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Horse Racing Veterinarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$200K/yr

Saratoga Springs offers a mix of attractions including the summer-time tradition of horse racing ... Our Emergency Veterinarians can earn up to or over $200,000 annually! You will be also be eligible ...

SECURITY OFFICER TRACK

Shelbyville, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

... Horse Racing Commission. Responsibilities * Alcohol Testing - testing of all drivers, judges ... Veterinarian Escort - observe and escort all Veterinarians administering treatment to the animals.

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Horse Racing Veterinarian information

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$49.5K

$165.5K

$294K

How much do horse racing veterinarian jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for horse racing veterinarian in the United States is $165,527.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,000.00 and $218,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a Kentucky Derby vet make?

A horse racing veterinarian working at major events like the Kentucky Derby can earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, responsibilities, and the employer. These vets often work long hours during race events and require specialized knowledge of equine health and injury management.

How much do horse vet techs get paid?

Horse veterinary technicians typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certification level. They assist veterinarians with patient care, diagnostics, and treatments in equine clinics or farms.

What does a typical day look like for a Horse Racing Veterinarian?

A typical day for a Horse Racing Veterinarian often involves conducting pre-race and post-race exams, monitoring horses’ fitness and health, diagnosing and treating injuries, and consulting with trainers and owners about care strategies. You may also be responsible for administering medications, overseeing rehabilitation protocols, and ensuring compliance with all racing regulations. Collaboration with farriers, vet techs, and other equine specialists is common, especially when preparing horses for competition or assessing injury risk. The fast-paced nature of racetrack environments means veterinarians must be adaptable and ready to respond quickly to emergencies or changing schedules.

How much do racetrack vets make?

Racetrack veterinarians typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the racing operation. They often work long hours, including weekends and holidays, and may receive additional compensation or benefits based on their expertise and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Horse Racing Veterinarian position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Horse Racing Veterinarian, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, state licensure, and specialized experience in equine medicine, particularly with performance horses. Expertise with digital radiography, endoscopy, ultrasound, and familiarity with racehorse-specific health regulations and drug testing protocols is essential. Strong observational skills, clear communication, quick decision-making, and the ability to work calmly under pressure are important soft skills. These qualities are crucial for ensuring the health and safety of racehorses, maintaining regulatory compliance, and working effectively in high-stakes, fast-paced racing environments.

What is a Horse Racing Veterinarian job?

A Horse Racing Veterinarian is a specialized veterinarian who focuses on the health and well-being of racehorses. They perform routine check-ups, diagnose and treat injuries, and ensure that horses are in peak condition for competition. They also work closely with trainers, owners, and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with racing regulations. Their job may involve on-track emergency care, pre-race examinations, and post-race assessments to ensure horse welfare and integrity in the sport.

How to become a racehorse vet?

To become a racehorse veterinarian, one must complete a bachelor's degree, typically in animal science or a related field, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary college. After obtaining licensure, gaining experience in equine medicine and surgery is essential, often through internships or residencies specializing in equine practice, and obtaining certifications in equine or sports medicine can enhance career prospects.
More about Horse Racing Veterinarian jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Horse Racing Veterinarian jobs? The most popular types of Horse Racing Veterinarian jobs are:
Infographic showing various Horse Racing Veterinarian job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,527 per year, or $79.6 per hour.
Seasonal Racing Steward - Part Time (Day Shift)

Seasonal Racing Steward - Part Time (Day Shift)

Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort

Hot Springs, AR • On-site

$12.25 - $16.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 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.
We are currently seeking a talented individual to become a Racing Steward. An individual could be successful if they possess the following.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Racing Stewards oversee race meetings and enforce the rules of racing that are applicable in their home jurisdiction. Coordinates and directs racing activities at the racetrack.
  • Confers with track management and studies prior racing and attendance records to plan types of races to schedule.
  • Assigns workers to duties, such as inspecting entrants, starting and judging races to comply with racing commission regulations
  • Observes workers performing duties to ensure compliance with commission rules and track policy
  • Approves or disapproves requests of handlers to change equipment on horses
  • Confers with veterinary personnel regarding horses unfit to race
  • Writes reports to comply with state racing commission rules, such as recording and reporting all complaints, actions taken and penalties imposed
  • Ability to work required overtime
  • Regular punctual attendance required
  • Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • The equivalent of two years of full-time experience which involved working directly with the pari-mutuel horse racing industry as a racing official, such as a placing judge, paddock judge, racing secretary, clerk of scales, steward, assistant steward, or other racing official that involved interpreting 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 jockey, trainer, owner or closely related occupation.
  • Applicant must be accredited through the Racing Officials Accreditation Program as a Racing Official or Steward, meet the experience and continuing education requirements of the program, and be in good standing with all racing jurisdictions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job may or may not have supervisory responsibilities.
  • Manages work procedures and expedites workflow.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents in English, such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to read and communicate verbally in English. Written communication skills in in English may also be required.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Employee must be able to qualify for licenses and permits required by federal, state and local regulations.
OAKLAWN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
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.