Paddock Judge & Racing Operations Lead

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

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.