Job Opportunities in the Horse Racing world?

[FlyinLate]

I will be graduating from college this semester. I will have completed my bachelors with a major in political science and a business minor. Horse Racing has always been my hobby and I would love nothing more to work in the horse racing industry wether it be for NTRA, a local track, etc. I was wondering what job opportunities, in my field, might be offered to someone. I was thinking of looking into possibly getting my masters and becoming a lobbyist for wagering, purses, state support, etc...but doesn't seem like there is alot of "spots" open in the industry, especially with its current state. This is just for me to gauge interest, but any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[srdnaty]

I will be graduating from college this semester. I will have completed my bachelors with a major in political science and a business minor. Horse Racing has always been my hobby and I would love nothing more to work in the horse racing industry wether it be for NTRA, a local track, etc. I was wondering what job opportunities, in my field, might be offered to someone. I was thinking of looking into possibly getting my masters and becoming a lobbyist for wagering, purses, state support, etc...but doesn't seem like there is alot of "spots" open in the industry, especially with its current state. This is just for me to gauge interest, but any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I'm currently a grad student and I've been wondering the same thing.

[FlyinLate]

I'm currently a grad student and I've been wondering the same thing.

Let's hope for some helpful replies then.

[gIracing]

i've beenseriusly considering applying for the equine science school down in arizona.. i'm just 24 and I really want to get in the horse racing field....I make goo dmoney but it's not what I want to do.. want to do something with horses.

[gillenr]

Unfortunately, the long term prospects for the T'bred racing industry are not bright. Magna & CDI are being run for stock price appreciation - not the customers, NYRA is an unknown quantity being abused by the politicians, and the little guys are the little guys.
Having said that, I wish I was your age so I could get with a place like Keeneland, Del Mar or even Tampa.
Good luck!
P.S. One of the AZ schools has a mgmt program aimed at racing.

[BillW]

The auction arena might be a place to check i.e. Fasig-Tipton etc.

[FlyinLate]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I appreciate all of the help.

[onefast99]

Good luck with your job hunting, the best place to start would be in the casino end of the industry as these are the tracks that will survive no matter what happens. Once the states start allowing table games, as in roulette and black jack and others the racinos will be much more profitable then they are today.

[gIracing]

you guys are silly if you think horse racing will not survive. churchill, santa anita, gulfstream, belmont and saratoga, durning the worst of worst recessions, will stand strone. even keeneland. with or without casinos. the other tracks I would be more concerned about


I'm pretty sure Magna's stock actually went UP last week. too funny.

[DanG]

you guys are silly if you think horse racing will not survive. churchill, santa anita, gulfstream, belmont and saratoga, durning the worst of worst recessions, will stand strone. even keeneland. with or without casinos. the other tracks I would be more concerned about

I don’t believe anyone mentioned the industry on mass will not “survive”. People at their age and ambition should be conscious if their choice will prosper.

BTW: The day my daughter graduates U of Florida and tells me she has decided to wear lederhosen and ‘yodel for Magna’s Stronach…is the day I jump off Saratoga’s grandstand wearing a paper helmet.

http://www.franksenergy.com/images/girls.jpg

[onefast99]

:lol: Thats pretty funny DanG on saturday they had about 20 of these ladies in the winners circle promoting a model search, several even accompanied Frank while Ginger Punch was in the walking ring. No place for this in racing today it cheapens the sport!

[IRISHLADSTABLE]

http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/careers-561300-hresources_nyrainc_com_56859

[ponypro]

Probably the best genuine opportunity I have seen in a while is here

http://www.darleyflyingstart.com/index.html

Its probably pretty competetive to get in but you will have your career connections when done.

I aint too crazy about the sponsors, they seem to be buying the world with my gas money but its a reality and Im giving you a very realistic answer.

I would never consider working for any of the racetracks or in the "industry" they are mostly run by stark idiots

[Nacumi]

http://equ.equimax.com:8080/index.htm

Hope this link is helpful. Good luck!

[richrosa]

Don't be discouraged by some of the comments about monopolies or horse racing's survival. If you bring a good skill to any industry that can use it, you should be able to find a job by applying traditional job hunting skills.

1) Make a list of your prospective targets
2) Check their websites periodically for the types of jobs they post, apply when appropriate
3) Check job board sites (Monster, HotJobs, Career Builder)
4) Most importantly, try to network. Find someone in the industry, or in the company that you target who steer you in the right direction. This is critical. Its not unreasonable to ask someone you first met to do this either. You will be surprised how many senior people will mentor new college students and provide for the baking they need to get their first job in an industry.

Raciing, like every other American business will change at the administrative level. They will always be a need for more lawyers, tech personnel, and industry specific sales and deal makers. Knowing that, I would specialize in a skill I am most comfortable with and therefore portable to other industries.

The more you know about the industry you target the better off you will be. I suggest that you read the trade journals whenever possible. Not just the DRF which covers the industry from a horseplayer angle, but Bloodhorse and others too that cover it from a business perspective as well. It helps to understand the internals of a business to leap over others on the interview.

Lastly, I'd always recommending finding a summer internship in your desired field. Don't worry at all if its paid or not. Its a cheap way to get the knowledge and most importantly the mentoring and connections that you need to break in.

Good luck.

[DanG]

They will always be a need for more lawyers

All good advice Rich…but this?

Whew…There’s a sobering morning thought! :eek: Tampa’s latest phone book has a lawyer’s ad on EVERY PAGE!!! (I kid you not)

[richrosa]

yes, but being a lawyer is a transportable skill that works in every business or industry. The problem is that there are too many bad ones looking for something to do.

I know many "reformed" lawyers (that's what they call themselves) who have benefited greatly in the business world from a Juris Doctorate degree, yet don't practice law. Its never a bad route to go.

[Gambleonclaimers]

Flyinlate, I was faced with a similar problem a few years ago. I opted to go with the computer and betting end of the sport. I am now enjoying standard bred ownership and late this year or early next I'm looking to get my own equine facility. The key is to get your foot in the door I found the best place to start is with some of the old timers (no offense to any one) they seem to be more receptive to provided useful information and it helped me really get a prespective for things. Also if you don't mind a few more years of school become a good vet.

[fouroneone]

I am interviewing with NYRA this week

(dont know if thats a good or a bad thing :bang: )

[Premier Turf Club]

And it's NEVER too late.

I was an investment / commercial banker my entire adult life and got into this business pretty much by accident. What I had before starting this venture was a deep love of the game as a 30 year horseplayer. Never underestimate how important a part passion plays in being successful. I like to think that passion, and a willingness to work harder at this than most everybody else has helped me turn an idea into a business.

I liked being an investment banker, I love running an ADW.

[stuball]

The way PTC is growing seems to me there would be some openings in the not to distant future..Right Ian....

How about investment opportunities?

Stuball :ThmbUp:

[jballscalls]

the best thing to do is to call up the track you want to work and tell them you want to work there. When i quit law school i went to Emerald Downs, went right to the media department, and they were looking for a writer, bingo job number 1.

Horse racing on the front side of things, is a pretty small little world and really not to hard to penetrate. Seeing as you have your degree and obviously know something about racing, your ahead of a lot of people. Just show some initiative and decide where you wanna work and go for it.

[FlyinLate]

The way PTC is growing seems to me there would be some openings in the not to distant future..Right Ian....

How about investment opportunities?

Stuball :ThmbUp:

Yea PTC ;)

I see you adding news tracks every day. There has to be some kind of future openings :ThmbUp:

[46zilzal]

the best thing to do is to call up the track you want to work and tell them you want to work there. When i quit law school i went to Emerald Downs, went right to the media department, and they were looking for a writer, bingo job number 1.

Horse racing on the front side of things, is a pretty small little world and really not to hard to penetrate. Seeing as you have your degree and obviously know something about racing, your ahead of a lot of people. Just show some initiative and decide where you wanna work and go for it.

Just be prepared to GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR, and the networking you promote, and the influence you gain, will open opportunities that you can work with.

It is exhilarating, fascinating, and uniquely rewarding.

[Premier Turf Club]

Yea PTC ;)

I see you adding news tracks every day. There has to be some kind of future openings :ThmbUp:

Never know...:)

[FlyinLate]

Never know...:)

:cool: Contact me if anything comes up, even a small part time job for me to do while I'm still in school or over my summer. On another note, any news for IL residents on PTC? Thanks

[Shenanigans]

Probably the best genuine opportunity I have seen in a while is here

http://www.darleyflyingstart.com/index.html

Its probably pretty competetive to get in but you will have your career connections when done.

I aint too crazy about the sponsors, they seem to be buying the world with my gas money but its a reality and Im giving you a very realistic answer.




Slave labor is all that is. They get these "interns", pay them little to nothing and make them think they are getting their "foot in the door" to the top of the industry because of Darleys big name when all they get is a sore back and the opportunity to say "I worked for Darley". :rolleyes: BTW, FlyinLate is already OVER qualified for a position as such.;)

[ManeMediaMogul]

The Darley Flying Start program is the best thing to happen to racing since Eclipse. You are obviously misinformed. Just being considered is a tremendous honor. It is a complete scholarship program which includes an AA degree at the end. Once you graduate, the top racing establishments in the world line up for your services. I only wish it was around when I was a young pup.

[FlyinLate]

:rolleyes: BTW, FlyinLate is already OVER qualified for a position as such.;)

:cool: Thanks for the compliment.

Darley, although it seems like an interesting experience, is on the other end of the industry. I'm looking to get myself into the political/business world of the ntra/usta/adw's.

Again, thank you to everyone for the overwhelming amount of replies. It has all been very helpful. Keep the information coming :ThmbUp:

[FlyinLate]

Bringing this thread back from the dead.

I'm currently interning at a local congressman's office and enjoy it, but would still like to pursue something in the industry. Anyone have any new ideas?

[Rook]

Bringing this thread back from the dead.

I'm currently interning at a local congressman's office and enjoy it, but would still like to pursue something in the industry. Anyone have any new ideas?

Forget looking for a job and try to be a free man. Sharpen those handicapping skills and make it on your brains and hard work.:ThmbUp:

[startngate]

Darley, although it seems like an interesting experience, is on the other end of the industry. I'm looking to get myself into the political/business world of the ntra/usta/adw's.If you are still looking in these areas, this would be a good start if it fits your skill set.

http://www.tra-online.com/dos.html

It would also give you broad access to the movers and shakers on the thoroughbred side of things which will only help you long-term. As jballscalls mentions, it's a small world.

[FlyinLate]

If you are still looking in these areas, this would be a good start if it fits your skill set.

http://www.tra-online.com/dos.html

It would also give you broad access to the movers and shakers on the thoroughbred side of things which will only help you long-term. As jballscalls mentions, it's a small world.

Thanks I'll be looking into that.

[46zilzal]

The racing world is full of nepotism. You have to be a real loud SQUEAKY wheel to get noticed and then be ready to be tested before they will accept you.