General Definition:
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Responsible for the integrity of the start of each race, making sure there is a fair start for all horses.
Essential Job Functions:
- Oversees gate operations during both training hours and live racing.
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Ensures horses are safely and efficiently loaded into the starting gate
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Starts each race once all entrants are safely loaded and standing attentively.
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Supervise gate schooling during the morning training hours and issue gate cards.
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Create a safe work environment by recommending and implementing safety measures.
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Evaluate standard protocols and make recommendations on how particular horses should load.
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Ensure accurate entry of notes into InCompass where pertinent details about horse’s gate behavior is stored.
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Review InCompass in advance to stay up to date on entrants who may exhibit difficult loading behavior or require special handling.
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Interact with racetrack personnel including but not limited to: Veterinarians, Trainers, Jockeys, Exercise Riders and track management.
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Supervise the Assistant Starters.
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Must carry out all duties as assigned.
Education:
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and 7 years related experience and/or training; or combination.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
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Knowledge of Thoroughbred horses.
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Ability to handle horses weighing in excess of 900 pounds.
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Preferably one to two years of prior experience as an Asst. Starter.
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Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
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Ability to write simple correspondence.
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Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
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Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's.
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Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
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Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Training:
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7 year work related experience and/or training; or combination.
Licenses/Certifications/Other:
- Must be able to pass a background check and receive a license or permit from any Regulatory Agency, if applicable to perform the essential job functions
- Texas Racing Commission License (TXRC)
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Strength:
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Medium to Heavy workload
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Stand, sit and walk consistently
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Will be required to lift up to or over 20lbs or exert occasionally over 100lbs
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Movement:
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Will consistently be required to touch, feel, stoop, bend, kneel, climb, reach
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Will use office equipment
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Driving motor vehicles as needed
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Auditory:
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Frequently speak and articulate
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Noise levels will be varied from moderate to heavy machinery
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Environmental:
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Exposure to weather and extreme elements
- Minimal exposure in close proximity to horses
