Assistant Starter

GLOBAL GAMING SOLUTIONS LLC•Oklahoma City, OK

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Primary responsibility is to ensure all participants have an equal opportunity to a fair start in the race. Daily maintenance of the starting gate, making sure the starting gate electrical/mechanical systems are in good working order, assuring the starting cord is plugged in and routed to the starter stand, repeating these activities as necessary. During the running of the races, stay in constant two-way radio communications with the Stewards, Outriders, Paddock Judge, Track Maintenance and Track Veterinarian. Testing of the starting gate before the first race to make sure it is in proper working order and is subject to testing before each race. Shall be assigned to specific horses based on the order prescribed by the Stewards prior to the first race unless the Head Starter determines safety dictates a change. Assist in loading of the horses in a race, the type of equipment utilized to try to ensure a safe load and fair start (lead shank, flipping halter, pads, blanket, etc.). Raise their arms and hands in the air above their heads immediately after the opening of the starting gate. Assist with the schooling and gate works of horses during training hours. May drive starter gate truck and be expected to maintain the starter gate truck and starter gate are in/remain in good working order. Provides daily assistance to the Starter for operational needs. Set numbers on top of the starting gate, making sure that the number on the stall matches the number assigned to the horse being loaded into the gate. Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Completion of high school diploma or GED.
Previous skills handling horses, preferably in a racing environment.
Good balance and excellent reflexes.
Ability to handle horses weighing in excess of 900 pounds.
Operational knowledge of horse racing and starting gate knowledge.
Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure.
Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
Ability to understand and follow instructions.
Ability to work a flexible and irregular schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays.
3-6 months of experience with horses and/or horse racing track experience is required.
Must be able to pass a background check and receive a license or permit from any Regulatory Agency if applicable.
Must be able to complete a pre-employment drug test with a negative result.
Ability to obtain a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Starting Gate experience on a horse racing track is preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensure all participants have an equal opportunity to a fair start in the race.
Perform daily maintenance of the starting gate, ensuring electrical/mechanical systems are in good working order.
Assure the starting cord is plugged in and routed to the starter stand.
Stay in constant two-way radio communication with Stewards, Outriders, Paddock Judge, Track Maintenance, and Track Veterinarian during races.
Test the starting gate before the first race and before each subsequent race to ensure proper working order.
Be assigned to specific horses based on the order prescribed by the Stewards.
Assist in loading horses into the starting gate, utilizing equipment such as lead shanks and flipping halters to ensure a safe and fair start.
Raise arms and hands in the air immediately after the opening of the starting gate.
Assist with the schooling and gate works of horses during training hours.
Drive the starter gate truck and maintain the truck and gate in good working order.
Provide daily assistance to the Starter for operational needs.
Set numbers on top of the starting gate, matching stall numbers to assigned horses.
Perform all other duties as assigned.