The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association (OHHA) has announced that Ayers Ratliff has joined the OHHA team as Assistant Director.
“Ayers is a well-known personality and voice throughout the Buckeye State," said Renée Mancino, OHHA's Executive Director. "I’m looking forward to his positive collaborative contribution to operations, administration, staff management, training, strategic planning, outreach, print publications and promotions.”
Ratliff is a true harness racing supporter and specifically has a love and knowledge of Ohio harness racing. He grew up in the industry with his father, Ayers Ratliff Sr., owning a stable of racehorses as well as a breeding farm, Wakeshire Standandbreds, which was in operation for several years, standing studs such as Happy Motoring and Amity Chef. Ratliff spent his childhood bailing hay and straw for the farm, breaking yearlings, cleaning stalls, paddocking racehorses and attending the races.
Ratliff announced his first race at the Marion County Fair in 1998 and became the backup announcer at Northfield Park in 1999. He was hired at Scioto Downs in 2005 as the track announcer, television analyst and morning line oddsmaker. In 2007, he became the full-time track announcer at Northfield Park.
Throughout his time at Northfield, Ratliff held the position of track announcer at Thistle Down for five years, as well as track announcer for Raceway Park and Hazel Park each for a season. He has also maintained an active role in Ohio’s county fair scene.
During his nearly 16 years at Northfield, Ratliff’s position grew from track announcer to racing manager. His role at Northfield included announcing, assistant director of racing, managing the judges, charter and entire press box, serving as the track’s publicist, and being an active member of the marketing and promotions team.
In October 2022, Ratliff was approached with opportunities from the Ohio State Racing Commission and served as the investigation supervisor for Ohio’s racing scene from January of this year until now.
“I’m extremely excited to have Ayers joining the OHHA team," said Steve Bateson, President of OHHA. "He brings a contagious enthusiasm for the industry. He’s used his enthusiasm throughout his career working within the industry. Ayers’ background of working for a permit holder and with many county fairs across the state, and most recently with the Ohio State Racing Commission, makes him a great addition to the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association,”
Ratliff also serves as the president of the Ohio Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association and served as the master of ceremonies for the 2023 Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association annual banquet.
“I am thankful for the opportunities provided to me to work in the industry which I truly love,” said Ratliff. “This is a brand-new position and I am the first person to fill the role of Assistant Director for the OHHA. My work for Ohio’s horsemen will always be done to the best of my ability and will have a focus on cooperation and collaboration throughout the industry to further the cause of harness racing here in the Buckeye State.”
(With files from Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association)