getting a job at a track

videogirl10 · #1 06-20-2006, 11:06 PM

i may be moving close to lexington in the next couple of months. i was wondering how difficult it was to get a job working at a track..like being an outrider, gate attendent..etc. i really would like to get in with the track, b/c that would be my dream job.

sumitas · #2 06-20-2006, 11:21 PM

best of luck to you. as a suggestion, consider the tracks in Canada. at least you'll have national health coverage up there. i don't think you'll have any health coverage at most jobs at the tracks in the USA.

#3 06-20-2006, 11:24 PM

The jobs you are talking about are nearly impossible to get in KY. You really are looking at hotwalker/groom jobs and working your way up if you want to work in the horse business in KY. You might be able to find some work as an exercise rider too.

videogirl10 · #4 06-20-2006, 11:37 PM

that would be great, i would really like to do exercise riding.

#5 06-21-2006, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by videogirl10

that would be great, i would really like to do exercise riding.

Yeah you have to be buddies with a person that has the ability to hire. Jobs at the track that u can get are maintenance (the person that sweeps up the losing tickets). But Keeneland it is hard to get a job because they are only open 8 weeks of the year.

Exceller · #6 06-21-2006, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eurobounce

Yeah you have to be buddies with a person that has the ability to hire. Jobs at the track that u can get are maintenance (the person that sweeps up the losing tickets). But Keeneland it is hard to get a job because they are only open 8 weeks of the year.

There are jobs on the farms in Lexington too. You might want to try heading up to Saratoga for the summer and hooking on with a KY trainer.

#7 06-21-2006, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by videogirl10

that would be great, i would really like to do exercise riding.

Videogirl, how old are you? Do you have experience riding or grooming racehorses? If not, I would recommend getting a job on a farm in Lexington. Tell your potential employer what you are looking for. Tell them you are interested in galloping horses. If you have never done it, starting from the ground up is the best way to go. Learn about the legs and how to groom a racehorse properly, then eventually learn to gallop. Watch out for people that will "help" you but are looking for their "pay back." DO NOT GO TO CHICAGO!! Arlington is a beautiful racetrack, but it is no place for a young woman getting into the business. It is a dangerous backside.
The only down side to living in Lexington is the 8 weeks of racing that is there. That's it. But there are the sales to work and that is always something to consider if you're looking for experience and quick cash.