Assistant Starter

Churchill Downs Incorporated•Henderson, KY

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Ellis Park offers live thoroughbred horse racing during the summer season, with simulcast wagering 365 days a year, 300 HHR machines, exciting promotions, convenient sports betting, The Pea Patch Deli, Dade Park Grill and more. The Assistant Starter reports to the Starter and is responsible for providing safety to the horses and riders as they approach the starting gates and ensuring a fair race start for the public.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED preferred.
Must be familiar with horses.
Must have experience working on starting gates.
Ability to hear, see, speak, reach, handle, climb, balance, stand, walk, run and sit 50%-75% of the time.
Ability to push/pull, carry, lift 200lbs. with the assistance from other starters 51-100% of the time.
Able to handle violent horses in some situations.
Consistent physical contact with horses and their riders.
Ability to solve problems, organize, plan, make decisions, interpret data, read and write the majority of the time.

Responsibilities

Lead horses and riders to the starting gate prior to start of races.
Maintain records (book man) on horse’s reactions when loading into starting gates.
Load horses into gates.
Maintain records (book man) as to which starter loads which horses.
Change numbers accordingly at starting gates.
Train horses to break out of gate properly.
Rake track in front of horses to insure a proper start.
Protect the interests of the betting public.
Provides maintains on starting gate.
Moves starting gate into proper position.