Jessica Paquette will be the new voice of Parx Racing in Bensalem, Pa., starting in December. Paquette will be the only full-time, year-round female track announcer in the United States. 

“I am grateful for the women in the racing industry who have paved the way for my generation to work in so many different areas,” said Paquette. “My hope is that I can similarly help inspire young women who may want to be part of our sport.”

Paquette, 37, a New England native with nearly 20 years of experience in horse racing, has called races at Suffolk Downs and Sam Houston Race Park. She has been a racing analyst at Colonial Downs Racetrack and Sam Houston and most recently worked as the Director of Communications for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Prior to that she was the Vice President of Marketing at Suffolk Downs in Boston. In addition to her roles in the horse racing industry, she is a passionate advocate for equine safety and welfare and owns two retired racehorses.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jessica to the Parx family,” said Joe Wilson, Chief Operating Officer for Parx Racing. “The high regard with which she is held in our industry along with a tremendous work ethic makes her the perfect person to usher in this new era for Parx.”

Paquette added, “I am sure I will have some nerves but I am mostly really excited for this next chapter and to take on this new challenge. I’m very grateful to the team at Parx for the opportunity.”

Parx Racing runs Monday thru Wednesday, with first post at 12:25 p.m. ET.