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Horse Racing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Churchill Downs Incorporated

Line Cook

Dumfries, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

... Horse Racing machines, and over 80 acres of green space. The Rose Gaming Resort generates an estimated $35.5 million in annual tax revenues and employs more than 500 team members. JOB SUMMARY Line ...

The Rose Gaming Resort

Line Cook

Dumfries, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

... Horse Racing machines, and over 80 acres of green space. The Rose Gaming Resort generates an estimated $35.5 million in annual tax revenues and employs more than 500 team members. JOB SUMMARY Line ...

The Rose Gaming Resort

Gaming Technician

Dumfries, VA · On-site

... Horse Racing machines, and over 80 acres of green space. The Rose Gaming Resort generates an estimated $35.5 million in annual tax revenues and employs more than 500 team members. JOB SUMMARY The ...

Rosie's Game Room

Game Room Attendant

Collinsville, VA · On-site

JOB SUMMARY Responsible for servicing and building relationships with guests by paying hand-pay jackpots, exchanging currency, and performing minor repairs on historical horse racing (HHR) machines.

Churchill Downs Incorporated

Line Cook

Dumfries, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

... Horse Racing machines, and over 80 acres of green space. The Rose Gaming Resort generates an estimated $35.5 million in annual tax revenues and employs more than 500 team members. JOB SUMMARY Line ...

Churchill Downs Incorporated

Line Cook

Dumfries, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

... Horse Racing machines, and over 80 acres of green space. The Rose Gaming Resort generates an estimated $35.5 million in annual tax revenues and employs more than 500 team members. JOB SUMMARY Line ...

The Rose Gaming Resort

Prep Cook (Part Time)

Dumfries, VA · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

... Horse Racing machines, and over 80 acres of green space. The Rose Gaming Resort generates an estimated $35.5 million in annual tax revenues and employs more than 500 team members. JOB SUMMARY The ...

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Horse Racing information

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$7

$15

$22

How much do horse racing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for horse racing in Virginia is $15.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.16 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How Can I Get a Horse Racing Job?

The qualifications for each position in the horse racing industry vary greatly. You should have prior experience for the job for which you are applying. Racetrack security personnel, for instance, should have previous security positions on their resume. Administrative positions often require a bachelor’s degree in business, while veterinarians need their doctorate and any necessary licenses or certifications. Trainers work as assistants before taking on this role and pursuing their professional licensure. Jockeys must meet strict weight and height requirements, display racing skills, and possess a jockey’s license. Look at online job board listings to gain a better understanding of what your desired position requires.

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

To thrive as a Horse Racing Jockey, you need expert riding ability, a deep understanding of horse behavior, and often completion of apprentice programs or licensing requirements. Familiarity with racing equipment, weight management practices, and race-day protocols is essential. Strong soft skills like quick decision-making, resilience, and excellent communication with trainers and owners set top jockeys apart. These skills are critical for ensuring safety, achieving peak performance, and building successful partnerships in a competitive racing environment.

What are horse racing jobs?

Horse racing jobs encompass a variety of roles involved in the breeding, training, care, and racing of horses. Common positions include jockeys, trainers, grooms, exercise riders, stewards, and racecourse staff. These professionals work together to ensure horses are healthy, well-prepared, and able to compete safely and successfully. Horse racing jobs can be physically demanding and often require early mornings and weekend work. Many roles require specialized knowledge of horses and a passion for the sport.

What is the most paid equine job?

The most highly paid equine job is typically that of a top-level racehorse trainer or a successful thoroughbred trainer, especially those who own or manage prestigious stables. These professionals can earn significant income through training fees, race winnings, and ownership stakes, with top trainers earning millions annually. Experience, reputation, and success in major races influence earning potential in this field.

How much does a horse racer get paid?

Horse racers, also known as jockeys, typically earn a base salary plus a percentage of race winnings, with top jockeys earning hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Many earn around $50,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on experience, success, and the number of races they participate in. Additional income may come from endorsements and sponsorships, but earnings vary widely based on skill and reputation.

What is the difference between Horse Racing vs Jockey?

AspectHorse RacingJockey
Required CredentialsNone mandatory, but racing licenses may be neededRacing license, riding certifications
Work EnvironmentRacecourses, stables, outdoor tracksRacecourses, training facilities, outdoor tracks
Employer & Industry UsageRacing organizations, tracks, stablesRacing teams, trainers, stables
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding racing activities, eventsRiding skills, race participation

Horse Racing involves organizing and managing racing events, while a Jockey is a professional rider who participates in races. Horse Racing covers the broader industry, including event management and track operations, whereas Jockeys focus on riding and competing in races. Both roles are integral to the racing industry but differ in responsibilities and credentials.

What are the different types of horse racing jobs?

Horse racing jobs include roles such as jockeys, trainers, grooms, stable hands, track officials, and race organizers. These positions require specific skills, knowledge of racing rules, and often physical fitness or certifications. Each role contributes to the operation and success of horse racing events.

What are common challenges faced by professionals working in the horse racing industry?

Professionals in the horse racing industry often face challenges such as early morning hours, physically demanding work, and the need to quickly respond to the unpredictable nature of working with horses. The fast-paced environment requires strong teamwork between trainers, jockeys, grooms, and veterinarians to ensure horse welfare and race readiness. Additionally, maintaining compliance with safety and regulatory standards is crucial, and adapting to frequent schedule changes is a common part of the job.

What are careers that work with horses?

Careers that work with horses include roles such as equine veterinarian, horse trainer, riding instructor, stable manager, farrier, and groom. These jobs often require knowledge of horse care, riding skills, and sometimes certifications or licenses, depending on the specific role and responsibilities.
More about Horse Racing jobs
What are popular job titles related to Horse Racing jobs in Virginia? For Horse Racing jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Horse Racing jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Horse Racing jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Horse Racing jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Horse Racing job openings:
Horse Racing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Horse Racing job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,995 per year, or $15.9 per hour.
Turf Maintenance (Summer 2026)

Turf Maintenance (Summer 2026)

Churchill Downs Incorporated

New Kent, VA

Other

Posted yesterday

Job description

Colonial Downs Group (CDG) is owned and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated and consists of several different brands across Virginia: Colonial Downs Racetrack, Rosie's Gaming Emporium, Rosie's Game Room, and Virginia Horseplay. CDG is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We're always learning, evolving, and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision.

JOB SUMMARY

Turf Maintenance team members maintain and repair the racetrack's surfaces, surrounding facilities and physical structures by performing various duties from cleaning, weed removal and area beautification to assisting in the execution of live horse racing operations as well as other duties as assigned, to provide guests with a world-class racing experience. This is a seasonal position for the Summer 2026 at Colonial Downs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Provides next-level guest service to internal and external guests. Demonstrates #AddLife culture in all interactions with guests and co-workers.
  • Responsible for fostering an environment of support and motivation for Team Members.
  • Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information in accordance with established procedures with company policy and state regulations.
  • Maintenance responsibilities may include raking, mowing, stall mucking, string trimming, garbage removal and general maintenance of the infield, track and barn areas.
  • Resolves problems that are within the position's scope of authority and recommends courses of action to resolve problems that are beyond the scope of authority to the position's supervisor.
  • Keeps position supervisor informed of relevant activities.
  • Other duties as assigned.

#colonialdownsracetrack

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Requires the ability to operate a variety of handheld machinery.
  • Availability to work the entire race meet at Colonial Downs (June 25th through September 7th) strongly preferred.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Virginia Racing Commission (VRC) racing license.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Prior maintenance or groundskeeping experience preferred.
  • Experience working with or around horses highly preferred.
  • Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.
  • Must obtain and maintain a valid Virginia Racing Commission license.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license with a minimum of three (3) years driving experience.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
  • The Team Member may be required to stand for the duration of the shift.
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, rain, and sunlight.
  • Ability to lift heavy equipment and materials as needed.
  • Ability to stand, walk, and perform physical tasks for extended periods.
  • Comfort with working around large animals, including horses, and in areas with high traffic during events.
  • The Team Member may be required to work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
  • The work environment may vary in levels of crowds, noise, and smoke, depending on the assigned station and guest volume. 
     

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

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