Racing careers span across three major codes: Thoroughbred, Harness, and Greyhound racing. These careers involve a variety of roles dedicated to training, preparing, and caring for race animals.

These roles are essential in developing the skills of animals, from young horses and greyhounds to experienced race competitors. . . Together, these careers form a cohesive system that supports the racing industry, ensuring the success of animals and their handlers across all three codes of racing in Tasmania.    

Apprentice Jockey  

An apprentice jockey performs similar roles to a jockey; they compete in horse races, take riding instructions from trainers and owners, and use strategy and quick decision-making to guide their horse to victory. They are required to remain physically fit, meet weight restrictions, develop a knowledge of racing techniques, and have a passion for horses. However, unlike senior jockeys, apprentices are required to attend apprentice school, perform stable duties, and ride trackwork while developing the skills needed to become a qualified jockey.

Driving Stable Hand 

A driving stable hand is required to drive horses for exercise and education under the instruction of the horse's trainer in preparation for racing. They may also be required to perform some stable duties, such as cleaning out boxes, grooming, and other tasks.

Foreperson

A foreperson is a senior stable hand responsible for overseeing the daily organisation and management of the stables and supervising the staff.

Greyhound Breaker 

A greyhound breaker is responsible for getting the greyhound used to chasing the mechanical lure, typically starting around 14 months of age, in a process known as 'breaking in.' This process usually takes between 2 to 6 weeks. Breakers also teach greyhounds how to enter and exit the starting boxes.

Horse Breaker / Educator

Horse breakers and educators are skilled professionals with extensive knowledge of horse behaviour, training, and education. They work with young horses to break them in and prepare them for a career in racing. Through their expertise, they teach horses essential skills such as responding to commands, adjusting to race-day routines, and becoming familiar with the racetrack environment, ensuring they are ready for competition.

Kennel Hand 

A kennel hand is responsible for attending to and caring for greyhounds at a trainer’s kennel. Their duties include grooming, feeding, cleaning, and tidying the kennels and yards, walking and exercising the greyhounds, as well as attending races.

Stable hand 

The stable hand attends to all on-ground requirements for the horses, tack, and stable. This includes tasks such as feeding, grooming, tacking up and un-tacking, washing horses, as well as cleaning and maintaining the stable

Trackwork Rider 

A track rider is a skilled horse rider who helps exercise and educate racehorses under the instruction of the horse's trainer in preparation for races. Track riders can be employed directly by a trainer or work as freelance riders, riding for multiple trainers and getting paid per horse they exercise.

Trainer  

The primary responsibility of a trainer is to oversee the health, well-being, and fitness of racing animals, ensuring they perform at their peak. Whether working with a greyhound or a horse, trainers create tailored exercise and feeding programs, select appropriate races, and maintain communication with owners, staff, jockeys, drivers, and other racing officials and stakeholders.

Trials Driver 

Trial drivers perform a role similar to that of a harness driver, but they are only permitted to drive in trials. They require a high level of skill to drive a two-wheeled sulky, being pulled by a horse during  trial at high speed around a trotting track.