Paddock Judge

New York Racing Association; Elmont, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

New York Racing Association is seeking a Paddock Judge to support daily racing operations. You will ensure paddock processes run smoothly, monitor equipment, and communicate with stewards to maintain safety and compliance across the track.

The role requires extensive horsemanship, state-of-the-art record keeping, and the ability to step in for other racing officials as needed, while enforcing NYRA rules and race-day procedures.

Qualifications

• 10 years of hands-on horse experience, preferably on the racetrack.
• 2 years of experience working as a racing official.
• High school education required; college degree in an Equine Related Field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily paddock operations and ensure races run on time according to post times.
• Verify horses run in legal equipment and per the daily program.
• Communicate race day changes to stewards and officials.
• Oversee paddock schooling in the morning and afternoon.
• Coordinate with stewards about incidents or delays and enforce rules.
• Enforce NYRA house rules, HISA and NYSGC rules for paddock operations.
• Work with security to ensure paddock access plans are followed.
• Maintain a safe environment for licensees, horses and spectators.
• Assist in horse identification office and the jockeys room as needed.
• Fill in for other racing officials as needed; keep accurate records.

Skills

Horsemanship

Communication

Fractious horses

Record keeping

Saddle horses

Education

High school diploma

College degree in Equine Related Field

Tools

RTO for records keeping

Jockey Club Registry familiarity

Job description

Title

Paddock Judge

Employee Status

Regular Full Time

Work From Home Option

Not Applicable

FLSA Status

Exempt

Job Overview

Assist NYRA in delivering seamless and smooth daily racing operations by acting as Paddock Judge and assisting with other racing operations as needed.

Essential Functions

Daily paddock operations and ensure races are ran on time within the set forth post times; ensure horses are running in legal equipment and the correct equipment as published in the daily program; communicate race day changes to stewards; oversee paddock schooling in the morning and afternoon; communicate with stewards and other racing officials about any incidents or delays that may occur; enforce NYRA house rules, HISA and NYSGC rules as they pertain to paddock operations; work with security personnel to ensure paddock access plans are being followed and are up to date; ensure a safe environment for licensees, horses and spectators in the paddock; assist in the horse identification office as needed; assist in the jocks room as needed; fill in for other racing officials as needed; keep accurate records for equipment worn by horses and records of horses who are fractious during saddling or post parade

Qualifications

Qualifications and Education Requirements: 10 years of hands-on horse experience preferably on the racetrack; 2 years of experience working as a racing official; High school education required, College Degree in an Equine Related Field preferred.

Preferred Skills: High degree of horsemanship; superior communication skills; the ability to identify fractious horses and know how to alleviate the situation; the ability to saddle a horse prior to races; ability to utilize RTO for records keeping, program creation and entering coggins; ability to send digital certificates with the Jockey Club Registry as needed; be detailed oriented; ability to make split second decisions; general understanding of the jockey scale system and jocks room processes.

Summary of Physical Requirements and Work Environment

This role will require intermittent movement throughout the day and will occasionally be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The incumbent must be able to list 10-30 pounds.

Pay Range / Salary

$66,300.00 - $82,000.00