Racing Commission Veterinarians

Racing Commission Veterinarian (Multiple Positions!)

Who We Are

The Virginia Racing Commission (VRC) is a state agency dedicated to safeguarding the integrity and welfare of horse racing within the Commonwealth. We work closely with racetracks, trainers, owners, and a diverse network of industry professionals to uphold racing regulations, ensure animal welfare, and protect public trust. If you're passionate about equine medicine, thrive in fast-paced environments, and enjoy unique veterinary challenges-this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Timeline

Hiring is currently underway and will be continuous until all positions are posted.

What Makes This Role Unique

Unlike a typical clinic-based or small-animal veterinary role, our Racing Commission Veterinarians serve on the front lines of the horse racing industry. You will:

Perform fitness-to-race exams on racehorses, in real-time track environments.

Manage emergency interventions for on-track injuries, often under high-pressure conditions.

Oversee drug testing and medication control, collaborating with stewards, trainers, owners, and the Commission's veterinary leadership.

Operate within a regulatory framework, ensuring compliance with VRC policies and racing statutes.

Why Join the VRC?

Protect the welfare of racehorses and maintain the integrity of an entire sporting industry.

Competitive pay, including travel reimbursement for those eligible under state policy.

Overtime eligible.

Experience the thrill of live racing events and work in collaboration with industry professionals and state regulators.

Sharpen your expertise in equine emergency medicine, regulatory compliance, and data-driven fitness evaluations.

Locations & Schedule

Seasonal Positions: Work schedules correspond to live racing meet calendars. We will be hiring veterinarians for each meet based on availability. For more information, reach out to Waqas.Ahmed@.

Assignment Sites: Our veterinarians may be stationed at the Commission's office or tracks throughout Virginia, including:

New Kent, VA (Colonial Downs)

Woodstock, VA (Shenandoah Downs)

The Plains, VA(Great Meadow Racetrack)

Travel & Shift Premiums: Travel arrangements are paid on a case-by-case basis, consistent with state policy, and shift premiums apply to certain high-demand hours (e.g., race days). This includes 30% premium ($75/hour) for observing training on non-race dates and a 50% premium ($90/hour) for race-dates.

Key Responsibilities

Prerace Examinations: Evaluate horses entered to race, advising stewards if any are unfit to start.

On-Track Injury Response: Provide immediate veterinary care in the event of incidents during training or live races.

Medication & Testing Oversight: Assist with drug control aspect such as providing guidance on procedures in the test barn or collecting samples for identified horses.

Veterinarian's List Management: Recommend placing or removing horses from the list for health or injury reasons.

Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with stewards, Commission officials, trainers, and practicing veterinarians to maintain racing integrity and animal welfare.

Other veterinarian tasks: You may be asked to perform other veterinary duties or your professional advice on certain policy matters related equine regulations.

Scheduling Considerations

Shenandoah Downs will be running from April 26 - June 8, 2025 every Saturday and Sunday. Rate of pay for each race date will be $90/hr. If selected for this, you will be working two days per week, with the option of some administrative duties on non-race dates which will be at a rate of $60/hr.

Gold Cup will run on May 3 and October 25, 2025. Rate of pay for these two race dates will be $90/hr.

Colonial Downs will run from July 9 through September 13, 2025. This is the longest consecutive meet that the VRC will oversee. Administrative shifts will consist of reviewing reports that evaluate reasons for a horse layoff and scheduling potential work-offs. Training shifts will take place in the mornings every day and incur a shift premium. Race dates will be Wednesdays-Saturdays and typically begin an hour before first post and end an hour after.

In order to ensure the integrity and safety, any work exceeding 60 hours must be pre-approved by the Agency Head. Any hours worked beyond 40 during a pay period will be eligible for overtime pay pursuant to federal law.

If you have not engaged in overseeing a horse race before but have equine experience, feel free to reach out and learn more about what goes into this.

What We're Looking For

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD) from an accredited institution, licensable in Virginia.

Prior equine experience (racing experience a plus).

If no equine experience, you are still encouraged to contact Waqas.Ahmed@ as some shifts may not require direct work with horses.

Willingness to work variable schedules, including weekends, holidays, and early mornings.

Ability to travel within Virginia as needed for race meets (with travel reimbursement based on agency policy).

Strong interpersonal skills for working with a variety of stakeholders in the racing industry.

Must have the ability to use Microsoft Excel and utilize VRC resources such as laptops or computers to perform various administrative job duties.

Questions?