Starting Gate Crew

Essential Duties and 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, which helps the Starter assign team members to specific horses on race day.
• Stand on a narrow ledge next to the horse during race days to keep it calm, balanced, and facing forward for the start of the race.
• Read each horse’s temperament and manage its anxiety.
• Work with other team members to ensure all horses are lined up and ready for a simultaneous start.
• Yell “no” if the Starter is not ready yet.
• Set the correct post position numbers on the top of the Starting Gate for each race and adjust them if there is a late scratch.
• Rake the area where the Starting Gate is located for the races.
• Test and maintain the automatic Starting Gate.

Qualifications

• A High School Diploma or GED; College experience preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience in the racetrack industry at a management level.
• Excellent verbal, mathematical, interpersonal, communication, and writing skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems, offer recommendations, 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.

Required Personal Competencies

• Maintains a professional work environment with management, team members, and all other individuals encountered during each shift.
• Gracious to all guests and team members.
• Promotes a positive influence in the community and participates in company-sponsored events.
• Supports, promotes, and demonstrates superior customer service in accordance with department and company standards and programs.
• Ensures that behavior and appearance follow established standards.
• Clocks in and out as required for each shift worked.

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, stooping, bending, reaching, climbing steps, and sitting.
• May be required to lift approximately fifty [50] pounds.

Work Environment

• Smoking establishment.
• Highly populated, fast-paced, and noisy environment.
• Subject to cold and/or hot temperatures, rain, wind, sun, dust, animals, insects, etc.