Racing Valet (Summer 2026)

Racing Valet (Summer 2026)

Colonial Downs Racetrack 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: Responsible for supporting racing operations by assisting jockeys, trainers, and officials in the paddock and on race days to ensure races are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with racing regulations. This is a seasonal position for the summer race meet at Colonial Downs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists jockeys in the paddock prior to and following races, including escorting jockeys to and from the paddock and starting gate areas.
• Ensures jockeys are properly equipped with required safety gear, silks, saddle cloths, and identification prior to each race.
• Assists with weighing jockeys in and out in accordance with racing regulations.
• Coordinates with trainers, outriders, starters, and racing officials to ensure smooth race flow and timely post parades.
• Maintains order and organization within the paddock area to promote safety for horses, jockeys, and staff.
• Monitors paddock conditions and reports any safety concerns, irregularities, or issues to racing officials.
• Provides professional and courteous assistance to internal and external guests, demonstrating Company service standards at all times.
• Adheres to all Virginia Racing Commission regulations, Company policies, and departmental procedures.
• Resolves issues within the scope of authority and escalates matters beyond that scope to the appropriate supervisor.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of Thoroughbred racing operations, paddock procedures, and racing terminology. Ability to work calmly and effectively around horses in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to follow detailed instructions and comply with strict regulatory requirements. Ability to multitask and maintain organization during live racing events. Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required. Prior experience in horse racing operations, paddock duties, or stable work preferred. Other combinations of education and experience may be considered. Must obtain and maintain a valid 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, equipment, tack, 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 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 include outdoor conditions, crowds, animals, varying weather, and other elements associated with live racing 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.