Assistant Starter

JACK Entertainment•Warrensville Heights, OH

About The Position

The Assistant Starter works together with others as a team to ensure the proper loading and positioning of Thoroughbred race horses into the starting gate in accordance with Ohio Racing Rules to ensure a fair and neutral start for each race. This person also assists with schooling Thoroughbred race horses to acclimate to the starting gate to ensure each horse is properly trained prior to the start of the race thus ensuring the safety of the horse, jockey and everyone involved. This position takes direction from the Starter and must learn the proper techniques of handling and loading a horse as well as using applicable tools of the trade.

Requirements

Must be able to work closely and comfortably around racehorses
Must possess high school diploma or equivalent
Must be able to obtain an Ohio Racing License
Knowledge of related OHIO Racing Rules
Previous experience riding or handling horses
Maintains interpersonal working relationships among personnel and the public
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Must at all times wear appropriate personal protective equipment
Must be hard working and motivated
Ability to work in a team environment
Must be 21 years of age.
Must be able to obtain a License from the Ohio State Racing Commission
Must be able to work quickly and efficiently in tight spaces
Must possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Must have strong organizational skills
Must be team-oriented
Must be able to work successfully with a variety of personality styles
Must be able to perform various functions essential to racing operations
High School Diploma/GED or related work experience preferred.
Must have basic knowledge of applicable Ohio Revised Code and Administrative Rules outlined in Chapter 3769
Must have extensive experience working closely around racehorses

Nice To Haves

Previous starting gate experience is preferred

Responsibilities

Schooling horses in the morning
Set-up gate for the start of each race and ensure the best start possible
Teach and familiarize young horses with the gate to break and school horses on the starter’s list
Set gate on track and place numbers on gate
Rake tire tracks before and after the race
Follow proper procedures for getting gate on and off track for each race
Move starting stands to each starting distance
Make equipment changes on the horse
Load and handle horses for each race
Assist in loading horses that pull up during and after the race