Head Starter

General Definition:

• Responsible for the integrity of the start of each race, making sure there is a fair start for all horses. 

Essential Job Functions:       

• Oversees gate operations during both training hours and live racing.
• Ensures horses are safely and efficiently loaded into the starting gate
• Starts each race once all entrants are safely loaded and standing attentively.
• Supervise gate schooling during the morning training hours and issue gate cards.
• Create a safe work environment by recommending and implementing safety measures.
• Evaluate standard protocols and make recommendations on how particular horses should load.
• Ensure accurate entry of notes into InCompass where pertinent details about horse’s gate behavior is stored.
• Review InCompass in advance to stay up to date on entrants who may exhibit difficult loading behavior or require special handling.
• Interact with racetrack personnel including but not limited to: Veterinarians, Trainers, Jockeys, Exercise Riders and track management.
• Supervise the Assistant Starters.
• Must carry out all duties as assigned.

Education:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and 7 years related experience and/or training; or combination.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Thoroughbred horses.
• Ability to handle horses weighing in excess of 900 pounds.
• Preferably one to two years of prior experience as an Asst. Starter.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
• Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Training:

• 7 year work related experience and/or training; or combination.

Licenses/Certifications/Other: 

• Must be able to pass a background check and receive a license or permit from any Regulatory Agency, if applicable to perform the essential job functions
• Texas Racing Commission License (TXRC)

Physical Requirements: 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Strength:
  • Medium to Heavy workload
  • Stand, sit and walk consistently
  • Will be required to lift up to or over 20lbs or exert occasionally over 100lbs
• Movement:
  • Will consistently be required to touch, feel, stoop, bend, kneel, climb, reach
  • Will use office equipment
  • Driving motor vehicles as needed
• Auditory:
  • Frequently speak and articulate
  • Noise levels will be varied from moderate to heavy machinery
• Environmental:
  • Exposure to weather and extreme elements
  • Minimal exposure in close proximity to horses