The nature of thoroughbred horse racing makes it one of the most diverse and exciting industries to be involved in. Racing provides a broad range of career options for job seekers. Whether your interests lie in being involved hands-on with horses, working outdoors, pursuing an international career or getting involved in the administration of racing; with the right training, commitment and experience, there's a number of varying career paths to follow.
Our Stable Start course is the first step to enter the industry.
Access Stable Start and Trackwork Rider Training here
The tasks of a Stablehand are varied and may involve handling, feeding and walking horses; preparing them for their daily routine; and assisting them on race day.
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A Trackwork Rider works closely with horses to monitor and maintain their health. This involves exercising them and providing updates to their trainers.
A Jockey is a professional horse rider who is licensed by one or more thoroughbred racing industries.
A foreperson is a senior stable hand that looks after the daily organisation of the stable.
Farriers inspect, trim and shape horses’ hooves, as well as making, fitting and nailing horseshoes or racing plates as required.
Race callers are employed to accurately describe the events before, during and after a race.
Stewards oversee all aspects of horse racing and wagering within the sport to ensure that the regulations and guidelines are adhered to.
The clerk of the course is the person responsible for track management and raceday preparation at a racetrack.
Racing Administrators provide high levels of customer service and undertake general office activities to support the running of a race club.
On race day, a Barrier Attendant helps horses into the barriers, checking that they are wearing approved equipment and refitting any damaged equipment.
A Bloodstock Agent is an Equine Professional who buys and sells Thoroughbreds on behalf of their clients in exchange for a commission.
A handicapper is responsible for setting the weight horses carry in a race.
A Pre-Trainer is responsible for conditioning and preparing horses for racing after they have been spelling.
A Track Work Supervisor monitors horse training operations and ensures that all personnel on the track during training are licensed and are adhering to all rules and OHS procedures.
An Assistant Trainer helps a Licensed Trainer who operates an independent horse racing business.
An Equine Acupuncturist specialises in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders in horses.
An Equine Dentist performs routine dental examinations on horses, maintaining optimal oral and digestive health.
An Equine Nurse plays a role in all aspects of equine veterinary care, including medicine, surgery, intensive care, breeding and anaesthesia.
A role rich in diversity and with various functions, but is also rewarding.
A Photo Finish Operator uses specialised race result equipment, including cameras, computers and other technology to officially record the finish of a race.
A judge on race day determines official placings in a race.
A Racecourse Manager is responsible for the management of the racecourse complex, ensuring it provides clean, well-maintained and safe facilities for racing.
Race Programmers are responsible for developing a healthy, sequential racing calendar.
The Stallion Handler is a highly developed horseman whose hold various responsibilities around controlling stallions and mares.
As the name suggests, a Starter is required to ‘start’ a race from the barriers.
A Stud Groom is a skilled farmhand involved in coordinating a wide range of horse breeding activities.
Stud Hand positions are often the starting point for many in the horse breeding industry.
A Stud Manager has significant responsibilities in managing horse breeding activities.
The Clerk of the Scales is responsible for ensuring that each rider carries the correct weight when riding in a race.
A Race Day Vet is required at all thoroughbred racing meetings to assist with the treatment, supervision and physical assessment of racehorses.
The Victorian thoroughbred racing industry offers a range of exciting career opportunities in an industry that’s a major player in the global sports, entertainment and wagering markets.
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Click here to contact Racing Victoria's careers team.
Click here to view the educational pathways for the racing industry.