Steward - New York

 Job Summary:

 The Steward upholds the integrity and rules of racing assuming the power to exclude, fine, or suspend anyone in violation. The Steward oversees all aspects of racing as an advocate and disciplinarian to all levels within racing and chairs the Barn Area Violations Panel (BAVP) hearings.

 Job Responsibilities:

• Oversees violations hearings of all licensed workers accused of breaking racing rules.  Ensures that penalties are appropriate.  Oversees collection of fines.
• Studies racing rules to maintain current knowledge of the industry.  Interprets and enforces rules.
• Maintains a log of important events and occurrences that occur each race day.
• Participates in regular interchange with racing commissions and stewards in other states.
• Maintains on-going dialogue and coaches in the activities and development of Racing Officials.
• Verifies horse eligibility.  Confirms registration papers, partnership papers, stable names, lessees and other papers are all in order.
• Follows up on daily scratches.
• With Racing Secretary, ensures accuracy of the racing program verifying essential information.
• Checks the racing strip to confirm track conditions prior to each race meet.
• Checks records of Pari-Mutuel department and works with Investigators when there are occurrences of unusual betting patterns.
• Visits barn area to ensure proper stabling of horses.  Observes horse in training, and security and safety procedures.
• Makes inspections of jockey rooms checking dates of calibration of scales.
• Reviews films of previous races to study incidents and habits of horses and riders.
• Observes each race to determine whether any occurrences altered the finish; i.e., bad gate start, jockey’s improper behavior.
• Orders blood tests when horse behavior incites suspicion.
• Verifies weights, distance of the race, and eligibility at the time of a race meeting.
• Observes post parade to assure the soundness of each horse prior to each race.
• Calls for inquiries into races to immediately investigate improper behavior and riding techniques.  Makes a timely appropriate decision regarding disqualification based on inquiry results.  Informs the appropriate parties of all inquiries and their outcomes.

 Aualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Accreditation from an approved Racing Official Accreditation program.
• Expert knowledge of thoroughbred racing industry.
• Twenty years of experience in horse racing including at least 3 years of experience working as a Steward.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Management and supervisory experience required.
• Ability to hear and assess all sides to an issue, to issue penalties appropriately, consistently and to stand behind decisions made.
• Proficiency in MS Office and other computer programs.

NYRA offers a competitive salary and benefit package, as well as a travel stipend to work in Saratoga for 7 weeks.  To apply please email resume to jlevine@nyrainc.com.

NYRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.