Associate Steward - Thistledown Racetrack

Title: Associate Steward
Reports to: Racing Secretary

Job Responsibilities:

The Associate Steward acts in conjunction with the State Steward and another Associate Steward to monitor and regulate thoroughbred racing in accordance with Ohio Revised and Administrative Code & Horseracing Integrity & Safety Authority (HISA), determining all questions with reference to racing arising during the meet and all questions with regard to licensing, entries, barn area conduct and policy, and other matters to the extent to which they are authorized to act under the rules of racing.

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