Prospective Barrier Attendant employees must undertake a Certificate III in Racing (Advanced Stablehand) and experience on the job training. For more information on courses available, please view the course outline here.

A career in racing for me was inevitable, having been bought up in a family that had a keen interest in horses. I showed horses for many years and competed at the various agricultural shows around Victoria.

Whilst I was at University studying Accounting and Financial planning, I was seeking a casual job in the racing industry. I obtained a role at the Moonee Valley Racing Club on race days, moving the rail and repairing divots.

During my time at Moonee Valley I was really interested in obtaining a role as a barrier attendant since I love working with horses. I approached one of the barrier attendants and he introduced me to the barrier attendant supervisor. After a lengthy discussion, I was invited down to the Flemington jumpouts to determine if I was a suitable candidate. Approximately 11 years later I am still in the role and thoroughly enjoying it.

About The Job

Our role as barrier attendants is to load the horses for the commencement of the race, assist the jockeys with the adjustment of gear and ensure the safety of jockey, horse and other barrier attendants.

The job involves travelling to different racecourses around Victoria. As I reside in the west of Melbourne, the majority of the time I attend race meetings in the Western Region of Victoria.

During the week I attend the jump-outs and work with horses that require a barrier certificate, are there to have a run as part of their preparation or various other reasons.

On race day, prior to each race, the starter advises us of the jockey we are responsible for and which gate they are to be loaded into. After the completion of this, we either remain inside the barriers with the jockey, load another horse or assist the other barrier attendants.