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People at the Track

Agent
A person who lines up rides with owner and trainers for a jockey

Clerk of Scales
The official who is responsible for weighing the jockeys before and after a race to ensure proper weight is carried

Clocker
The person who times the morning workouts

Drivers
Harness racing involves standardbreds that pull two-wheeled carts, called sulkies. Sulkies are attached to either side of the harness, and the driver sits close behind the horse. Harness drivers must pass a written exam and a practical test that demonstrates their ability to drive. Some drivers train their own horses, some work directly for a particular owner and others are "catch drivers" who freelance and drive for anyone who needs one. Harness drivers are confident in their abilities and have quick reflexes to drive the sulky. Safety is always a factor for the drivers who wear helmets and observe other safety measures. Drivers and trainers each have their own "colors", a special suit in a style, pattern and color that they must have approved by and registered with the United States Trotting Association (USTA). These colors are individual to each racing participant.

Groom
The person who takes direct care of one or more horses, washing, grooming, and feeding them

Hot Walker
Someone who walks horses to cool them out after workouts or races

Jockeys
Mixed breed racing includes Quarter Horses, American Paints, Arabians and some thoroughbreds. Both mixed breed racing and thoroughbred racing use jockeys who sit in a saddle directly on the back of the horse. Jockeys are either contractual to one particular owner or they freelance their services. Jockeys are in a tough position because they are usually the one to blame if the horse doesn't win. Jockeys have to be small and light because the rules have weight allowances. However just because they are small in stature, jockeys are strong. They have to hold, guide and motivate the horse. Jockeys also become fully licensed after learning the trade being an apprentice and proving their abilities through winning races. Jockeys wear silks that are unique to each owner.

Mutuel Clerk/Teller
The person at the betting window who takes your wager

Outrider
A person who rides the horse that accompanies the race horse to the post and catches any horse that get loose

Racing Secretary
The official who writes the conditions of races and assigns weights for handicap races

Starter
The starter is responsible for starting the race (either at the gate for thoroughbred races or in the car for harness races)

Stewards
The top officials of a race meet who are responsible for enforcing the rules of racing. As well, the stewards are responsible for declaring the winners of the race and may have to analyze photo finishes. Each race has three stewards.

Valet
The person who takes care of a jockey's tack and silks and helps him/her change for the next race


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