Lead Outrider; Seasonal Part-time Downs

Pay:
Compensation will be discussed based on experience and qualifications.

Ajax Downs is seeking Lead Outrider to support training days and live racing operations throughout the racing season. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of horses, jockeys, exercise riders, pony riders, and track personnel while maintaining orderly racing and post parade operations.

This is a seasonal position running from April through October, with an expected schedule of two to three days per week.

• Ensure all track rules and safety procedures are followed during training and live racing days.
• Recommend to the AGCO any change in status or possible revoking of AGCO licence for any violations or safety issues when observing the track, horses, exercise riders, pony riders and/or jockeys.
• Deny riding privileges when necessary and recommend changes in status or licence review to the AGCO in cases involving rule violations or safety concerns.
• Assist exercise riders during training sessions as required.
• Verify that all riders are equipped with proper safety gear, including approved helmets with chin straps, protective vests, and heeled boots.
• Alert ambulance services and track personnel immediately when accidents or emergencies occur during training.
• Lead post parades to ensure horses arrive at the starting gate on schedule during live racing.
• Maintain an organized post parade presentation for live television broadcasts.
• Assist jockeys, starting gate crew members, and pony riders as needed.
• Secure loose horses during post parades and live racing to help prevent injuries, scratches, and disruptions.

• Strong knowledge of horse behaviour management and control.
• Knowledge of AGCO regulations related to racing and post parades is considered an asset.
• General understanding of racing cards and race distances is considered an asset.

• Expert horse-riding ability.
• Proven ability to ride at high speed to safely chase and secure loose horses.
• Advanced ability to manage and control difficult or misbehaving horses.
• Strong communication, leadership, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to remain calm and make quick decisions in high-pressure situations.

Compensation will be discussed based on experience and qualifications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Provide excellent guest service to both internal and external guests.
• Actively supports the company culture of creating a fun and entertaining experience for internal and external guests.
• Responsible for selling and cashing of pari-mutuel tickets and vouchers to betting guests.
• Provide information regarding race data, scratches and other pertinent information involving both live races and simulcasting.
• Assists guest with problems such as lost tickets, claimed or stolen vouchers, etc.
• All other duties as assigned.
• Responsible for selling and cashing of pari-mutuel tickets and vouchers to betting guests.
• Keeps daily balance sheet of amount and number of transactions.