RACING SECRETARY (Live horse racing background)

RACING SECRETARY

JOB SUMMARY:

The Racing Secretary is a key position that is primarily responsible for the integrity of Louisiana Downs Casino and Racetrack’s live racing offerings. The ideal candidate must have a strong work ethic, an innovative outlook on the racing industry and a dedicated belief in Louisiana Down’s vision.

REQUIREMENTS and DESIRED SKILLS:

• Must be able to speak, read, and understand English
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts
• Must have 5+ years of experience as a Racing Secretary
• Must be proficient in MS Office - Word, Excel & PowerPoint
• Must have knowledge of horse care & welfare; Equine transportation; Placing horses
• Must have racing industry knowledge; Racing rules & regulations; Integrity of the sport; Raceday operations; Race planning/Racecourses and racing calendar; Facility management & maintenance; Purchasing & sales procedures; Employee management

JOB DUTIES:

• Responsible for managing the live racing meets which include: compiling and publishing condition books, assigning weights or making allowances for handicap races, processing all entries and nominations, etc. 
• Contributes to decisions made on a purse structure for the race meets
• Knowledge of both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Racing Secretary duties
• Maintaining a complete record of all races
• Accountable for the safe keeping of registered certificates and safe return to owners
• Responsible for analyzing official workouts and past performance records to arrange races between horses of equal experience and ability
• Work with the Track Superintendent to plan a variety of racing during the meet
• Compiles official program for each live racing meet
• Handicaps horses in each race by assigning weight it will carry based on known data about each horse
• Will work with the General Manager of Racing to determine stall applications and allocations
• Serves as a liaison between HBPA and Louisiana Downs 
• Collaborating with the General Manager of Racing and Racing Operations Manager on the hiring of Racing Office personnel to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated operation
• Responsible for adhering to all procedures and/or controls in designated area of responsibility
• Performs all other duties as assigned 

SUPERVISION OF:

• Assistant Racing Secretary/Quarter/Thoroughbred Horse Racing Secretary, Stakes Coordinator, Identifier, Clocker, Starter, Placing Judge, Outriders, Stall Superintendent, Claims Clerk, Paddock Judge, Clerk of Course, Clerk of Scales, Jock's Room Custodian, Colors Man/Laundry Superintendent, Asst. Starter, Valet, Paddock Shoer, Assistant Clocker, Racing Office Administrative Assistant

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least Five (5) years of experience as a Racing Secretary or an Assistant Racing Secretary and ten (10) years of experience as a licensed racing official. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with numerous responsibilities. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group, of executives, managers, and horsemen. 
• Ability to maintain a calm, composed presence in an often-challenging environment where multiple tasks and events may occur simultaneously. 
• The highest of moral integrity and a strong work ethic. 
• Must be able to pass Louisiana Downs pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check and verification of work history. 
• Must be able to attain a Louisiana State Racing Commission (LSRC) License
• Accredited through ROAP (Preferred) 

WORKING CONDITIONS/ PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

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

• Maintain a flexible working schedule, which may include nights and weekends during the live race season May – September, January-April. 
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and sit throughout the assigned shift 
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. 
• Requires frequent wrist and hand use.

LOUISIANA DOWNS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THIS JOB DESCRIPTION WHENEVER NECESSARY.