Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely and efficiently assist in harness race starts during harness trials and race meetings. It involves handling horses safely in a high-pressure environment, working closely with other race meeting staff and following directions from the starter while adhering to safe work practices.
The unit applies to individuals with experience handling horses, and who are authorised to assist with harness race and trial starts in the horse racing industry. Working environments include racing stables, paddocks, yards, racecourses and public areas.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, in accordance with applicable state/territory animal welfare and workplace health and safety legislative requirements.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Ensure track is safe for racing | 1.1 Remove litter or other hazards from track 1.2 Repair or report damaged equipment to stewards or track supervisor in line with racing procedures |
2. Assist with race start and running procedures | 2.1 Identify potential track problems or difficulties during warm-up or score-up 2.2 Select and correctly fit personal protective equipment according to safe operating procedures 2.3 Approach horses safely according to safe work operating procedures and racing industry practices 2.4 Assist clerk of course with cornering and capturing loose horses 2.5 Hold and restrain horses when requested by clerk of course, stewards, starter or driver 2.6 Respond to track incidents or emergencies in line with racing procedures |
3. Debrief after race | 3.1 Report outcomes of track incidents to starter and/or stewards 3.2 Contribute ideas on ways to improve effectiveness of track assistants |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interpret key information in track procedures and rules of racing |
Writing | Record information about irregularities and issues accurately in workplace forms |
Oral communication | Use clear language to report problems and respond promptly to instructions |
Navigate the world of work | Recognise and follow industry and track procedures, including safety and animal welfare requirements, associated with own role |
Interact with others | Follow accepted communication practices and protocols for communicating with racing officials and drivers using accurate industry terminology Work collaboratively in a team to achieve joint outcomes |
Get the work done | Take responsibility for performing duties safely and efficiently within nominated timeframes Assess and minimise risks relating to interactions with horses, and seek assistance to prevent problems arising or escalating |
Sectors
Racing performance (ROP)