Assistant Starter: Gate Operator for Horse Racing

Churchill Downs; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Churchill Downs Incorporated's Fair Grounds Race Course is seeking an Assistant Starter to join the racing starting team. You will support the Head Starter, load horses into the starting gate, maintain equipment, and help ensure safe, fair starts for all races.

Applicants should be 21+, able to obtain a racing license from the Racing Commission, and preferably have one to two years as an assistant starter or relevant horse-handling experience in a fast-paced track environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Thoroughbred horses.
• Ability to handle horses weighing up to 900 pounds.
• Reading and understanding simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a right hand for the Head Starter.
• Log horses at the gate during training hours and note handling in the starting gate.
• Load horses into the starting gate with accuracy and care.
• Report problems with horses or the gate to the Head Starter.
• Maintain the starting gate and inspect equipment as needed.
• Assist with morning training and gate setup.
• Comply with all duties assigned by the Head Starter.

Skills

Thoroughbred horses

Horse handling

Reading comprehension

Communication skills

Racing license

Job description

Churchill Downs Incorporated's Fair Grounds Race Course is seeking an Assistant Starter to join the racing starting team. You will support the Head Starter, load horses into the starting gate, maintain equipment, and help ensure safe, fair starts for all races.

Applicants should be 21+, able to obtain a racing license from the Racing Commission, and preferably have one to two years as an assistant starter or relevant horse-handling experience in a fast-paced track environment.