Assistant Starter (Summer 2026)

Churchill Downs Incorporated

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Colonial Downs Group (CDG) is owned and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated and consists of several different brands across Virginia: Colonial Downs Racetrack, Rosie’s Gaming Emporium, Rosie’s Game Room, and Virginia Horseplay. CDG is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We’re always learning, evolving, and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision. Assistant Starters are responsible for assisting with the safe and efficient loading of racehorses into the starting gate and supporting starting gate operations during training and live race days. This is a seasonal position for the summer race meet at Colonial Downs.

Requirements

Knowledge of Thoroughbred horses and horse behavior.
Ability to work calmly and professionally with anxious or untrained horses.
Strong situational awareness and ability to react quickly in a dynamic environment.
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions and communicate effectively in one-on-one situations.
Basic math skills, including the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with Company policies and state regulations.
Must be available to work all live race days at Colonial Downs.
Must obtain and maintain a valid Virginia Racing Commission racing license.

Nice To Haves

One to two years of prior experience working with Thoroughbred horses preferred.

Responsibilities

Safely loads racehorses into the starting gate during training and live race events.
Works directly with trainers to assist horses with entering and breaking from the starting gate.
Operates in a fast-paced environment inside a tight, confined metal structure.
Maintains a log of all horses that come to the starting gate during training hours.
Reports any issues or concerns regarding horses or starting gate operations to the Racing Secretary.
Assists with routine maintenance and upkeep of the starting gate.
Keeps supervisor informed of relevant activities, concerns, or incidents.
Resolves problems within the scope of authority and escalates issues beyond that scope to the supervisor.
Attends required training sessions and follows all job-related instructions.
Performs other related duties as assigned.