Title: Racing Official
Employee Status: Regular Full Time
Work From Home Option: Not Applicable
FLSA Status: Exempt
Job Overview:
The Racing Official will be assigned daily tasks by the Racing Secretary based on daily business needs. In the morning, the Racing Official will take entries for each race card by computer, phone or in person. In the afternoon, the Racing Official works on a team that is responsible for additional functions, such as Placing, Claims, Paddock, assisting Stakes Coordination, or the Clerk of Scales.
Essential Functions:
The Racing Official will perform a variety of duties in the Racing Department. Among which include but are not limited to the following:
Entry Clerk: Receive instructions detailing the number and types of races to occur in upcoming weeks. Use condition book and available technology to work and fill race card with appropriate horses. Communicate with trainers via phone or in person regarding entries. Proof overnight and program proof to ensure relevant stakeholders and public receives correct information.
Placing: Stand directly above the finish line during live races and observe the race. Post the order of each race (first four horses) at the finish line on the tote board and entire order of horses as they finish. Post stewards’ inquiries on the result board and make race official upon approval of the stewards. Communicate order and status of each race with other racing affiliates showing NYRA races via simulcast.
Paddock: Supervise horses, riders, and all activity in the Paddock Area prior to each race. Make sure all people in the paddock are authorized to be there. Inspect equipment of horses and riders in the paddock area at racetrack before each race to determine that equipment meets racing specifications and is equipped as described in the racing program. Examine horse’s equipment and rider’s attire to assure compliance with racing specifications. During the race, take a position at one of various posts around the track to observe horses and riders as they pass the post. Notify the stewards of any foul riding or improper equipment
Jockey’s Room: Assist the Clerk of Scales in weighing jockeys prior to and after each race; Assist with scheduling and preparation for following day’s races.
Claims: Verify accuracy of information and communicate between all parties (stewards, bookkeeper’s office, and Clerk of Scales) during the processing of claims during a claiming race.
Stakes Coordinator: Assist the Stakes Coordinator by mailing stake books detailing upcoming race conditions to participants and monitoring the Stakes race calendar to provide support and attention to trainers/owners who may enter.
Ad Hoc Projects at the request of the Racing Secretary.
Qualifications:
- Education (minimum): College degree preferred, or equivalent experience
- Experience: Racing Official experience preferred, but not required.
- Other Requirements: Ability to work a racing schedule, including weekends and holidays and to be on site at all 3 racetracks: Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. Ability to be licensed as a Racing Official in the state of New York.
Knowledge Required:
- Good judgment and common sense;
- Knowledge of racing rules, protocol, and logistics;
- Familiarity with racetrack; i.e., conditions and measurements;
- Strong understanding of the various roles and responsibilities of all racing officials;
- Familiarity with racing terminology and conditions books;
- Strong attention to detail;
- Ability to work with a team and independently;
- Strong computer skills;
Summary of Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
This job requires the ability to work a racing schedule, including weekends and holidays and to be on site at all 3 racetracks: Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. The work environment may be in outside weather conditions or in locations such as the placing stand.
Pay Range / Salary: $80,000 - $85,000
Winning the Race at NYRA:
Value Each Other: You are united with your teammates in delivering the best experience to all of NYRA’s employees, vendors, guests and horsemen.
Achieve Excellence: You possess a lively and keen interest in what you do; and display excitement and eagerness in doing your job well. You are passionate about NYRA and your role here; and seek additional responsibilities and opportunities that support organizational goals and stretch personal capabilities.
Self-management: You prioritize plans and schedules effectively; and allocate resources to meet objectives by specified target dates. You value time and work effectively and efficiently; and are able to balance changing priorities. You display role-model behavior at all times, keeping in mind that what say and do reflects on our team and on NYRA.
Effective Communications: You get to the point quickly and succinctly and make complicated concepts clear to others. You are an exceptional listener, even in stressful situations, and display an acute sense of the right thing to say in various scenarios.
About Us:
With a lineage of nearly 150 years, The New York Racing Association (NYRA) serves as the cornerstone of New York State's thoroughbred industry at three major tracks (Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course). The industry contributes more than $3 billion annually to its urban, suburban, and rural economy. NYRA also offers a variety of exciting career opportunities – on and off the track. From Finance to Facilities, Turf to Technology, in all departments we are stewards of our sport. Join our talented team of professionals.
NYRA is committed to equal employment opportunity and to compliance with federal, state, and local anti - discrimination laws. NYRA values diversity and complies with New York State and New York City law, which prohibits discrimination and harassment against any employee, applicant for employment, or intern based on race, age, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, gender identity / expression and transgender status), national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including predisposing genetic characteristics), age (18-years-of-age & up), veteran status, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, caregiver status, partnership status, unemployment status, certain arrest or conviction records and domestic or sexual violence victim status. NYRA does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on an employee’s membership in one or more of these protected categories, an employee’s known relationship or association with a member of one or more of these protected categories, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
