At a licensed racetrack, independently performs at least three skilled regulatory tasks needed to ensure that horseracing is conducted in accordance with state law and the regulations adopted by the Washington Horse Racing Commission (WHRC).

Regulatory tasks include:

(1)   Clocker:  Using timing devices, records and submits the time of all official workouts;

(2)   Identifier/Receiving Barn Clerk:  Determines the timing and initiates procedures for the horses to enter the receiving barn before each race, ensures the horse is equipped with the proper head number, and ensures that the correct horse runs in a particular race by properly identifying each horse by registration number, papers, and markings;

(3)   Film Analyst:  Assists the Board of Stewards in the interpretation of race video’s to ensure compliance with the “Rules of Racing”;

(4)   Paddock Judge:  Monitors horses in paddock and saddling enclosure to ensure saddling of horses is done in an orderly manner;

(5)   Photo-Finish Operator:  Operates photo-finish equipment that provides the Board of Stewards with an image of horses as they cross the finish line;

(6)   Clerk of Scales:  Oversees the regulatory requirements related to weights assigned to jockeys, to include obtaining the weight declared by the jockey, and weighing jockey out and in;

(7)   Pari-mutuel Inspector:  Monitors wagering on live racing;

(8)   Assistant Steward:  Assists the Board of Stewards by performing administrative tasks in the office before races;

(9)    Licensing:  Licenses and fingerprints participants, collects fees and industrial insurance premiums, reviews criminal history records, and monitors horses running in races at Class A and Class B race meets to calculate owner’s bonus and breeder’s awards.

At a licensed racetrack, independently performs at least three skilled regulatory functions associated with the horse racing industry and running of a live race meet. This level is distinguished from the Racing Official 1 class by requirement to be designated in writing by the Executive Secretary or designee to independently perform a minimum of three of the following work assignments: (1) Clocker, (2) Identifier/Receiving Barn Clerk, (3) Film Analyst, (4) Paddock Judge, (5) Photo-Finish Operator, (6) Clerk of Scales, (7) Pari-mutuel Inspector, (8) Assistant Steward, and/or (9) Licensing.

May serve as a lead worker;

Clocker – Using timing devices, records and submits to the racing secretary and stewards the time of all official workouts;

Identifier – Ensures that the correct horse runs in a particular race by properly identifying each horse entered in a race by its registration number (number tattooed inside upper lip) registration papers, and markings;

Film Analyst – Aids the Board of Stewards in the interpretation of race videos. Reviews all race videos for compliance with WHRC “Rules of Racing” Title 260 WAC. Reviews with apprentice jockeys all races in which the apprentice jockey participated. When directed by the Board of Stewards, the Film Analyst will also review with particular jockeys as a method of providing training to improve their rider safety;

Paddock Judge – Monitors horses in paddock and saddling enclosure to ensure the saddling of all horses is done in an orderly manner, in view of the public and free from public interference. Ensure that only licensed trainers saddle the horses, and ensures all horses are on the track for the post parade by the designated time. Assembles the jockeys and horses to begin the post-parade, and monitors equipment carried by each horse;

Photo-Finish Operator – Responsible for the operation of photo-finish equipment that provides the Board of Stewards with an image of horses as they cross the finish line. These photos are used to determine the official order of finish. May also perform timing functions during races as applicable;

Clerk of Scales – Oversees the regulatory requirements related to weights assigned to jockeys, to include obtaining the weight declared by the jockey, and weighing jockey out (of the jockeys’ quarters) and in (from the race track);

Pari-mutuel Inspector – Responsible for monitoring wagering on live racing, by monitoring the totalizer system, reports, simulcast signals, observing actual wagering and analyzing wagering patterns to ensure the highest level of integrity in the wagering process;

Receiving Barn Clerk – Responsible to determine the timing and initiate procedures for the horses to enter the receiving barn before each race to be identified by the identifier, and to ensure the horse is equipped with the proper head-number;

Assistant Steward – Assist the Board of Stewards by performing administrative tasks in the office before races (checking the program, reviewing past performance of horses entered to run, obtain late scratches or changes from the stewards, and other duties that may be necessary) and in the stewards’ stand during the running of the races (monitoring the tote board, checking equipment on horses as they enter the track, monitor the horses during the post parade, monitor the running of the race, assists in determining the official order of finish and any other duties that may be necessary);

Licensing – Responsible for licensing participants, fingerprinting participants, collecting licensing fees and industrial insurance premiums, reviewing criminal history records to determine suitability to participate in horseracing, and monitor horses’ running in races at Class A and B rate meets to calculate owner’s bonus and breeder’s awards. Reconciles cash receipts and makes deposits into the WHRC account;

Performs other duties as required.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

One year of experience as a Racing Official 1 with the Washington Horse Racing Commission

AND

Successful completion of a recognized steward accreditation program,

OR

A bachelor’s degree in Equine Administration and experience in the horse racing industry,

OR

Equivalent education/experience.

NOTE:  Must demonstrate proficiency in three or more of the regulatory functions listed above in the class definition.

New Class: 03-15-02
Revised new class code: (formerly 98008) effective July 1, 2007
Revised definition, distinguishing characteristics, and desirable qualifications; adopted September 11, 2008, effective September 12, 2008.
Housekeeping revisions: revised definition and distinguishing characteristics; adopted November 13, 2008, effective November 14, 2008.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.