Starting Gate Crew

Caesars Entertainment•Shelbyville, TN

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Starting Gate Crew team members are responsible for the maintenance of the Starting Gate and the starting area, as well as safely getting horses (Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses) off. This involves schooling horses during morning training to help them become familiar with the Starting Gate process, which may include walking through the gate, standing inside it, and practicing a calm exit. Team members will handle difficult horses by providing specialized training to overcome fear or resistance. During morning schooling, detailed notes on each horse's behavior will be kept to assist the Starter in assigning appropriate team members to specific horses on race day. On race days, team members may stand on a narrow ledge next to the horse inside the Starting Gate to maintain its calm, balance, and forward focus. They will read each horse's temperament, manage its anxiety, and collaborate with other team members to ensure all horses are lined up for a simultaneous start. A team member will signal if a horse is not ready. Additionally, a team member is responsible for setting and adjusting post position numbers on the Starting Gate and raking the starting area. The role also includes testing and maintaining the automatic Starting Gate and adhering to all safety requirements.

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.

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”.
Handle 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 inside the Starting Gate on race days to keep it calm, balanced, and facing forward.
Read each horse’s temperament and manage its anxiety.
Work together with other team members to ensure all horses are lined up and ready for a simultaneous start.
Yell “no” to signal the Starter if a horse is not ready.
Set the correct post position numbers on the top of the Starting Gate [front and back] for each race and adjust 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.