Title: Starter (Summer 2026)
New Kent, VA, US, 23124
Colonial Downs Group (CDG) is owned and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated and consists of several different brands across Virginia: Colonial Downs Racetrack, Rosie’s Gaming Emporium, Rosie’s Game Room, and Virginia Horseplay. CDG is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We’re always learning, evolving, and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision.
JOB SUMMARY
The Starter begins each live race at the scheduled post time.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversees the fair and equal start of each race at the scheduled post time by means of a starting gate and bell or other device activated by signal.
- Ensures that horses are loaded in order of post position; may load an unruly or factious horse out of order or may start such horse outside the starting gate.
- Approves each horse to start.
- Maintains a schooling list and posts in the Racing Secretary’s office the names of all horses ineligible to start for want of adequate training leaving the gate.
- Monitors horse and driver activities, as well as reports any disobedience of orders or attempts to take unfair advantage at the starting gate and recommends penalties for offenders.
- Maintains a written record showing the names of all starters during the day and the names of the assistant starters who handled each horse.
- Maintains constant radio communication with the Stewards from the time the horses leave the paddock until the field is sent away.
- Consults with presiding judges regarding starter approval, blinker cards, penalties, and other areas.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
#colonialdownsracetrack
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Detail-oriented and thorough with strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to consistently comprehend, retain and execute written, verbal and demonstrated directions, explanations and guidance.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- One to three months related experience and/or training.
- Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.
- Must obtain and maintain a Virginia Racing Commission racing license.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
- The Team Member will be required to stand and walk for the duration of the shift.
- While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, reach, handle, or feel objects, tools, equipment, or animals; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
- The Team Member may be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- The Team Member must be able to work in close proximity to racehorses and inside a tight, confined metal structure (starting gate) in a fast-paced environment.
- The Team Member may be required to work long hours, including early mornings, nights, weekends, holidays, and all live race days.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
- The work environment may vary in levels of crowds, noise, animals, weather conditions, and other environmental factors associated with live racing and training operations.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
Nearest Major Market: Richmond
