Racing Official

Job Overview

The Racing Official performs a variety of tasks including assisting with filling races as an Entry Clerk; Claims Clerk; Placing Judge; Stakes Coordinator/Assistant; and assisting with the draw process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists Racing Secretary with formulating the types of races that are run on each race day which will ideally produce competitive racing with a good field size.
• Works to fill race cards by communicating with trainers via phone, text, email, and in person; Uses strategy to solicit quality entries form trainers.
• Makes accurate recording of entries, assuring all details are correct.
• Reviews records of horses to analyze and determine eligibility for races.
• Relays claims information according to operating procedures in a timely and accurate manner.
• May work as Placement Judge which includes verifying results using authorized protocol, posting official race results onto Tote board; In the situation of a photo finish or objection, receives the official decision from the Stewards, posts the order of finish, and communicates with Mutuels and Track Announcer.
• May handle the Entry-Draw process: Enter info into database using Incompass system; participate in the actual draw; verify accuracy of daily information; distribute information to necessary individuals, organizations and departments.
• Establishes and maintains appropriate professional relationships with horse owners, trainers, regulatory agencies, racing industry leaders and other racing officials.
• Assures accuracy of racing records under his/her control and utilizes integrity in all actions.
• Assists in verifying accuracy of Overnight, Condition Book, and Programs.
• Enhances the relationship between the horse trainers, employees, and management by identifying any issues or concerns and supporting a cooperative environment that is safe for all humans and animals.

Qualifications 

• Minimum 3 years as a racing official or steward, or equal time industry experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in making sound and valid decisions in high pressure situations.
• Must be able to work effectively with peers, staff members, and regulatory agency personnel.
• Moderate computer skills; Prefer effective working knowledge of Microsoft Office Products.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English is required.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred but not required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus, including using binoculars to see objects at a distance; or decipher minute differences between objects.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to risks associated with travel between buildings and back and forth to other areas as may be required due to business demands. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes, airborne particles, and agricultural/horse debris. The noise level in the work environment varies from light to moderate.

Licenses, Certifications, Registration: Requires a Professional Florida PMW Occupational License.