Racing Official, Assistant Clerk of Scales

Title: Racing Official, Assistant Clerk of Scales

Employee Status: Regular Full Time

Work From Home Option: Not Applicable

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Overview:

Established and productive individual contributor, who works under general supervision. Helps to implement projects, programs, and processes in support of the organization's overall Racing Operations strategy. Applies practical knowledge of racing operations to administer best of class policies, procedures, and plans for the area.

The Racing Official, Assistant Clerk of Scales plays a dual-function role supporting both Racing Office operations and race-day regulatory execution. This position partners closely with the Racing Secretary and Clerk of Scales to ensure the accurate development of race cards and the integrity of jockey weight compliance. Responsibilities span pre-race planning, race-day coordination, and post-race documentation. The role requires precision, sound judgment, and strong collaboration with trainers, jockeys, stewards, and racing staff to ensure seamless racing operations across all assigned tracks.

The Racing Official aspect of the role will be assigned daily tasks by the Racing Secretary based on daily business needs. In the morning on non-racing days, the individual contributor will take entries for each race card by computer, phone or in person, in addition to running the appropriate jockeys’ room reports for upcoming race days. In the afternoon, the individual contributor will do the duties of Assistant Clerk of Scales as highlighted below.

The Assistant Clerk of Scales aspect of the role will assist the Clerk of Scales in weighing jockeys prior to and after each race, ensuring riders carry the correct weight during the running of a race. Responsible for the organization and execution of racing events by reporting rider changes and weight discrepancies to stewards, as well as coordinating jockey room operations with Clerk of Scales and overseeing silks room and working alongside valets.

Essential Functions:

• Works under general supervision to accomplish key tasks for the Racing Operations team, following best practices and techniques in order to meet organizational standards of excellence.
• Coordinates elements of race-day execution, involving jockey room operations and related racing functions.
• The Racing Official, Assistant Clerk of Scales will perform a variety of duties in the Racing Department. Among which include but are not limited to the following:
  • Taking entries:
    • Receive instructions detailing the number and types of races to occur in upcoming weeks.
    • Use condition book and available technology to work and fill race card with appropriate horses.
    • Communicate with trainers via phone or in person regarding entries.
    • Proof overnight and program proof to ensure relevant stakeholders and public receives correct information.
  • Jockey’s Room:
    • Assist the Clerk of Scales in weighing jockeys prior to and after each race;
    • Assist with scheduling and preparation for following day’s races.
    • Duties also include verifying claim information, filling out scale sheets, documenting actual weights Ad Hoc Projects at the Request of the Racing Secretary.

Qualifications:

Qualifications and Education Requirements: Education (minimum):

• College degree preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Experience as a Racing Official preferred but not required.
• Ability to work on a racing schedule, including weekends and holidays and to be on site at all 3 racetracks: Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.
• Ability to be licensed as a Racing Official in the state of New York.
• Good judgment and common sense.
• Knowledge of racing rules, protocol, and logistics;
• Familiarity with racetrack, i.e., conditions and measurements;
• Strong understanding of the various roles and responsibilities of all racing officials;
• Familiarity with racing terminology and conditions books;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Ability to work with a team and independently;
• Strong computer skills;

Preferred Skills: Communication, Industry Knowledge of Thoroughbred Racing, Organizational Skills, Regulatory Requirements of Racing as it Relates to Jockeys and Scale of Weights, Customer Service, Time Management, Horsemanship Skills, Strong Decision-Making & Situational Problem-Solving, High-Level Credibility and Professionalism, Ability to Assist Other Racing Related Duties, including Racing Office if Needed is Preferred.

Skills Proficiency:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Learn Incompass and scale reporting systems
• Strong communications skills
• Knowledge of rule of racing (HISA, NYSGC, NYRA house rules)

Summary of Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

Physical:
Assistant Clerk of Scales: At Aqueduct and Belmont, walking up and down stairs from Jock’s
Room to Paddock area and Winner’s Circle where digital scales are located. At Saratoga, walking from Jock’s Room to Winner’s Circle where digital scales are located. Moving from one track to another as racing calendar permits.

Environmental:
Assistant Clerk of Scales: Indoors and outdoors, primarily indoors except during the running of the race, where the official would be stationed at outdoor scale. The indoor portion would be adjacent to a locker room environment.

Psychological:
Working in a fast-paced setting where accuracy and integrity are paramount. Dealing with a variety of people and personalities in a highly competitive environment. Maintaining a sense of order in a locker room setting.
Communication

Pay Range / Salary: $75,000 - $87,000 annually