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Horse Racing Official Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Starter - Seasonal

Hot Springs, AR · On-site

$11.50 - $14.75/hr

... to racing officials. • Presses button to open gate automatically when horses are correctly aligned. • May recommend removal of horse unfit to start race. • May schedule morning workouts for ...

Valet

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$11 - $14.25/hr

Racing Official Accreditation Program (ROAP) accreditation preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities : * Thorough knowledge of horse and rider's racing equipment and saddling for horses. * Ability to ...

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Horse Racing Official information

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$21

$28

$38

How much do horse racing official jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 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 a horse racing official?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a horse racing official?

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 challenges do horse racing officials face 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.

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.

More about Horse Racing Official jobs

What cities are hiring for Horse Racing Official jobs?

Cities with the most Horse Racing Official job openings:

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:

Infographic showing various Horse Racing Official job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,500 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

$11.50 - $14.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Thank you for your interest in becoming part of the Oaklawn Team. We have an extraordinary legacy. We are a family with strong core values, providing a new level of excitement for our guests and Team Members as we aspire to be Arkansas' Employer of Choice.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Determines entry sequence into the starting gate and gives directions to riders and other track personnel to get horses into position for horse races.
• Evaluates performance and training record and observes horse's behavior to determine entry sequence.
• Directs entry of horse and rider into starting gate according to planned sequence and stall number.
• Gives directions to track personnel to assist rider when horse refuses to enter starting gate.
• Reports undue starting delay to racing officials.
• Presses button to open gate automatically when horses are correctly aligned.
• May recommend removal of horse unfit to start race.
• May schedule morning workouts for horses requiring familiarization with starting gate procedures.
• Coordinates with the veterinarians and outriders to ensure the well-being of any horses that unexpectedly break through the gate early.
• Oversees the starting gate crew.
• Ability to work required overtime.
• Regular punctual attendance required.
• Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Must have excellent knowledge of equine behavior
• Able to anticipate potential problems from the behavioral signals of the horses
• Must work well with people
Education and Experience Requirements
• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Must have extensive experience working with horses (preferably through work at a race track)
Work Environment and Physical Demands
• Must be able to work independently.
• Must be able to sit, stand or walk for long periods of time (4 hours).
• Must be able to respond calmly and make rational decisions when handling employee conflicts.
• Must be able to maneuver throughout all areas of the property and from floor to floor either by stairways.
• Must be able to work varied shifts, weekends and holidays as needed.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.; and, have the ability to push, pull, reach, bend, twist, stoop and kneel.
• Ability to simultaneously manage several projects, and not be frustrated by changing priorities and unforeseen obstacles to achieving objectives.
• Must be able to tolerate areas containing dust, loud noises and bright lights.
It is Oaklawn's intent to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe and secure environment for our Team Members. All applicants must complete a pre-employment drug screen and background check.