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.

GPK · #7 06-21-2006, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exceller

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.

thats it...maybe I will get me a side gig at one of the Colonial Downs OTB's...
I can be a teller...I can see it now someone hands me a winning ticket...

"$500 winner??? wow...GFY...this is MY money now...NEXT IN LINE PLEASE."

2MinsToPost · #8 06-21-2006, 10:46 AM

Here in Central Ohio if one is willing they can get a job right now at Scioto Downs as a "helper" of sorts, more or less cleaning stalls, etc.. In August there are opportunities abound at the most scenic track in America (

) Beulah Park. All one has to do is show up at 4am at the gate and someone will most likely put you to work in no time.

If you consider working as a Teller, let me offer you this piece of advice. The next Saturday you have an hour or so to spare in the afternoon, go to your local otb parlor, track etc and just hang around and watch the interaction between the bettors and the tellers. Coming from someone who has been a teller before, the job requires PATIENCE and the ability to shrug off rude behavior unlike what you might have seen before. Also, you have to be quick with the numeric pad of course. If by chance you are a female, you just might make some very nice tips. My ugly butt couldn't get a smile

Good luck whatever you pursue!

Buffymommy · #9 06-21-2006, 11:22 AM

It is a hard life and hard to get. Most places start you as a Hotwalker/groom type person unless ya know someone who knows someone. Pay isn't great to start and it is most of the time from what I understand a 7 day a week job. I haven't heard from my friend in about a month now who headed from FL to NJ following jobs.

Good Luck in your job hunting.

dellinger63 · #10 06-21-2006, 01:27 PM

depends how cute you are. I've noticed Pletcher, Lukas etc have stumbled onto some very good looking grooms and assistants. I'd suggest a pushup bra, tight jeans and a willingness to learn might be all that is needed.

Buffymommy · #11 06-21-2006, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dellinger63

depends how cute you are. I've noticed Pletcher, Lukas etc have stumbled onto some very good looking grooms and assistants. I'd suggest a pushup bra, tight jeans and a willingness to learn might be all that is needed.

OK, that made me laugh out loud!

kentuckyrosesinmay · #12 06-21-2006, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dellinger63

depends how cute you are. I've noticed Pletcher, Lukas etc have stumbled onto some very good looking grooms and assistants. I'd suggest a pushup bra, tight jeans and a willingness to learn might be all that is needed.

Huh...I might have to try that one. LOL!

No really, I probably won't have to. I'm going to the new jockey academy in Kentucky, and with it comes an internship. I hope that makes my start in racing easier...well, it should.

Buffymommy · #13 06-21-2006, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kentuckyrosesinmay

Huh...I might have to try that one. LOL!

No really, I probably won't have to. I'm going to the new jockey academy in Kentucky, and with it comes an internship. I hope that makes my start in racing easier...well, it should.

OH You must take pics and fill us in on how things are going when you get a chance. You must be so excited! When do you go?

GPK · #14 06-21-2006, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BOMBTHREAT

GPK - are you in Virginia near Colonial Downs?

I live in Kitty Hawk, NC for the next week, then I am moving back to Yorktown, VA. Takes me about 40 minutes to get to Colonial Downs up in New Kent from where I will be living.

You in that area?

Buffymommy · #15 06-21-2006, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GPK

I live in Kitty Hawk, NC for the next week, then I am moving back to Yorktown, VA. Takes me about 40 minutes to get to Colonial Downs up in New Kent from where I will be living.

You in that area?

Things working out dude?

GPK · #16 06-21-2006, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BOMBTHREAT

Yeah - I work about 3 minutes from Yorktown and live in Newport News. We take a trip each year to Ocracoke Island so I know where Kittyhawk is as well. We went to Colonial for live racing on the 17th and had good results.

Dude....I was there on Saturday.

I was born and raised in Hampton. Moved to York County as a teenager. Graduated from Tabb H.S. in 1990.

GPK · #17 06-21-2006, 04:02 PM

You from the area originally?

disappearingdan_akaplaya · #18 06-21-2006, 04:24 PM

well video i wish you the best of luck as well as you jessica if you both are seriously gonna follow through with a career in the sport! if you have no luck in KY video or wherever you try contact me and i can try and get you started on the backside here in chicago

john

videogirl10 · #19 06-21-2006, 07:15 PM

i would definatly love that. i will keep you updated. what do you do at the track?

#20 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.