Each Principal Racing Authority (PRA) has a Racing Operations department which run the administrative side of racing. Each PRA has a core vision and it is the role of Racing Operations to co-ordinate their programming, handicapping and other functions into something that ensures the greatest possible outcomes for its stakeholders. There are many pathways to entering Racing Operations - a strong interest and knowledge of racing is required and a degree such as Sports Management would give somebody the appropriate skills required for the roles.
Handicapper
Handicappers are responsible for determining what weight horses carry in a race. They are employed through the respective Principle Racing Authority (PRA) and must have a good understanding of racing and be able to assess a horses racing form. Modern handicapping is ratings based, horses are all given a rating and this will determine the weight a horse will carry, this allows transparency and assists trainers in placing their horses. The handicapper will use some discretion in determining the rating of a horse after it has raced but must follow their PRA guidelines. Handicappers use more discretion to determine the weight of horses in major Group 1 handicaps around Australia.
Racing Officer
Racing Officers work under each PRA and are responsible for the co-ordination of race times and fields, adhering to the Australian Rules as well as any Local Rules that relate to their respective PRA. They may undertake a number of other tasks within the administration of racing.
