Starting Gate Crew

Caesars Entertainment•Shelbyville, IN

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Starting Gate Crew team members are responsible for the maintenance of the Starting Gate, the starting area, and ensuring horses (Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses) are released safely. This role involves schooling horses during morning training to familiarize them with the starting gate process, handling difficult horses by providing specialized training, and keeping detailed notes on each horse's behavior. On race days, team members may stand on a narrow ledge next to the horse to maintain its calm, balance, and forward orientation. They collaborate with other team members to ensure all horses are lined up for a simultaneous start, communicate readiness to the Starter, and are responsible for setting and adjusting post position numbers on the Starting Gate. The role also includes raking the starting gate area and testing/maintaining the automatic Starting Gate. Adherence to all safety requirements is mandatory, along with performing other duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

A High School Diploma or GED
At least 1 year of experience in racetrack industry at a management level.
Excellent verbal, mathematics, interpersonal, communication and writing skills.
Ability to troubleshoot problems, offer recommendations, decision making, ability to make quick accurate decisions independently.
Extensive equine knowledge, types of racing and all racing industry requirements.
Must be at least 21 years of age or older
Must be able to obtain an Indiana Horse Racing Commission License.
Maintains a professional work environment with management, team members, and all other individuals encountered during each shift.
Responsible for being gracious to all guests and team members.
Responsible for promoting a positive influence in the community and participating in company-sponsored events.
Enthusiastically supports, actively promotes, and demonstrates superior customer service in accordance with department and company standards and programs.
Ensures that behavior and appearance are following established standards.
Responsible for clocking in and out as required for each shift worked.

Nice To Haves

College experience preferred.

Responsibilities

School horses during morning training to assist young or inexperienced horses get familiar with the process of “Gate Training”.
Handling difficult horses by providing specialized training to assist the horses in overcoming their fear or resistance.
Keep detailed notes about each horse’s behavior during morning schooling.
Stand on a narrow ledge next to the horse to keep it calm, balanced, and facing forward for the start of the race.
Read each horse’s temperament and manage its anxiety.
Work together with other team members to ensure all horses and lined up and ready for a simultaneous start.
Yell “no” so the Starter will know they are not ready yet.
Set the correct post position numbers on the top of the Starting Gate [front and back] for each race and adjusting them if there is a late scratch.
Rake area where the Starting Gate is located for the races.
Test and maintain automatic Starting Gate.
Abide by all safety requirements as outlined in the Safety Manual or as required by individual departments and/or job functions.
Other duties as assigned by management.