Job Details

Racing Secretary

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.

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

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

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:

• 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.