Thanks to a work share agreement between Meadowlands Racetrack, Freehold Raceway, and Vernon Downs, some new voices will be heard describing the racing action at those facilities during the 2015 season.

Effective January 2, Ken Warkentin will become the full-time announcer at Freehold Raceway. Warkentin will still remain an integral part of the Meadowlands broadcast team as well as sharing duties with longtime Meadowlands announcer and host Sam McKee.

“We’re excited to begin our 2015 racing season with an announcer of Ken’s calibre,” said Freehold Raceway General Manger Howard Bruno. “We think our patrons will enjoy having Ken call our races on a daily basis beginning in January. We’re fortunate to be able to work out this arrangement with the Meadowlands.”

Vernon Downs patrons will hear a combination of race callers including James Witherite, Ken Warkentin and Director of Racing Scott Warren during the 2015 season. Witherite will also be back as the regular voice of Tioga Downs.

“We’re blessed to have several talented announcers on staff at the three facilities operated by Jeff Gural,” said Meadowlands CEO/GM Jason M. Settlemoir. “Thanks to the work share agreements now in place, we can maximize opportunities and further utilize our talented line-up to help provide guests with top quality announcers at multiple facilities. We appreciate Freehold Raceway working with us and see it as a win-win for both organizations.

"At anytime during the upcoming year, you could hear Sam McKee, Ken Warkentin, Scott Warren, James Witherite, Darin Zoccali, or myself calling the races at any of our three properties."

Both Freehold and Meadowlands begin their 2015 season on Friday, January 2. Vernon Downs is scheduled to open for live racing on April 10.

(Meadowlands)