Title: Racing Official, Stakes Coordinator

Employee Status: Regular Full Time

Work From Home Option: Not Applicable

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Overview:

The Stakes Coordinator oversees the creation, implementation, and day-to-day operations associated with the New York Racing Association’s Stakes Program. The Stakes Coordinator must be in regular communication with both domestic and international owners, trainers, stable managers, agents and others associated with higher caliber horses seeking to compete in the New York Racing Association stakes program. Additionally, this individual provides information about races to appropriate parties while gauging interest and availability of horses throughout the country to recruit the best horses available into NYRA stakes races. Lastly, the position is responsible for coordination with the USDA on matters related to horse importation and quarantine, when applicable.

This position is responsible for the development, implementation, and administration of all racing department protocols and training regiments. The responsibilities of this role also include following all guidelines associated with NYRA’s policies and procedures, not limited to Internal Control standards, New York law and New York State Gaming Commission regulations.

Essential Functions:

• Collaborating with the Sr. Vice President of Racing & Operations, Sr. Director of Racing and Racing Secretary to plan and schedule NYRA’s yearly stakes program by coordinating our schedules with competing races and jurisdictions.
• Regularly reviewing NYRA’s stakes schedule as it relates with the North American Graded Stakes races to ensure we are creating the maximum opportunity for NYRA and our racing participants.
• Regularly communicating upcoming stakes offerings to prospective participants;
• Monitors the stakes race calendar working 4-6 weeks out to attract nominations and entries and provide the necessary support and attention to connections associated with an entered horse;
• As requested, provides information about race conditions, nomination and entry fees and race probables;
• Responsible for the receiving and publication of stakes nominations and coordinates entry into the specific race along with racing office team
• Maintain NYRA’s relationship with International Racing Bureau, other international and domestic agents and shipping companies worldwide.
• Assist Horseperson’s Relations Office with ensuring appropriate hospitality is provided to all qualified individuals associated with entered horses;
• Provides personalized attention to owners/trainers of horses arriving for Stakes races securing stabling arrangements with stall office, and may facilitate licensing, other regulatory paperwork, acquiring jockey silks, etc;
• Pay special attention to first-time NYRA Stakes participants;
• Coordinates with marketing department to advertise NYRA’s stakes races in the appropriate publications in the United States and across the world;
• Meets frequently with Sr. Director of Racing and Racing Secretary providing updates and important details regarding the progress of stakes races;
• Works closely with racing officials providing support, keeping them apprised of anticipated entries and in working in close coordination with the trainers in advance of entry day;
• Works with Sr. Director of Racing and Racing Secretary to handicap races, assigning weights to horses and equalizing the opportunity for any horse to win, when relevant;
• Ad-hoc projects as assigned by Racing leadership.
• Maintains professional appearance and behavior.
• Produces weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports.
• Ensures compliance with all Federal and State laws and the rules and regulations of the New York State Gaming Commission

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, Business, Marketing, Animal Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in pari-mutuel horse racing with 3 years of experience in a racing office as an entry clerk or in a more advanced position.
• Extensive knowledge of racing office operations, including some knowledge of international racing preferred.

Summary of Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

Continuous movement.

Pay Range / Salary:  $110,000 - $180,000