Meet the First Female Horse Racing Announcer | Jessica Paquette (PARX Racetrack)

In this episode of Horse Races Now, we welcome Jessica Paquette, the track announcer at PARX Racetrack and the first and only female race caller in North American thoroughbred racing.

Jessica takes us behind the microphone to break down the incredible skill it takes to call a horse race in real time — from memorizing silks and post positions to tracking horses moving over 40 miles per hour down the stretch.

She shares her journey into the sport, the challenges of breaking barriers in racing, and what race day preparation looks like before the horses even enter the gate. Jessica also talks about some of the most memorable races she’s called at PARX, the pressure of getting every call right, and what makes a truly great race caller.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on inside the announcer’s booth when the gates fly open, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

🏇 Topics include:

• Jessica’s path to becoming a race caller
• Breaking barriers as the first female race caller in North America
• The art and preparation behind calling a race
• Memorable stretch battles at PARX Racetrack
• Advice for young people looking to get into horse racing