Assistant Starter

GLOBAL GAMING SOLUTIONS LLC; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 12,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

GLOBAL GAMING SOLUTIONS LLC seeks a Seasonal Gate Starter to ensure fair starts in horse races. The role involves maintaining the starting gate, coordinating with officials, and assisting with horse loading and safety procedures throughout races and training sessions.

Candidates should have a high school diploma and hands-on experience with horses or track operations, with availability for weekends, evenings, and holidays as required.

Qualifications

• Completion of high school diploma or GED.
• Knowledge, skills and abilities include horse handling, balance, reflexes, and the ability to stay calm under stress.
• Ability to work a flexible and irregular schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all participants have an equal opportunity to a fair start in the race.
• Maintain the starting gate and related electrical/mechanical systems to ensure proper operation.
• Communicate with Stewards, Outriders, Paddock Judge, Track Maintenance, and Track Veterinarian during races.
• Test the starting gate before the first race and before each race to verify proper operation.
• Assist with loading horses and managing equipment to ensure safe loading and fair starts.
• Raise arms above head immediately after opening the starting gate.
• Assist with schooling and gate works of horses during training hours.
• Provide daily assistance to the Starter for operational needs.

Skills

Horse handling

Balance

Reflexes

Stress management

Team communication

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Starting gate equipment

Job description

Job Details

• Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73111
• Position Type: Seasonal
• Education Level: High School
• Travel Percentage: None
• Job Shift: Day
• Job Category: General Labor

Essential Job Functions

• Primary responsibility is to ensure all participants have an equal opportunity to a fair start in the race.
• Daily maintenance of the starting gate making sure the starting gate electrical/mechanical systems are in good working order, assuring the starting cord is plugged in and routed to the starter stand, repeating these activities as necessary.
• During the running of the races, stay in constant two‑way radio communications with the Stewards, Outriders, Paddock Judge, Track Maintenance and Track Veterinarian.
• Testing of the starting gate before the first race to make sure it is in proper working order and is subject to testing before each race.
• Shall be assigned to specific horses based on the order prescribed by the Stewards prior to the first race unless the Head Starter determines safety dictates a change.
• Assist in loading of the horses in a race, the type of equipment utilized to try to ensure a safe load and fair start lead shank, flipping halter, pads, blanket, etc.
• Raise their arms and hands in the air above their heads immediately after the opening of the starting gate.
• Assist with the schooling and gate works of horses during training hours.
• May drive starter gate truck and be expected to maintain the starter gate truck and starter gate are in/remain in good working order.
• Provides daily assistance to the Starter for operational needs.
• 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.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

Completion of high school diploma or GED.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Previous skills handling horses preferably in a racing environment.
• Must have good balance and excellent reflexes.
• Ability to handle horses weighing in excess of 900 pounds.
• Operational knowledge of horse racing and starting gate knowledge.
• Good balance and reflex skills.
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure.
• Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions.
• Ability to work a flexible and irregular schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays.

Training and Experience

• 3-6 months of experience with horses and/or horse racing track experience is required.
• Starting Gate experience on horse racing track preferred.

Licenses, Certifications and Other

• Must be able to pass a background check and receive a license or permit from any Regulatory Agency if applicable to perform the essential job functions.
• Must be able to complete a pre‑employment drug test with a negative result.
• Ability to obtain a valid driver’s license.