By: Allyson Logan
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“No one is an island, no one gets where they are alone.”
Jessica Paquette
Credit: Polar Square Designs
Jessica Paquette- A name, and now a voice known by many, has quickly become a shining beacon for women both in and out of the industry. November 15, 2022, Parx Racing hired Paquette as their full-time track announcer. By taking control of the booth, she became the first woman in the history of Parx to hold the position and became one of the very few women in the history of racing.
Paquette did not come into the sport with an abundance of resources and connections. Being a horse-crazy kid from the start, she felt as if horses were “a world away” in terms of affordability. Around the age of twelve however, she fell in love with racing. In 1999, Paquette found herself involved with Kids To The Cup, a national organization with the goal of establishing a love and passion of racing in younger generations. “From there, that was it for me,” she explained.
With a growing interest in the sport, she became determined for involvement. Starting off as a hot walker at Rockingham Park, Paquette began her path to where she is today. Eventually, she stepped to be an intern, moving into the publicity office with Lynne Snierson, who she described as a great mentor. Continuing her journey, Paquette then found herself at Suffolk Downs. Coming into the new environment as an intern, she worked her way beyond that and was named the SVP of marketing. From there, she went onto be the paddock host and handicapper for about 13 years. During that time, she called one race while at Suffolk Downs. Following that experience, she took an opportunity to fill in as a Quarter Horse announcer at Sam Houston.
Paquette’s support system consists of many. Finding empowerment in the strong leadership who guided her at Suffolk Downs, she found her voice and learned to make a difference where she could. She credits her friendship with fellow track announcer Jason Beem with helping her manage the pressure of her new adventure. Paquette describes him as an “invaluable resource” when it comes to giving her advice on how to improve her craft. She also describes him as a cheerleader and great friend from helping her with the hard days to “talking shop” about race calling.
Jessica Paquette with What a Trippi
Credit: Polar Square Designs
It’s no secret that where you find support, normally criticism is not far behind. Unfortunately, Paquette has
experienced unkindness from both inside and outside of the industry. However, she chooses to take the high road. Rather than engage with those who harshly criticize her on social media, she would prefer to talk through differences outside the confines of the internet. “For some people, hearing a woman’s voice as the announcer is foreign and people do not like change. I hope I can win them over.”
Like many involved with the sport, Paquette is an avid thoroughbred aftercare advocate. She says the greatest gift the sport has given her are the horses, including her own two OTTB’s, Puget Sound and What A Trippi. When asked about her favorite memory, she replied with the story of watching What A Trippi break his maiden at Suffolk Downs nearly 16 years ago. “I found myself falling in love with a little, quirky bay horse who wound up being my partner of a lifetime.”
