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What is a Barrier Attendant?
A Barrier Attendant is a specially trained raceday staff member responsible for loading horses safely into the starting gates (barriers) and ensuring a safe and orderly start to the race. They play a critical safety and handling role at the starting point of every race.
Some of the key responsibilities of a Barrier Attendant include:
- Load Horses into the Starting Gates
- Hold or Steady the Horse
- Ensure Horse and Rider Safety
- Work with the Starter
A Barrier Attendant in Thoroughbred racing ensures that horses are safely loaded, settled, and ready for a clean start. They work under pressure in a physically demanding and high-risk environment and are essential for safe, fair, and efficient racing.
Steps to becoming a Barrier Attendant
- Physically fit and strong
- Competent handling horses
- Can follow instructions immediately
- Able to identify hazardous situations
- Sound knowledge of the Rules of Racing
- Ability to work as a team
- Able to confidently assist vets, farriers and jockeys
- Good communication skills
- Positive, calm attitude
- Accredited Persons Racecourse Pass
Andrew Leadbeater
Ever wondered what it's like to be a starting attendant?! We caught up with Andrew Leadbeater to talk us through the role.
Like many roles in our industry, these individuals are often referred to as our ‘unsung heroes.’ They put their bodies on the line to keep both our horses and our humans safe. There are many starting attendant crews around the country; and to each and every one of you - we salute you!