Clocker/Placing Judge

The New York Racing Association; Elmont (NY); On-site; USD 66,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) is seeking a Clocker/Placing Judge to support both morning clocking and afternoon race placing operations. This regular full-time role aligns with live racing schedules at NYRA tracks in New York.

The position requires eyes for detail, strong communications with trainers and stewards, and the ability to operate timing and photo finish equipment in variable conditions. Early mornings and weekends are required.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years working at the racetrack in training horses, as a gap attendant, or racing official.
• Ability to obtain licensing as required by the New York State Gaming Commission
• High school diploma or equivalent

Responsibilities

• Record workout times as instructed by trainers and NYSGC rules.
• Follow NYRA procedures for timing of racehorses.
• Maintain a list of unresolved workouts for horses not properly reported to clockers.
• Verify workouts against official reports, including trainer information.
• Note track conditions, weather, and factors impacting training.
• Log all workout data in Equibase per NYSGC/NYRA rules.
• Relay concerns to the stewards.
• Fill in for regular tab writer when needed.
• Assist with placing horses during races using standard procedures.
• Use photo finish technology to report the correct order of finish.

Skills

Stopwatch timing

Multitasking

Communication

Judgment

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

NYSGC license eligibility

Tools

Photo finish equipment

Timing equipment

Job description

Job Overview

This position is vital to racing department operations as it encompasses responsibilities with both daily training and racing functions. The preferred candidate will be able to work as a clocker in the morning while serving as a placing judge in the afternoon.

Title:

Clocker/Placing Judge

Employee Status:

Regular Full Time

Work From Home Option:

Not Applicable

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Job Overview

This position is vital to racing department operations as it encompasses responsibilities with both daily training and racing functions. The preferred candidate will be able to work as a clocker in the morning while serving as a placing judge in the afternoon.

Essential Functions

• Communicate information given by trainers or gap attendants to accurately record workout times as required by New York State Gaming Commission rules
• Follow NYRA standard operating procedures for timing of racehorses
• Maintains a list of unresolved workouts for horses that are not identified or properly reported to clockers
• Verify workouts against the official workout report, including trainer information
• Note track condition, weather, and any factors that may impact training
• Log all workout data in accordance to NYSGC and NYRA rules and regulations in Equibase for official publishing
• Relay concerns and unresolved or unauthorized workouts to the stewards
• Become familiar with the tab writing process to fill in for regular tab writer
• Follow NYRA standard operating procedures for the placing of horses during the races
• Utilize photo finish technology to report the correct order of finish and communicate with stewards and the general public using placing software
• Ensure that starting gate and turf rail settings are correct as printed in the track program
• Communicate any concerns seen with stewards

Qualifications

• 3-5 years working at the racetrack in the training of horses, as a gap attendant, or racing official
• Ability to get licensed as required by the New York State Gaming Commission
• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of racing surfaces, gaps, poles, and racing jargon
• Ability to multitask and follow horses during training activities
• Ability to identify saddle towels, markings, and colors of horses to determine the correct horses are being timed
• Communicate with trainers, other clockers, gap attendants, and other personnel to communicate any concerns that occur on the racetrack
• Ability to communicate any high risk situations are could arise during the training of racehorses
• Using identifying markers of silks, caps, or horse colors to identify order of finish
• Communicating information regarding order of finish, fouls, or inquiries, with stewards or other racing officials via phone

Skills Proficiency

• Ability to use a stopwatch and record times and trainers of horses that worked accurately
• Multitasking and organization
• Communicate using various media (phone, text, radio, computer)
• Using sound judgement at all times

Summary Of Physical Requirements And Work Environment

This position requires standing, walking, and remaining outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions while observing training and racing activities. The role requires visual acuity to identify horses, silks, saddle towels, and race positions, as well as manual dexterity to operate stopwatches, computers, radios, telephones, and photo finish equipment. Availability to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and other schedules associated with live racing and training operations is required.

Pay Range / Salary:

$66,300-$82,000