Assistant Starter

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans is seeking an Assistant Starter to support the racing starting team under the Head Starter. The role combines horse handling, gate operations, and related duties to ensure safe, efficient starts for each race.

Candidates must be at least 21, able to obtain a racing license, and have knowledge of Thoroughbred horses with the ability to handle heavy horses. Prior experience as an Assistant Starter is preferred; strong communication and problem-solving skills

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age and able to obtain a racing license.
• Knowledge of Thoroughbred horses; ability to handle horses weighing 900+ pounds.
• Preferably 1–2 years prior experience as an Assistant Starter.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence; effective one-on-one communication.

Responsibilities

• Serves as right hand for the Head Starter.
• Maintain a log of horses at the gate during training; record handling details (Marks).
• Load horses into starting gate as directed; ensure accurate gate numbers.
• Report problems with horses or gate to Head Starter.
• Maintain and clean the starting gate; inspect batteries and equipment.
• Assist with morning schooling and gate readiness; coordinate with trainer.

Skills

Horse handling

Reading & writing

Customer interaction

Problem solving

Job description

Pay Range

America's second oldest horse racing track, the Fair Grounds has been a New Orleans staple since 1852. We are a premiere entertainment venue presenting thoroughbred & exotic animal races, slots, video poker and simulcasting year-round. Located in New Orleans, Fair Grounds operates a slot-machine gaming facility and 13 off-track betting parlors throughout southeast Louisiana.

Title: Assistant Starter

Requisition ID#: 5159

Location:

New Orleans, LA, US, 70119

Property: Fair Grounds Race Course

• Slots
• OTB & Casinos

Pay Range

America's second oldest horse racing track, the Fair Grounds has been a New Orleans staple since 1852. We are a premiere entertainment venue presenting thoroughbred & exotic animal races, slots, video poker and simulcasting year-round. Located in New Orleans, Fair Grounds operates a slot-machine gaming facility and 13 off-track betting parlors throughout southeast Louisiana.

Job Summary

An Assistant Starter is a key member of the racing starting team, working directly under the Head Starter to ensure the safe, efficient, and fair start of each race. The role combines horse handling, gate operations, and support duties to maintain race quality and animal welfare.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Serves as a right hand for the Head Starter.
• Maintain a log of all horses that come to the gate during training hours. Log how the horse is handled while being loaded in the starting gate. This is called putting "Marks" on the horse.
• The Starter is assigned a horse to handle. They must load the horse to the best of their ability with the information given.
• Report any problems with the horses or the gate to the Head Starter.
• Handle race horses and load into the starting gate.
• Maintenance of the starting gate. Such as, washing to keep clean.
• Inspect batteries for any problems.
• Set numbers on top of the starting gate, making sure that the number on the stall matches the number assigned to the horse being loaded into the gate.
• Morning work consist of schooling horses or breaking these horses from the gate. Once a new horse is ready the Asst. Starter sends them to the Head Starter for an application for an OK card.
• Have the trainer bring the horse to the gate in the mornings, continually, until the Head Starter feels the horse has overcome the problem and is taken off the Head Starter's list.
• Also, working with horses that have some problems while trying to load them into the gate.
• Must carry out all duties assigned to him by the Head Starter.
• Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Required Skills And Abilities

Must be 21 years of age and able to obtain a racing license from the Racing Commission.

Education And Experience

• Knowledge of Thoroughbred horses.
• Ability to handle horses weighing in excess of 900 pounds.
• Preferably one to two years prior experience as an Asst. Starter.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work involves lifting, walking, talking, hearing, bending, stooping, climbing. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Office/Casino environment; Subject to outdoor temperature; Exposed to smoke, bright lights and noise at times. The work environment consists of very non-demanding surroundings with a low noise level. Will occasionally work in extreme heat or cold conditions.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Work With Us

Churchill Downs Incorporated is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We’re always learning, evolving and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision.

Nearest Major Market: New Orleans