Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for race starts
- Confirm race fields, distances and start types according to requirements
- Note past problems with particular horses during race starts
- Confirm operation of mobile and other start equipment prior to commencement of race meeting
- Organise contingency plan in case of malfunction in start equipment
- Interpret and comply with rules of racing relating to starting a race
- Identify hazards and assess and control risks associated with the start of a race to minimise risk of injury according to safe operating procedures
- Relay race meeting protocols and instructions to mobile driver and other staff
- Start harness race using mobile barrier or standing start conditions
- Verify starters and note colours and approved gear
- Send horses to warm up
- Confirm race start time with stewards
- Call horses to score-up under clerk of course supervision
- Request drivers to assume start positions within time and safety constraints
- Manage incidents to minimise the risk of injury to staff and horses, and report to stewards and/or veterinarian
- Declare non-starters after conferring with stewards
- Confirm permission to start race with stewards
- Initiate race start and operate gates once horse position is stable or when mobile barrier is at appropriate place on track
- Complete post-race activities