Steve Cross, longtime track announcer at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, will not return for the 28th season of Standardbred racing in 2021. The Middlebury, Ind. native recently announced the decision to “The Horsemen and Fair World” and Wednesday, Jan. 13, Harrah’s Hoosier Park sent out a press release requesting applicants for the position.
Steve Cross, longtime announcer at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, is stepping down heading into the 2021 racing season. Photo by Linscott Photography
Cross was the third announcer in the 27-year history of Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The very first season, Mel Smith was the announcer followed by three years with Peter Kleinhans, who provided race calls for both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing. Cross succeeded Kleinhans in 1998 when Kleinhans left to attend Law School in Michigan. Cross stepped in seamlessly to call Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing in addition to Standardbred racing until the track went to one breed one track in 2013 with only Standardbred racing. During his tenure at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, he provided the accurate and exciting calls for two Breeders Crown Championships, including the 2020 event held at the track.
Cross and his brother, Jay, often carpooled from Northern Indiana to the track each race night. In addition to providing race calls, Cross handled handicapping duties and on-air commentary as part of the broadcast team at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. He and his wife, Darlene, have two sons, Josiah and Jate, who both still reside in the Middlebury, Ind. area, which is more than a 2 hour drive one way from Anderson, Ind., a trek Cross made every racing night.
Cross is the sales manager for the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale and the Michiana Classic Yearling Sale. Both sales are held in the fall each year in Indiana. He also assists with other Standardbred-related sales and racing events throughout the year.
Individuals interested in applying for the position of track announcer at Harrah’s Hoosier Park should contact Rick Moore for more details. The position, which could be a full-time salaried position depending on the applicant, would begin with the racing season that gets underway Friday, March 26. Moore can be accessed through email at rmoore9@caesars.com or by calling Harrah’s Hoosier Park at (765) 642-7223. Audio clips must be submitted to Moore for consideration and harness racing announcer experience is required.