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Horse Racing Official Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JACK Thistledown Racino LLC

Racing Steward

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$14.50 - $20/hr

Equivalent of two years of full-time experience which involved working directly with pari-mutuel horse racing industry as a racing official, such as a placing judge paddock judge, racing secretary ...

Jack Entertainment

Racing Steward

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$14.50 - $20/hr

Equivalent of two years of full-time experience which involved working directly with pari-mutuel horse racing industry as a racing official, such as a placing judge paddock judge, racing secretary ...

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Horse Racing Official information

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How much do horse racing official jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for horse racing official in the United States is $28.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $38.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Horse Racing Official vs Horse Racing Steward?

AspectHorse Racing OfficialHorse Racing Steward
CredentialsTypically requires racing licenses, certifications, and knowledge of racing rulesRequires similar licenses, often with additional regulatory or licensing authority
Work EnvironmentRace tracks, officiating races, ensuring rules are followedRace tracks, overseeing race integrity, making rulings and disciplinary decisions
Employer & Industry UsageRacing commissions, tracks, regulatory bodiesRacing commissions, regulatory agencies, race tracks
Common Search & ComparisonHorse Racing OfficialHorse Racing Steward

Horse Racing Officials and Horse Racing Stewards both play vital roles in ensuring fair and safe races. While officials oversee race procedures and enforce rules, stewards have the authority to make rulings on race incidents and disciplinary actions. Both roles require similar credentials and work within the racing industry, but stewards typically hold a higher authority in race regulation and decision-making.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Horse Racing Official, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Horse Racing Official, you need a deep understanding of horse racing rules, sharp observational skills, and typically a background in equine management or sports officiating. Familiarity with timing systems, race result software, and official documentation processes is essential. Integrity, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for making fair decisions and collaborating with jockeys, trainers, and other officials. These skills ensure the accuracy, fairness, and integrity of race outcomes, maintaining trust in the sport.

What are Horse Racing Officials?

Horse Racing Officials are professionals responsible for ensuring the fair and safe conduct of horse races. Their roles can include judges, stewards, starters, and clerks, who enforce rules, oversee race procedures, and resolve disputes. They help maintain integrity in the sport by monitoring for infractions, reviewing race footage, and making decisions on appeals or protests. Their presence is crucial to upholding the standards and reputation of horse racing events.

What are some common challenges faced by Horse Racing Officials during live race events?

Horse Racing Officials often encounter challenges such as making quick, accurate decisions under pressure, especially when reviewing close finishes or potential rule violations. They must maintain impartiality and communicate clearly with jockeys, trainers, and other stakeholders to ensure fair outcomes. Working in all weather conditions and managing the fast-paced environment of race days can also be demanding. Strong attention to detail and the ability to handle stressful situations are essential for success in this role.
More about Horse Racing Official jobs
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What states have the most Horse Racing Official jobs? States with the most job openings for Horse Racing Official jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Horse Racing Official jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Horse Racing Official jobs are:
Horse Racing Official jobs near you
Infographic showing various Horse Racing Official job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,500 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Racing Steward

JACK Thistledown Racino LLC

Cleveland, OH • On-site

$14.50 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Specific Duties:

  • Occupy the Steward’s stand to monitor all Live Races
  • Confer with State Steward and Associate Steward to investigate race infractions
  • Confer with Jockeys, Trainers, and Racing Officials during the course of an inquiry or objection
  • Make final determination of the official order of finish in a race
  • Determine consequence for all licensees for policy violations and racing infractions
  • Regulate the stable area to provide a safe and secure environment for all licensees and equines
  • Oversee the entry process
  • Select horses to be sent to the State Detention barn for post-race blood/urinalysis testing
  • Determine track conditions
  • Operate the “Stop Wagering” signal at the start of each race
  • Confer with Veterinary personnel regarding horses unfit to race
  • Write detailed reports and maintain sensitive records that comply with state racing commission policies and procedures
  • Make accurate and logical decisions based on interpretations of administrative rules
  • Identify irregularities in wagering patterns
  • Distinguish colors correctly
  • Resolve disputes between track management, patrons, owners, trainers, and jockeys
  • Display the highest standards of ethical conduct.
  • Exhibits honesty and integrity
  • Displays highest level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Works with minimal supervision. Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.
  • Responds appropriately to supervision. Makes an effort to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors.
  • Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit.
  • Expresses information to individuals and groups effectively, taking into account audience and nature of the information. Listens to others and responds accordingly.
  • Enforce all Rules & Regulations related to HISA & the Ohio State Racing Commission

Confidentiality Requirements:

The Associate Steward handles, safeguards, and maintains records and documents that are often sensitive in nature and thus is required to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Qualifications:

  • Thistledown Racino requires accreditation from the Racing Officials Accreditation Program in association with the Universities of Arizona and Louisville
  • Equivalent of two years of full-time experience which involved working directly with pari-mutuel horse racing industry as a racing official, such as a placing judge paddock judge, racing secretary, clerk of scales steward, asst. steward, or other racing official that involved interpreting the rules of horse racing and making judgments OR the equivalent of five years of full-time experience in the pari-mutuel horse racing industry in a non-official capacity that still involved interpreting the rules of horse racing, such as a jockey, trainer, owner, and closely related occupation
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain in good standing an Ohio Racing Commission occupational license
  • Experience as a racing official is required
  • Must have knowledge of applicable Ohio Revised Code and Administrative Rules regarding horse racing
  • Computer skills with Microsoft Office and InCompass RTO system are required
  • Ohio State Racing Commission license and fingerprinting are required
  • Strong analysis and organizational skills are required
  • Excellent communication, both written and verbal, are required
  • Ability to work successfully with a variety of personality styles, ability to be flexible and perform various functions necessary for the success of the department
  • Knowledge of horse racing operation including but not limited to: pari-mutuel wagering, security procedures, medication used in racehorses, mutuel department operation, the roles of owners, trainers, and jockeys