Title: Racing Official, Head Starter

Employee Status: Regular Full Time

Work From Home Option: Not Applicable

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Overview:

The Racing Official, Head Starter is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the start of each race, making certain there is a fair start for all horses. Additionally, the Head Starter is responsible for all activities, training and racing, occurring at the starting gate at Aqueduct Race Course, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course while ensuring that industry best practices are used to create a fair, professional and safe environment for both humans and equines.
The Head Stater is responsible for overseeing all Assistant Starters and makes sure that proper documentation is made relative to all training and racing activities occurring at the starting gate.

Essential Functions:

• Oversees gate operations at multiple tracks during both training hours and live racing.
• Supervises gate schooling during the training hours and issues gate cards, as warranted.
• Maintains a log of all horses that come to the gate during training hours. Log how the horse is handled while being loaded and unloaded in the starting gate and ensure accurate records of all activity and the appropriate “marks” are recorded in InCompass.
• Communicate regularly with trainers, assistant trainers and other stable area personnel to ensure they fully understand any concerns or training requirements required to allow the horse to be eligible to start.
• Confirms all horses are safely, securely and efficiently loaded into the starting gate.
• Ensures a training start or a race is dispatched from the gate only once confirming the horse(s) are safely loaded, standing appropriately and that the surroundings are clear and safe.
• Work collaboratively with Stewards, Veterinarians, Jockeys, Exercise Riders and other members of Track Management, as required.
• Follows and educates all team members on all starting gate rules, procedures and requirements outlined in NYSGC §4034, HISA §2000 and NYRA’s House Rules.
• Evaluate and set standard protocols and make recommendations on how particular horses should load.
• Develop and manage a system to insure random and impartial assignments of assistant starters to ensure a fair start.
• Review every race card in advance to stay up to date on entrants who may exhibit difficult loading behavior or require special handling while communicating any unique requirements with Stewards.
• Oversee general maintenance, refurbishment and care of the starting gate through on-track personnel or outside vendor.

Qualifications:

Education: High School degree or the equivalent

Experience: At least 7 years working in starting gate operations at a thoroughbred racetrack including at least 3 years experience starting races in the afternoon with strong communication and management skills.

Advanced horsemanship skills required: The successful applicant must have the ability to work with horses in a confined space and previous experience teaching them to relax in the starting gate.

Summary of Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

A lot of moving and walking.

Pay Range / Salary:  140k - 180k