Racing Steward

State of Iowa•Des Moines, IA

40d

About The Position

The successful candidate for the position is a motivated, organized, computer literate and detail-oriented individual who can make decisions based on rules and laws.

Requirements

Current Steward Accreditation
Must be able to work weekends, holidays and varying shifts
Must submit to background check and be able to obtain Iowa Racing and Gaming license
Self-motivated, quick learner
Navigate multiple priorities proficiently
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Google Suite of products
Knowledge of racing industry including racing rules & regulations, integrity of sport, and race day operations
Knowledge of HISA rules and regulations
The equivalent of two years of full-time experience which involved working directly with the pari-mutuel horse racing industry as a racing official, such as a placing judge, paddock judge, racing secretary, clerk of scales, steward, assistant steward, or other racing official that involved interpreting rules of horse racing and making judgments;
OR
the equivalent of five years of full-time experience in the pari-mutuel horse racing industry in a non-official capacity that still involved interpreting the rules of horse racing, such as jockey, trainer, owner or closely related occupation.
All applicants for this classification must be able to obtain and maintain in good standing an Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission Occupational License.
Employees in this position shall not: buy or sell any horse under their supervision; wager on a race under their supervision; be licensed to participate in racing in any other capacity; participate in wagering on any gambling games in any casino in the State of Iowa; and knowingly have a pecuniary, equitable, or other interest in or engage in a business or employment that would be a conflict of interest or interfere with the proper discharge of the duties of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (pursuant to 99D.5).
Upon offer of employment, applicants must pass an optical examination evidencing corrected 20/20 vision. Thereafter, evidence of such must be provided every 3 years at employee's cost.

Responsibilities

Preside over live racing and call the races.
Serve as a member of the Board of Stewards to review alleged violations.
Draft/issue rulings after hearing testimony and may levy fines/suspensions and/or make recommendations to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission or HISA for further action.
Observe the running of live races/replays on video tape and determines if all starting gates opened simultaneously, there was no interference of a horse and jockeys/horses put forth their best effort; may disqualify a horse and change the order of finish if a foul was committed; declares the race is official.
Monitor the pattern of wagering and may cancel wagering if irregularities are discovered.
If requested, work with veterinarians to ensure that required body fluid samples are being taken.
Enters/tracks all test results and follows up with lab or HISA as needed to make sure information is received and acted upon in a timely manner.
Follows up on positives, non-positives and suspicious results as required; notifies trainers/owners on positive tests and arranges and presides over a hearing.
Implement and interpret statutes, administrative rules, and operating procedures regarding horse racing in the State of Iowa. Participates in racing task force on collaboration of new rules.
Review occupational license background information, request additional information as needed and make licensing determinations
Write daily/weekly steward reports for Commission.
Investigate potential rule violations, safety concerns or other matters and prepare written reports if requested to do so