Fair Grounds Assistant Starter

The Assistant Starter will assist the Starter in the handling, guiding and loading of horses into the starting gate; supports the Starter in setting a timely race starts and conducts and/or participates in schooling horses; provides labor support to higher level staff; and performs related tasks within area of assignment.

Performs a variety of assigned staff duties related to the handling, guiding and loading of horses into the starting gate; supports the Starter in setting a timely race starts and conducts and/or participates in schooling horses.

Instructs and familiarizes young horses with the gate to break in and school horses on the starters list; assists Starter and Trainers with schooling of horses during morning training.

Numbers gate and makes equipment changes on the horse; handles horses for each race and assists in loading horses that pull up during and after the race.

May perform preventative maintenance and/or repair the starting gate; assist in aligning horses before gate open.

Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and innovations in the field of racing.

Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Experience saddling and handling race horses. Racing experience preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: (Licenses, Certifications, Testing, etc.):

Ability to maintain all Regulatory licenses within assigned state of employment

Must successfully pass background check

Must successfully pass an alcohol and drug screening

Must be willing to work a variety of shifts to include swing shifts and holidays if needed

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

Knowledge of Operations, services and activities of starting a race and schooling operations; principles and practices of on-track racing protocols and procedures; operations and maintenance of racing equipment; knowledge of thoroughbred racing and horse behavior; pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

Start a fair and equal race; monitor horse behavior and training schedules to determine racing availability; explain starting policies and penalties; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; prepare clear and concise reports; interpret and explain policies and procedures; interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations.