been the voice of Northfield Park for the past 15 years, and has called some of the most prestigious and memorable races in the track’s history", said Dave Bianconi, director of racing operations.

MGM Northfield Park currently races five days a week (Saturday-Wednesday) through the end of the year; first post is 6:40 p.m. For more information on racing, visit www.northfieldpark.com.

-edited release (MGM Northfield Park)