Horse Job – Racetrack Judge

Image from Walwyn

In the early racing days there were multiple racing judges used to decide the winner of each race. As can be expected it became a matter of too many cooks in the kitchen and it became difficult to get unanimous results.

Thanks to technology and fast cameras, the judging process can be more exact and carried out by one individual. Although there are cases of disputed judge calls being overturned. This job doesn’t have a great deal of contact with the animals.

A Knowledge of Racing

This is a position which benefits from a thorough knowledge of the racing industry, firm decision making capabilities and the ability to stand by their calling, as well as a knowledge of horseflesh.

Job Description

A racetrack judge is given the sometimes unpopular task of calling the races they are charged with.

Responsibilities

• Study photo finish to call outcome of each race
• Determine the finishing places of each race
• Determine distance between horses at finish

Requirements

This is a position which requires an ongoing accreditation to ensure that the judge is competent and capable for carrying out their duties.

*I could find very little information about this horse job. If anyone can point me in the direction of good info, please contact me

Resources

A few places to start if you are interested in a career as a racetrack judge.

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• International Federation of Horseracing Authorities
• Horse Racing Officials Accreditation Program
• National Thoroughbred Racing Association
• British Horseracing Authority

The Right Job For You?

If this isn’t your dream job, there is a long list of different careers that involve horses. Each one requiring a different skill set, schooling requirement and amount of contact with the animals.