A Racecourse Manager is fundamentally responsible for maintaining a racing surface to its optimum level, ensuring its in line with industry standards. The quality of a racing surface is vitally important to the welfare of all thoroughbreds, it is also important that the surface is as fair as possible to ensure every horse is afforded an even chance. Track bias is something heavily criticised by stakeholders so the Racecourse Manager is often under scrutiny if there are flaws in a racing surface.
A Racecourse Manager will also perform other managerial functions (depending on the size of the club) such as supervising track work and jump outs, maintaining other areas inside the racecourse complex, machinery and infrastructure. Racecourse Managers are employed by Race Clubs and generally have experience of qualifications in Horticulture, however Australia also has synthetic, dirt and sand racing surfaces which all require maintenance.
A Racecourse Manager will not only need practical skills but will also need to be certified in First Aid, as well as having strong computer and communication skills.
