Seasonal Racing Positions Available - Iowa / Prairie Meadows

Prairie Meadows Racetrack in Altoona, Iowa has open seasonal positions in the Racing Dept. that may be of interest to you or someone you know within the horse racing industry. Our 2025 live racing season in Iowa begins on May 9, 2025 and continues through September 27, 2025 with 80 total race days scheduled. Entry and live race days are typically Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday during the season. If you have a background or knowledge in horse racing or working with horses, one of these opportunities may be what you’re looking for! Apply now, come join our hard working, friendly staff here at Prairie Meadows!
We are seeking applicants for the following seasonal positions in Racing (brief description only):

• PADDOCK or PLACING JUDGE (Paddock Judge will oversee/maintain decorum of the saddling paddock area during live racing, making sure horses arrive to the paddock on time, are properly equipped (blinkers, flipping halter, etc.), saddled and leave the paddock for post parade in a timely fashion as well as any paddock schooling arrangements and equipment reviews with Starter/Stewards each race card, take entries and have strong communication/research skills to help fill race cards in the morning. Placing Judge will be responsible for accurate photo finish results, posting those results on the tote board, reporting official order of finish to the necessary outlets, take entries and have strong communication/research skills to help fill race cards in the morning)

• OUTRIDER (supervise all horses and riders on main or training track during training sessions, supervise horses during post parades and arriving at the starting gate during live racing sessions, coordinate/communicate with Stewards/Racing Officials about any issues with horses, riders, safety/emergencies, etc., must have reliable catch horses with proper health requirements to perform this job. Salary plus horse care stipend)

• TEST BARN PATH RIDER (supervise horses that are required to report to the Test Barn immediately after each race and be properly tagged or identified per HIWU guidelines and working with the IRGC State Vets, Test Barn, Horse Path Security, Board of Stewards, Outriders and Paddock Judge to ensure horses are identified/tagged and escorted from the race track oval back to the Test Barn facility on horseback. Will need a pony horse with proper health requirements to perform this job. Salary plus horse care stipend)

• JOCKEY ROOM VALET (saddling horses during live racing, help keep jockey and room equipment clean and presentable)

• STALL CLEANER (clean, maintain Receiving/Ship-In Barn & Test Barn stalls, assist with horse counts, work around horses, outdoors environment, will assist Stall Superintendent as needed, help operate Horse Exerciser/Jogger Wheel)

• TRACK MAINTENANCE (seasonal or part-time positions to help in maintaining the main track, training track and horse path surfaces along with work orders in the barn area or paddock area as needed. Experience operating tractors, floats, box harrows, double gangs, water truck, horse ambulance and conditioners etc. shoveling the board on the inside rail, outside fence, washouts, drains in the infields, and any other labor work as needed. Must have a valid Class B driver’s license (CDL with Air Brakes). Ability to use rakes, shovels, and four-wheeler. Ability to operate skid loaders. Must be able to operate various types of equipment safely and cautiously. Ability to communicate and interact verbally and in writing with people of diverse backgrounds. Outdoors environment in all types of weather. Works with heavy track equipment. Works around horses. May have exposure to chemicals)

Interested candidates must apply online at https://www.prairiemeadows.com/about-us/careers
Click on Job Openings and search for “racing” or one of the following job posting titles:

• General Application (2025 Live Race Meet) (covers all Judges, Outrider/Path Rider, Valet positions)
• Stall Cleaner
• Track Maintenance

Fill out the online application, attach a resume and submit it. Any questions about the online application process, please call the Racing Office at 515-967-1205.