Horse Racing Steward/Judge

Horse Racing Alberta; City of Leduc; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Horse Racing Judge/Steward to uphold the integrity of racing in Alberta. This role is pivotal in ensuring the orderly conduct of race meets and maintaining public confidence in the industry. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and organizational skills, with a minimum of five years of experience in racing. This position offers a dynamic work environment where you will engage with racing officials and participants, enforce regulations, and contribute to the safety and welfare of racehorses. If you are passionate about horse racing and have the ability to make sound decisions under pressure, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefit program

Flexible schedule

Competitive salary

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years experience as a racing official, trainer, jockey, or driver.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the conduct of racing officials and participants at race meetings.
• Grant or deny racing participants' licence applications.
• Conduct hearings for violations of racing rules.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Multitasking

Organizational skills

Inspection skills

Investigative skills

Decision making

Ability to work under pressure

Education

High School Diploma

Racing Officials Accreditation Program

Tools

Microsoft Office

Common software

Job description

Position Profile

Horse Racing Alberta

Role Required: Horse Racing Judge/Steward

It is recognized in Alberta as a fundamental principle and as a matter of public policy that all persons are equal. Diversity and inclusion are values supported by Horse Racing Alberta (HRA).

Opening Date: April 7^th, 2025

Closing Date: April 28^th, 2025

Position Description:

A Judge/Steward of Racing is responsible for overseeing the reputation and integrity of racing in Alberta. Reporting directly to the Director, Regulatory and Supervisor of Racing, this role assists the Director, Regulatory and Supervisor of Racing to enforce and administer the rules of racing. The Judge/Steward of Racing is responsible for the supervision, orderly conduct, and control of Alberta race meets. This role ensures a high standard of Racing is presented and helps to ensure the betting public retains a high level of confidence in the industry.

A Judge/Steward is charged with interpreting and enforcing the Rules Governing Horse Racing in Alberta. This shall further the mandate of Horse Racing Alberta in protecting the health, safety and welfare of racehorses, racing participants and racing officials. This is imperative in safeguarding the interests of the general public in horse racing.

About Horse Racing Alberta

HRA is a not-for-profit corporation governed by individuals who represent various racetrack and breeding organizations and the general public. HRA licenses horse racetracks in Alberta and administers the rules that guide the conduct of officials, and all racing participants during horse racing events.

The mandate of Horse Racing Alberta (HRA) is defined by the Horse Racing Alberta Act, and states that HRA will:

1. Govern, direct, control, regulate, manage, market, and promote horse racing in all its forms;
2. Protect the health, safety, and welfare of racehorses and, with respect to horse racing, the safety and welfare of racing participants and racing officials;
3. Safeguard the interests of the general public in horse racing.

HRA’s core business strives to stabilize, enhance, and ensure the growth and integrity of the Alberta horse racing and breeding industry in Alberta.

Key Responsibilities

1. Grant or deny racing participants licence applications or apply conditions or limitations on a licence.
2. Review all licence applications for eligibility, worthiness, and qualifications.
3. Supervise the drawings of post positions and approve scratches from a race.
4. Oversee the drawing of post position, including informing the proper people to review the racing program for eligibility.
5. Observe the running of races and if any infraction occurs, act on your initiative or review any objection lodged.
6. Supervise the conduct of racing officials, racing participants and all other persons employed or engaged in carrying out functions at or associated with a race meeting.
7. Be in close contact with other racing officials to oversee the duties of other officials, review security reports relating to licensed personnel, and act on complaints.
8. Regulate and govern the conduct of all parimutuel horse racing in Alberta.
9. Enforce any track rules and conditions that the Supervisor of Racing has approved.
10. Carry out inspections, searches, and seizures.
11. Inform individuals of searches. Searches will require security, and if drug-related, the corporation veterinarian to attend the search to seize any mislabeled drugs or paraphernalia.
12. Documentation with detailed notes is imperative of evidence found during hearings, searches, and investigations.
13. Conduct a hearing when it’s suspected there is a violation of the rules.
14. Give notice to the individual(s) of the time, date and location of any hearing and the reason for it.
15. Conduct hearings in an orderly and professional manner.
16. Discipline racing participants using film reviews by warnings, fines or suspensions.
17. Assess a penalty on an individual(s) found guilty of violating the rules.
18. Provide the first tier of regulatory administration between Horse Racing Alberta and all licensees.
19. Monitor the running of all races.
20. Approve or void claims.
21. Advise the pari-mutuel department of all corrections to the program, driver/jockey changes, and scratches.
22. Communicate to the pari-mutuel department, tote a running order following each race and then make the race official.
23. Designate horses to be sent for post-race testing.
24. Cancel or postpone a race card after consulting with the licensed operator, relevant horsemen’s association, driver/jockeys’ representative, the Official Veterinarian, and the Supervisor of Racing.
25. Provide the race day judges and stewards reports to the Supervisor of racing the day following each race card.

Education, Skills and Experience

• High School Diploma
• Ability to use a computer and use common software, navigate the internet, manage files and folders, and use security best practices
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, and Excel
• Minimum of 5 years experience as a racing official, trainer, jockey, or driver
• Successful completion of the Racing Officials Accreditation Program is an asset
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate with licensed persons, association administration and the media on any level
• Good time management, multitasking and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Capacity to work well under pressure to meet team and Horse Racing Alberta objectives
• Strong inspection, interviewing, and investigative skills
• Knowledge of the Horse Racing Alberta Act and Rules Governing Horse Racing in Alberta
• Knowledge and experience interpreting and applying legislation, policies, and procedures
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure
• Knowledge of investigative and hearing procedures

·Ability to work a flexible schedule, including daytime, evenings, weekends, and holidays

·Ability to pass a criminal background check

·Eligible to work in Canada

·Valid Class 5 Non-GDL or equivalent licence

·Ability to travel between various racetracks within Alberta

Remuneration

·A competitive salary and comprehensive benefit program are offered.

·Compensation will be determined based on relevant skills and experience.

How to Apply

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a properly formatted (PDF) cover letter along with their resume clearly indicating how their experience has prepared them for this role.

Please send your resume and cover letter to [e-mail]

Contact Information

We thank all applicants for their interest. All submissions will be reviewed to determine which candidates' qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.If you require any further information on this job posting, please contact Debbie Waddington at [e-mail]