Starting Gate Crew
About The Position
Starting Gate Crew team members are responsible for the maintenance of the Starting Gate, the starting area as well as getting horses [Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses] off safely by performing the following duties: School horses during morning training to assist young or inexperienced hoses get familiar with the process of “Gate Training”. This can involve walking the horse through the open Starting Gate, standing quietly inside the Starting Gate, and practicing a calm exit. Handling difficult horses by providing specialized training to assist the horses in overcoming their fear or resistance. During morning schooling, the Starting Gate Crew team members will keep detailed notes about each horse’s behavior. This information is used to help the Starter assign team members to specific horses on race day, ensuring the right temperament and skill set for each horse. Once inside the Starting Gate on race days, the team member may 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. Will work together with other team members to ensure all horses and lined up and ready for a simultaneous start. A team member will yell “no” so the Starter will know they are not ready yet. A team member will be responsible for setting 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. Will 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.
Requirements
- A High School Diploma or GED; College experience preferred.
- 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 and be able to obtain an Indiana Horse Racing Commission License.
Nice To Haves
- College experience
Responsibilities
- Maintenance of the Starting Gate and starting area
- Safely getting horses (Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses) off
- Schooling horses during morning training to familiarize them with gate training
- Handling difficult horses with specialized training
- Keeping detailed notes on horse behavior during morning schooling
- Managing horse anxiety inside the Starting Gate on race days
- Ensuring all horses are lined up for a simultaneous start
- Setting post position numbers on the Starting Gate
- Raking the Starting Gate area
- Testing and maintaining the automatic Starting Gate
- Abiding by all safety requirements
- Other duties as assigned by management
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
